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 Previously, Denver (24-24) lost by 21 points to the Los Angeles
Clippers (112-91) on Dec. 21st and to the Memphis Grizzlies (120-99)
on Dec. 28th.
Forward Carmelo Anthony, who was traded from the Nuggets to the
Knicks (20-30) three years ago this month, led all scorers with 31
points. Forward Amar'e Stoudemire added 17 points and eight
rebounds.
On most nights the Knicks rely on Anthony to do the bulk of the
scoring. However, against the Nuggets, coach Mike Woodson's team
featured six players in double figures.
In addition to Anthony and Stoudemire, shooting guard J.R. Smith
added 13 points, center Tyson Chandler and reserve forward Jeremy
Tyler scored 12 points apiece and rookie guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
tossed in 10 points. All 12 Knicks who played scored in the rare
lop-sided win.
Denver (24-24) was led by guard Ty Lawson, who scored 24 points.
The sloppily played game featured a combined 48 turnovers and 44
fouls.
The Nuggets made just six shots from the field in the fourth
quarter.
"Defense has to be our identity," said Chandler. "We have to lean on
our defense to turn into offense. When you get stops it allows us to
run."
Smith scored eight points in a row on long jumpers to provide the
Knicks with a 25-point lead, 102-77, with 7:09 left in the game.
The Knicks went on a tear to start the third quarter. Topped by
Anthony's five points, the Knicks used a 12-4 burst to take a 62-48
advantage with 8:32 to go in the quarter. He scored 11 points in the
third. New York displayed some crisp passing, collecting eight
assists on 14 shots from the floor.
Woodson pointed to a spirited practice on Thursday that led to the
Knicks aggressive play against Denver.
"We haven't been able to run up and down, scrimmage and bang and do
all the necessary things a team should do during the season," said
Woodson. "Yesterday (Thursday) was a spirited practice and it was a
carry-over to the ballgame. "We need more days like that."
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In the second quarter, Anthony snapped a 44-all deadlock when he
drained a 3-pointer with 1:35 to go. That was followed by a runner
from guard Raymond Felton and one free throw by Smith for a 50-44
Knicks halftime lead.
"When it was 44-44, that's the last time when I remember it being
somewhat of a game," said Denver coach Brian Shaw. "It was a timeout
and I said 'Let's finish the quarter strong. We came out and
proceeded to have five turnovers in a row to end the second quarter.
"That was pretty much the game. Defensively we didn't stop anybody."
Anthony poured in 20 points for the Knicks in the first half.
Denver took advantage of eight New York turnovers in the first
quarter, scoring 14 points off the miscues. The Nuggets led 26-20 at
the close of the first quarter behind forward Wilson Chandler's 10
points.
Anthony had 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field in the
opening quarter. It marked the 17th time this season he has posted
10 or more points in the first quarter. Only Oklahoma City's Kevin
Durant has more with 18.
NOTES: The Knicks are 8-0 this season when they score at least 110
points. ... New York matched a season high for steals with 16. ...
The Nuggets' bench ranks third in the league in points per game
(39.8) and first in rebounds per game (17.9). The Denver reserves
scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Knicks. ...
Knicks F Carmelo Anthony is averaging 29.3 points while connecting
on 40.5 percent from beyond the arc in six games since setting a
club record of 62 points in a 125-96 win over Charlotte on Jan. 24.
... Anthony is averaging 38.8 minutes per game, the most in the
league. ... Denver F Kenneth Faried has posted 55 career
double-doubles. ... Knicks G Tim Hardaway Jr. is fourth among
rookies in scoring with a 9.3 average and first in 3-point shooting
(39.8 percent). ... Fans received a Carmelo Anthony bobblehead.
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