The New York Knicks linning streak reached seven as the Kings were steamrolled at the Garden 100-83. Jeremy Lin had a double-double scoring 10 points and adding a career high 13 assists.While the story around New York, and the rest of the country for that matter will be Jeremy Lin, this was truly a team effort. Seven players scored in double figures with the rejuvenated Landry Fields leading the way with 15 points. Fields also added 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
How much fun has this run been? Not only are the fans having fun watching the team, it’s clear the players are buying into the “team concept”. The passing was infectious again as the Knicks totalled 25 assists as a team. Everyone is looking for the open man and making the extra pass, it’s just been so much fun to watch this team play together as a cohesive unit.
Last night my unsung hero was Iman Shumpert for his defensive effort, but tonight’s unsung hero was Stevie “Novakaine” Novak. Novak played 27 mins, scored 14 points and hit 3 three-pointers in the winning effort. My one concern about the return of Anthony will be the limiting of Novak’s minutes. I know he’s not a super-star but he needs to be on the floor and needs to get his shots. With all the talent this team possesses Novak will always be open and the one thing that he has proven is that he can hit an open three. He’s not as athletic as Shawne Williams, but he’s a better shooter and will definitely warrant his 15 minutes a game off the bench.
Rumor has it that Anthony is expected to return to the line-up on Friday for the Knicks as they match-up with the Hornets at the Garden. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the rotation. I can’t imagine that Carmelo is going to have trouble playing with a pure point guard. All the haters and naysayers will tell you that the Knicks are going to free fall when they’re all-star starting small-forward returns to the lineup. I just can’t see that happening. Melo wants to win just as much as anybody else on the team and he will fit in and do what he has to for the success of this franchise to continue. The great thing about Anthony coming back now is that before he was injured he was carrying the team offensively on his back, he doesn’t have to do that anymore. Lin is putting the supporting cast in positions to succeed. Melo will still get his 20 points, but look for his assist total to rise as well. This is a team game, and Carmelo and Amar’e realize that the way the Knicks have played since the Linsanity began is their best way to contend in the Eastern Conference.
