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Here are some notes for those fans getting ready to watch the New York Knicks (35-20) who are getting ready to host the Miami Heat (42-14) in NBA action at Madison Square Garden.
This will be the third of four meetings between New York and Miami and the frontend of its 11th of 19 back-to-backs (third of four home-away). The Knicks hold a 6-4 record on the frontend of back-to-backs this season.
New York is looking to add a two-game winning streak against the Heat, holding a 1-0 season edge with a 104-84 victory on November 2.
Carmelo Anthony paced New York with 30 points and 10 boards in one win against Miami. Steve Novak recorded 17.5 points on 9-17 shooting from downtown in two games against the Heat.
Knicks Recap:
In their last game against the Wizards, the Knicks were able to erase a four-point deficit in the fourth quarter to earn a 96-88 victory on the road. New York rode a 9-0 game-ending run to record the victory.
Anthony led all scoring with 30 points and six boards in over 43 minutes, while J.R. Smith added his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and a career-high 12 boards in over 33 minutes.
More on Carmelo:
Anthony’s 30 points against the Wizards has been able to lead the team in points 42 times this season. This is the 21st time this season Anthony eclipsed the 30-point mark (fourth most in the NBA).
Carmelo has led the NBA in first quarter scoring this season at 8.7 points, which has helped the Knicks average 25.1 points in the first quarter, which is 10th in the NBA. Anthony is first in the NBA in scoring average posting 28.6 points in three-point percentage (.385).
Smith Impressive from the bench:
With his career-high 12 rebounds and 13 points against the Wizards J.R. Smith continues to be impressive for New York in his play coming off the bench. Smith, who now has four double-doubles this season are the most for J.R. has recorded in one season.
Smith, who has 16.1 points-per-game, is good for third in the NBA among players coming off the bench (minimum 10 games).
Defense always a key for victory:
New York, who held Washington to 88 points on March 1, continued their stellar play on defense this year. The Knicks hold a 27-6 record when they hold opponents to less thatn 100 points and 17-2 when they hold opponents to under 90 points.
This Date in Knicks History:
1954: The Knicks play their first and only game in Westchester County, defeating the Philadelphia Warriors 88-79 in White Plains, New York.
1967: Walt Bellamy records a triple-double, scoring 29 points, grabbing 14 boards and dished out 10 assists.
The Knicks and Heat game is scheduled to air on the ABC Network, with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 p.m.