Clippers vs. Knicks: Reaction, Grades, Highlights and Analysis

After having a double-digit lead slip away from them late in the fourth quarter, the New York Knicks hung on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers in a 99-93 contest with mixed importance.

The Orlando Magic's win over the Charlotte Bobcats earlier this evening ruined the New York's chances of securing the sixth seed in the East, so the only motivation the Knicks had involved maintaining the successful rhythm they've developed under Mike Woodson at Madison Square Garden.

New York has only lost one game at home under Woodson thanks to brilliant play from Carmelo Anthony and a ramped-up defensive effort.

The Knicks won thanks to a far more collective scoring display tonight, though, with six players scoring in double figures. J.R. Smith led New York with 21 points including a game-saver with just 31 seconds remaining in the game.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, missed out on an opportunity to secure home-court advantage against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. Los Angeles finishes the season at 40-26, marking a dramatic improvement over the Clippers we've grown to know and pity.

Having Chris Paul might have helped tonight's effort, but he sat out as a cautionary measure due to a minor groin strain.

New York will go on to play its final regular-season game against the Charlotte Bobcats—the Knicks remained tied for the seventh seed and will lock it up with a victory over Charlotte or a loss for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Video Highlights

Who knew Caron Butler was such a nice guy? He must have owed Carmelo a highlight.

Get used to seeing this kind of thing from rookie Iman Shumpert. He's one heck of an athletic guard.

More of the same from Blake Griffin. Tyson Chandler didn't feel like playing championship defense this time.

Twitter Reactions

"

Amar'e Stoudemire was once the NBA's Blake Griffin. Most feared dunker around.

— chris palmer (@ESPNChrisPalmer) April 26, 2012"

Good point—makes you wonder to what extent Griffin will follow in those footsteps. Let's hope not too much for Griffin's sake.

"

The #Clippers defense has failed them in two "must-win" games. Doesn't bode well for the postseason.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2012"

There's no question the Clippers' defense will hurt them against Memphis. Los Angeles will need some luck to get through that series.

"

Clipper coaches doing a poor job closing out on shooters tonight.

— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) April 26, 2012"

And it cost Los Angeles—the Knicks' three-point shooting kept them ahead all night long.

"

Good news for Clippers: They'll have appx. 48-72 hours to travel the 955 miles from MSG to Memphis.

— Kevin Arnovitz (@kevinarnovitz) April 26, 2012"

Not the most exciting news, but Los Angeles will take it.

"

Only thing I learned watching the #Clippers tonight is that they'd be big-time favorites over the Knicks' second unit

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2012"

"Big-time" favorites? I'm not even sure about that...

New York Knicks Player Grades

Carmelo Anthony: B+

Anthony didn't make any missteps tonight, but this was an ensemble effort from New York tonight. Anthony blended in to the team effort just 17 points. At the end of the day, it probably made sense for Anthony to ease up and let his supporting case build some confidence.

J.R. Smith and Steve Novak: A

These guys combined for... Smith hit some big shots near the end of the game and continued his strong play of late.

Baron Davis: B

Sure, he only had one assist, but he proved his shot is starting to come along with 12 points and two treys. Not too shabby. 

Amar'e Stoudemire: B-

Stoudemire had an average game, attempting to stay out of the way for the most part and only taking nine shots. Less maybe more from Amar'e at this point.

Los Angeles Clippers Player Grades

Blake Griffin: A+

Griffin proved he can still play with or without Chris Paul. He racked up an efficient 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Great all-around game from a guy sometimes viewed as one-dimensional.

Randy Foye: B+

Foye took 12 three-point attempts tonight and racked up 28 points in the process. He helped Los Angeles hang around in a game that looked all but out of control by the early fourth quarter. 

Mo Williams: C+

Williams had a quiet game off the bench, only taking nine shots and missing all five of his two-point attempts. You would expect more from the sixth man given given Chris Paul's absence and Los Angeles' opportunity to secure home-court advantage against Memphis in the first round.