The Knicks spoiled Mike D’Antoni’s return to MadisonSquareGarden for the first time as an opposing coach of his former team by dominating the Lakers on their way to a 116-07 win.
Carmelo was on his game early by scoring 22 points in the 1st quarter which helped build the Knicks lead to 14 after the 1st quarter. Carmelo’s hot shooting was put on ice after injuring his ankle in the 3rd quarter and leaving the game for good. His absense didnt slow down the Knicks.
The Knicks lead grew to as large as 26 at one point and the Lakers were never able to seriously put a scare into the Knicks all game long.
- The Lakers seemed to have corrected some of their season long problems in last night game: They only turned the ball over 13 times, shot 86% from the free throw line and gave up only 32 points in the paint.
- The major problem of poor defensive execution and effort continues to exist with the Lakers. The Knicks shot 53.2 % from the field and 48% from 3s on 12-25 shooting.
- The Lakers also got solid offensive contributions from a few players. Kobe led the way with 31 points, Metta added 23 points, Dwight Howard registered 20 points and Devin Ebanks surprised everybody with his 15 point contribution.
- Dwight Howard disappointed on the boards with only only 7. Kobe Bryant led the way on the glass with 10 rebounds and also had 6 assist.
- Lakers play at Washington on Friday before they wrap their 4 game road trip in Philadelphia on Sunday.
– Fern Rea “@fullcourtfern”
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