Knicks vs. Sixers: Twitter Reaction, Grades and Analysis
The New York Knicks won their fifth straight game on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers and all of a sudden find themselves in the Eastern Conference playoff picture in what has been an up-and-down season.
In the 82-79 triumph, the Knicks played solid defense despite struggling on offense. Interim head coach Mike Woodson has brought a new philosophy to the team, slowing down the pace offensively while focusing on bearing down on defense.
It worked, and the Knicks are winning at just the right time.
Tweets of the Night
It was obvious from the start that 76ers fans forgot a game was being played tonight, as Bleacher Report's own Tom Kinslow noted:
"Also, where are all of the #Sixers fans? A ton of #Knicks fans in the building. Support your team!
— Tom Kinslow (@TomKinslow) March 21, 2012"
The Knicks started off sloppy on offense, but defensively, they looked like a new and improved version under interim head coach Mike Woodson.
Award-winning filmmaker Dan Perez liked the show:
"#Knicks defense looking like the Ewing, Oakley, Starks defense of the 90s
— Dan Perez (@danperezfilms) March 21, 2012"
Apparently, Spike Lee watched the game with Will Smith:
"Will Smith And I at Sixers vs. Knicks Game Here In Rockin' Philly.It's ON. GO NY GO. yfrog.com/oe8zbomj
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) March 22, 2012"
Writer/reporter Gordie Jones was impressed with Elton Brand's play:
"Elton Brand's best game of the year, considering the opponent and the flow of the game. Just monstrous.
— Gordie Jones (@gordonwjones) March 22, 2012"
But when all was said and done, Amar'e Stoudemire got the last laugh.
Tommy Beer of HOOPSWORLD tweeted:
"Its like the Knicks traded for the 2010 Amar'e earlier today
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) March 22, 2012"
Grades for Key Knicks Players
Jeremy Lin: C-
It was an ugly first half for Lin, as he shot just 1-of-9 from the floor. Things didn't get much better, as he ended up with 18 points on 4-of-17 shooting. At least he was able to get to the free-throw line.
Amar'e Stoudemire: A
Stoudemire came out red-hot from the field, going 5-of-7 for 12 points while contributing four rebounds and two assists in the first half.
And after enduring Elton Brand's resurgence in the first half, he shut down the former All-Star in the second half, adding a thunderous block.
Stoudemire finished with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Carmelo Anthony: C-
Anthony shot well from the start, going 4-of-7 for eight points in the first half. Then, he struggled, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
Grades for Key Sixers Players
Jrue Holiday: B-
Not a good start for Holiday, who shot 2-of-8 from the field in the first half. But, he bounced back to ultimately end up with 16 points and six assists.
Elton Brand: A
Brand, the ageless wonder, was all over the floor in the first half on Wednesday, posting 12 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals in the first half alone. He slowed down, but you have to give the big guy credit. He ended with 12 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks and two steals.
Andre Iguodala: B
Iguodala rebounded and passed the ball well, and he started shooting better in the second half. He finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Stat of the Night: 38.7
The 76ers shot 38.7 percent from the field on Wednesday, and it wasn't just because they were off their game. The Knicks played impressive defense under Woodson and look like a completely different team.
Game MVP: Amar'e Stoudemire
What got into Amar'e Stoudemire? Not only did he come out red-hot from the floor, but he basically shut Elton Brand down in the second half after Brand appeared unstoppable in the first half.
Knicks fans have to like the new version of Amar'e under Mike Woodson. Heck, he's even been a more consistent rebounder.
What's Next
The Knicks will head to Toronto to face the Raptors on Friday, while the 76ers host the Boston Celtics.
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