Knicks @ Cavaliers - Pappy Knuckles's Blog

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Pappy Knuckles's Blog

Knicks @ Cavaliers

Posted on December 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM.

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KNICKS SNEAK BY CAVS WITH 65-63 WIN

Nothing about this season has been easy for the 9-8 New York Knicks. In their first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they fell short by a score of 76-70 in overtime. It was a physical game that left a lot of bad blood between both teams. From the opening tip off of this contest it was obvious that this was going to be another war.

In the first half, New York's offense played very well. Rudy Fernandez and C.J. Miles' inside penetration was difficult for Cleveland to stop. However, the Cavs went on a 18-9 third quarter run that put a stop to any premature celebration. In the final period, the Knicks found themselves trailing 48-44.

"We really didn't want to lose to these guys again. They're tough, but we felt like we should've won the first time. We've got to develop a killer instinct and take advantage of opportunities. That's the only way we can become one of the elite teams in the league." - Dirk Nowitzki

The Knicks go on a 4th quarter run to seal the deal.

In the fourth quarter, Cleveland's Joe Johnson hit several big shots that kept his team in the game. Alonzo Mourning also had another big game with 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. However, it was great guard play and teamwork that allowed the Knicks to come out on top in the closing seconds of the game. New York moves to 10-8 and next faces the hot Atlanta Hawks on the road.

Knicks 18 17 9 21 65
Cavaliers 12 18 18 15 63

Knicks
Rudy Fernandez - 19 pts, 5 assists
C.J. Miles - 14 pts, 7 assists
Rasheed Wallace - 12 pts, 7 rebounds
Dirk Nowitzki - 12 points

Cavaliers

Baron Davis - 14 pts
Alonzo Mourning - 8 pts, 12 rebs, 3 blocks
Joe Johnson - 9 pts

Knicks
28/51 FG (54%)
2/8 3PT (25%)
7/10 FT (70%)
23 Assists
19 Rebounds
6 Steals
4 Blocks
40 pts in the paint
6 Bench pts

Cavaliers
25/52 FG (48%)
3/10 3PT (30%)
10/17 FT (58%)
18 Assists
7 Turnovers
26 Rebounds
4 Steals
4 Blocks
34 pts in the paint
20 Bench pts