Game Info:
New York Knicks (5-6) vs. Charlotte Hornets (5-5)
Madison Square Garden (7:30)
TV: MSG Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Knicks Report:
Kristaps Porzingis just missed his first NBA game-winner last Wednesday in Charlotte; his 3 from the top of the key splashed through the net as time expired, but officials ruled it no good after replay showed the ball still touching the tip of his fingers when the red light flashed.
Like most of the Knicks' games this season, it was an exciting contest that came down to the wire. On Sunday, New York found itself in a familiar situation, knotted up in a close one with New Orleans at The Garden. Behind 29 points and a season-high 13 rebounds from Carmelo Anthony, Derek Fisher's squad emerged with a win over Anthony Davis' Pelicans.
News and Notes:
- Melo provided the firepower to match Davis' 38 points, 11 boards and 4 blocks, but Anthony said the game ball went to Kevin Seraphin for his contributions off the bench. With "Paris" and an Eiffel Tower shaved into the back of his head, the French Guiana native battled through emotions from the tragedy to score 12 points and key a second-half rally that gave the Knicks a lead they'd never relinquish. Langston Galloway delivered 15 points in 26 minutes off the bench.
- The Hornets are playing a much more open style of basketball in Steve Clifford's third season as head coach. A big reason for that is a new wing duo of Nic Batum and Jeremy Lamb, who add shooting and playmaking abilities that Charlotte sorely lacked in previous seasons. Batum was just selected as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and is averaging 17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.8 points per game in his first season with the Hornets.
- Arron Afflalo is working his way back into game shape after missing the season's first eight games with a hamstring injury. He's averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds in three games, and his defensive rating is right around his career best, albeit in a very small sample size. His ability to guard multiple positions and exploit mismatches against smaller guards in the post has given Fisher new options as he continues to iron out rotations.