Tale of the Tape: Moving Forward

via The Guardian

If you’re still fuming over the no call on Carmelo Anthony’s final shot or the ticky-tack foul called on Iman Shumpert (who Melo doesn't want to see trade which is good news for us) just remember one thing; it can’t get any worse. The Knicks will close November with a whopping zero home wins. While this is disheartening and frustrating last night’s game gave me hope. Let’s look at some of the takeaways from last night’s heart-breaker.

• Effort: So the Knicks do have heart....at least for one night that is. Coach Woodson’s defense was the best it has looked all year. Players were fighting on the boards, jumping on loose balls for four quarters. Excluding the last couple possessions where J.R. Smith left Pacer’s one-trick pony George Hill open to do the one thing he’s good at (launch 3’s) the defense and overall effort was great and something they can build off of.
• Support Group:  Last night we saw Melo get some much needed help when he needed it most. Beno Udrih had his best game as aKnick putting up 19 points, taking some of the scoring load off Bargnani who had an off night and Shumpert who was using all his energy to hold Paul Geroge in check. Kenyon Martin and Metta World Peace’s intensity really helped the others get going on both ends.
• Return of J.R: It finally looks like Smith has found his rhythm as he had a season-high 21 points on 8-19 shooting. While he did miss a wide open three late in the game that he shouldn’t have ever shot it looks like Smith is closer to returning to form.
• Monster Melo: Last night Melo proved he is worth the big bucks. He led the team in scoring putting up 30 points and was an absolute animal on the boards grabbing 18 rebounds.  Melo was pedal to the metal for all 42 minutes he was on the floor. By the last two minutes he looked so exhausted it was amazing to see him still score. If the Knicks can just get Melo that sidekick that Amar’e never became the Knicks can challenge anyone in the East.

Moving forward the Knicks head to Washington where they will have their hands full with the great young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. If Felton is no-go expect Udrih to get his third straight start. The fact that Coach Mike Woodson refuses to give rookie Toure’ Murray some minutes is head scratching to say the least. Maybe Woodson gives the long limbed guard some time against a big and speedy point guard like Wall, as he will be a lot for Udrih and Prigioni to handle.  If the Knicks do bring that same intensity to the Nation’s capital I expect a long awaited victory. The only direction for the Knicks NEED to go right now is up.