Anthony scores 44 points but it isn’t enough as Knick lose again.
There were five games on the NBA schedule on Monday night, with the Dallas Mavericks leaving it late to secure the win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
With time expiring, Dirk Nowitzki hit a 19-foot jumper which he described as “probably the ugliest game-winner I ever shot” to seal a 110-108 win.
“Basically it hit the board, every part of the rim, hit Jerry West over there (the logo on the backboard), came back over and it was definitely an ugly, ugly shot,” he said.
Nevertheless, it moved Dallas to seventh spot in the Western Conference as owner Mark Cuban joined the players in celebrating on the court after the game, while the Knicks were left to rue another close defeat.
Carmelo Anthony had 44 points and nine rebounds for the hosts, and while Tyson Chandler added 12 points and 12 rebounds, it wasn’t enough as they slipped to 21-36 for the season and moved no closer to securing a post-season berth.
Coach Mike Woodson insisted that one of the major differences this year compared to their success last season is their inability to make big stops at key moments which could turn the game. He has previously described his team’s habit of dropping big leads as “mind-boggling”, and it remains to be seen where they go from here.
Elsewhere, Jamal Crawford continued his hot-streak and hit 7 three-pointers on his way to 24 points as seven players finished in double scoring figures for the Los Angeles Clippers in their win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Chris Paul had 19 points and 13 assists and praised his team’s recent performances which have allowed them to move to 39-20 and begin to put pressure on those directly above for the second seed in the West.
Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans, but ultimately he conceded that his team need to do a better job on defense if they are to continue to make progress this season.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered their 11th consecutive loss as they went down to the Milwaukee Bucks by 20 points on Monday night.
O.J. Mayo scored 25 points while Ersan Ilyasova added 20 as the basement dwellers in the East fought it out for pride at least.
Milwaukee still trail the Sixers by three-and-a-half games if they are intent on avoiding finishing the season bottom of the pile, but with Philadelphia losing 21 of 24 and their last 10 at home they appear to be going only one way.
Coupled with the fact that they were busy on trade deadline day losing both Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner, they will undoubtedly be targeting a spot of becoming the draft lottery leader.
Elsewhere, despite a struggle, Stephen Curry scored 19 points along with eight rebounds and nine assists as the Golden State Warriors beat the Detroit Pistons to extend their winning streak to four.
Jermaine O’Neal insisted after the game that not every victory is going to be “flash and fun”, and it was important for the Warriors to win when not playing particularly well as they continue to cement their place in the playoff pack in the West.
NBA Results:
Milwaukee Bucks 130-110 Philadelphia 76ers
Golden State Warriors 104-96 Detroit Pistons
Dallas Mavericks 110-108 New York Knicks
Los Angeles Clippers 123-110 New Orleans Pelicans
Boston Celtics 98-110 Utah Jazz
COMMENTS