Carmelo Anthony shuts up Phil Jackson by exploding for 23 in the first half and leading his New York Knicks to victory in Sacramento.
- New York Knicks 103 (13-10)
- Sacramento Kings 100 (8-14)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
With a little over four minutes to go in regulation, the brand-spanking new Golden 1 Center in Sacramento was buzzing. The fans just watched their Kings take a two-point lead after Darren Collison nailed a three and then diced in for a nifty layup.
Then, Justin Holiday buried a wing 3-pointer that reclaimed the New York Knicks the lead. The two teams would then go back-and-forth trading leads until the Kings decided to go the “Hack a Noah” route and put Joakim Noah on the line with the Knicks down one and a minute and change remaining.
He buried both. The worst free throw shooter in the league nailed both shots.
Even DeMarcus Cousins couldn’t believe it as he gave Noah the business regarding his shooting form:
The man drilled two clutch free throws. He can shoot it between the legs if he chooses, Boogie. #Knicks #JoakimNoah pic.twitter.com/espCZSt7Cn
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) December 10, 2016
After two poor offensive possessions — one that featured a Melo iso from the wing extended — Cousins had a free layup as he weaved down the left side of the lane. He missed it with under 20 seconds remaining. The Kings played the free throw game the rest of the way and New York drilled all four with confidence.
Carmelo Anthony, fresh off the Phil Jackson “hold the ball” controversy, played a tremendous brand of basketball on this night. He poured 23 points in the first half in addition to solid defensive work:
Melo getting it done on both ends of the floor. STOP IT Boogie, you weren't fouled. #Knicks within three closing in on halftime. pic.twitter.com/Cd8g5WxNIl
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) December 10, 2016
All told, Melo tallied 33 points on 9-of-22 from the floor including seven boards and seven assists. His night also consisted of 3-8 from downtown and a 12-14 from the charity stripe. (He missed his last two free throws leading a near miraculous 60-footer from Cousins.)
Brandon Jennings, who started again for the injured Derrick Rose, finished with 13 points and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis added 17 clutch points for his squad after he started an ice cold 1-10 from the floor. Kyle O’Quinn continued his marvelous play by scoring eight and tearing down 11 boards.
Finding themselves down double-digits in the second quarter, the Knicks fought back in taking a one-point lead at halftime.
All in all, it was another terrific game between the two squads. The Knicks have swept the season series (2-0) and now move to three games above the .500 mark.
Melo getting it done on both ends of the floor. STOP IT Boogie, you weren't fouled. #Knicks within three closing in on halftime. pic.twitter.com/Cd8g5WxNIl
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) December 10, 2016
.@JustHolla7 with the big trey! #Knicks lead Kings 97-96 with 2:23 to go! #NYKvsSAC
WATCH on @MSGNetworks! pic.twitter.com/LlybPaY39k
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2016
He’s 7’3”…#Knicks #NYKvsSAC pic.twitter.com/VSSLx1FLLL
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2016
?? UNICORN ALERT ?? #Knicks #NYKvsSAC pic.twitter.com/2LNiK8hws5
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2016
.@MKuzminskas with a quick 5 off the pine as the Kings lead is down to 3. #NYKvsSAC #Knicks pic.twitter.com/GNDaxU6GI9
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2016
Hot start for @carmeloanthony with 9p! #Knicks trail by 3. #NYKvsSAC pic.twitter.com/pQdFE3gXmd
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2016
Dime. https://t.co/SMzcIRe8w0
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 10, 2016
Yeah, just move out of the way. https://t.co/76e9SWpc8t
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 10, 2016
Ty with the hustle, Rudy with the ? https://t.co/GnsTw6hhfG
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 10, 2016