It was another tight game for the Knicks, who entered the Sunday matinee inspired to break through after losing the previous two in gut-wrenching fashion. Derek Fisher's squad is learning how to win together, and it showed progress today, battling from start to finish to secure a 95-87 victory in front of the home fans.
Carmelo Anthony (29 points, season-high 13 rebounds) was locked in from the opening tip, and his teammates stepped up throughout the second half to send New Orleans to its ninth loss in 10 games.
Led by Anthony Daivs (36 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks), the Pelicans jumped out to an early lead and made life difficult for New York -- especially rookie Kristaps Porzingis, who earned the task of matching up with the All-Star big man.
But in the third quarter, the Knicks mounted a comeback; Jose Calderon knocked down two jumpers, and Porzingis converted an acrobatic driving layup under Davis' outstretched arm to put New York ahead. From that point on, New Orleans would never lead.
Langston Galloway turned in antoher strong performance off the bench, and Kevin Seraphin produced his best game as a Knick with 12 hard-earned points. Davis was sensational, but the Knicks had an answer every time he tried to lift his injury-depleted squad back into the game. By the end, New York's depth was too much, finishing the afternoon with a 17-0 advantage in second-chance points.