Spurs (99) - Knicks (93)

Should I honestly be surprised anymore? Really?

Another stinker by the Knicks. After leading by double digits for most of the game, they totally fell apart in the final few minutes of the fourth quarter, playing like the same old, same old crap that we're totally used to by now. The Spurs chipped away at the lead, before Michael Finley was left wide open to nail the three and tie the game to head into overtime. The Knicks couldn't find Jamal Crawford, which made them resort to Mardy Collins bricking some UGLY shots that he had no business taking...

On the Knicks side, Fred Jones carried us through the first half. Jones exploded for 15 points, including four three pointers, ending the night with a career high 5 for 10 from downtown, ending the night with 19 points. Yeah, he only mustered up four in the second half. That's another reason why we lost. Jones followed up that nice first half with a huge stinker for a second half. He also bricked a few important late threes at the end of the 4th, and even one in OT, when we really could've used them.

It took awhile for Jamal Crawford to warm up, but it was his 2nd half spark plug that kept the Knicks even alive. And after the Spurs began to notice he was heating up, they double teamed him at every opportunity they could, hounding him and making him pass to someone else, who would freak out and blow an easy shot. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Renaldo Balkman once again showed he can be great when given minutes, chipping in 10 points, 7 rebounds, and key defensive plays and saves. Same for David Lee, who added 14 points and 7 boards himself. Zach Randolph shot poorly, but added 13 rebounds with his 10 points, which is always a welcome contribution. He must've still been zonked from hitting 3 three pointers yesterday, because he hoisted up two bad ones tonight. Wilson Chandler got a start, but didn't do much in 9 minutes, getting quick fouls and scoring 2 points.

I saw Damon Stoudamire for the first time in awhile, and other than not shooting much, he played pretty well, making easy defensive stops. Tim Duncan was Tim Duncan, adding 21 points and 14 rebounds. Duncan didn't do much in the clutch for San Antonio however, actually sometimes leading them TO turnovers. Robert Horry had his best game of the season, going 5 for 6 for 13 points on 3 for 4 from three point range.

The Spurs hero? Other than Finley, it had to be Manu Ginobili. While he didn't shoot particulary well, Manu made MANY key defensive plays, clutch shots, and clutch free throws. Speaking of Finley, he had an excellent game, draining 5 three's, and of course making the huge three pointer with four tenths remaining in the 4th.

Really, why was the guy left open? He's Michael Finley! He's going to hit the wide open trey! Ugh, this game was so winnable, too. The Knicks just fell apart. Again. Let's hope we get a good pick in the draft, because there's really no reason to bother anymore. Seeya around.