1 Same ol’, same ol’ — As great as the Knicks (1-8) were in the first half, they were as dreadful in the third quarter, allowing 37 points. The Knicks reverted back to their old ways, blowing defensive assignments, settling for long jumpers and not taking care of the ball (five turnovers). It was their fifth straight loss.
2 Let it rip, rook — Rookie Toney Douglas made his first start, replacing Larry Hughes. Douglas, who was coming off a career-high 21 points Monday night against Utah, finished with a team-high 23.
3 Fast start — For just the third time all season, the Knicks didn’t trail by double digits in the first half. In a rare occurrence, they were actually leading after the first quarter, 25-23. New York came into the game shooting 42 percent on the season but 60 percent for most of the opening half, even going up by a team season-high 14 points. Woeful perimeter shooting (5-of-23) and Al Horford (25 points, 9 rebounds) proved too much to overcome.
Big number — 68. That’s what the Knicks allowed the Hawks to shoot in the second half, as Atlanta stormed back from a 14-point deficit.
Up Next: Home, Friday, Warriors
Injuries: Eddy Curry [calf]; Nate Robinson [ankle]
Stats: The Warriors are second in the league in points per game [110 ppg]. That’s also exactly what the Knicks give up.
Outlook: With mad scientists Mike D’Antoni and Don Nelson controlling things, we may see a shootout. This also marks the only appearance of rookie Stephen Curry, aka, D’Antoni’s lost draft love.
They said it:
“I feel good, real light on my feet,” said Eddy Curry, who is practicing non-contact and set to return soon.
“Just because he’s back doesn’t mean all problems are solved,” said D’Antoni, trying to dampen any unreal expectations. “We still have a ways to go.”
