Knicks Game 2 Recap

Game 2 was very much a typical Knicks game. The Knicks went down big early, and were losing 32-13 after the first quarter. The defense was awful, and the Bobcats were able to attack the basket at will. Shots weren't falling for the Knicks, and the offense was stagnant and uninspired.

Then something happened. Coach D'Antoni must have had a good speech after the first quarter, because after that the Knicks looked like a different team. The sneakers were squeaking and the defensive effort was noticeably better. They didn't really play well, but the Bobcats are a bad team so the increased effort was enough to get them back in the game. Gallo had a chance to be the hero at the end of regulation, but good defense by Gerald Wallace forced a tough shot and it didn't go down. Gallo was fuming afterward on the bench, dropping molto f bombs.

The Knicks took the lead in OT but in the end didn't get it done. Raymond Felton was strong down the stretch and the Bobcats got a deserved win.





Gallinari was huge in the comeback effort. He had another great game, with 16 points, 5 rebounds, an assist a block and a steal, in just 23 minutes. He was 6-11 from the field, and had a few impressive forays to the hoop, showing his potential versatility. Gallo's minutes will be every increasing if he keeps up this level of play, as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. Refs have been calling lots of ticky tack fouls on the Rooster and it's not cool.The Knicks lost because Gallo couldn't play in the overtimes due to his foul trouble, although I question D'Antoni pulling him at all.

David Lee also had a nice game, converting on some tough pick and roll plays. He scored 17 points and grabbed 18 rebounds on the night.

Jared Jeffries got pretty lucky and nailed 3 of 4 from downtown. He hit some big shots but I may never stop shouting NO! everytime he lines up a deep shot.

Al Harrington and Wilson Chandler need to do more slashing and less bombing. They shot a combined  11-36 from the field and 1-12 from downtown.

The Knicks need to figure out how to play a full game. They have done as much as possible to try to break my optimism so far this season, with one blowout, and one heartbreak double OT game against a bad opponent. But if I learned anything last night, it is that you never know what is going to happen. The Knicks looked so bad last night, were down 19 after a quarter, and never led the game. Sure they lost, but they almost won. And they easily could have won. So using last nights game as a microcosm for the season,  the Knicks may be down now, and looking like they are gonna suck real bad, but they could just as easily be in a short slump and end up being a good team after all.

Next up, Halloween home opener against the tough 76ers led by Andre Iguodala and a surging Mareese Speights.