The Knicks will try to end an 11-game skid against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, which includes two losses since acquiring Carmelo Anthony.
New York (37-38) has a magic number of two over Charlotte to secure its first playoff berth in seven seasons. The Knicks could clinch Sunday with a victory and a loss by the Bobcats to Washington.
Anthony has played in the last two meetings, but his averages of 28.0 points and 6.5 boards have not helped deliver a win - nor have Amare Stoudemire’s 31.7 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game in the three losses.
“That’s another big game for us,” Anthony said. “Cleveland is a team we’ve been struggling with. For whatever reason it is, we’ve been struggling with them. The Knicks have gained confidence by opening this four-game homestand with consecutive victories after six-game slide. Anthony has scored 39 points in each win, including Wednesday’s 120-116 victory over New Jersey.
Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni is concerned that his team has allowed 65 free-throw attempts in the victories. Cleveland has averaged 31.0 against New York this season.
J.J. Hickson had 21 points and 10 rebounds, but blamed himself since the Wizards’ Andray Blatche had 36 points and 19 boards.
The Knicks have had trouble defending big men since acquiring Anthony, and went to more muscular starting lineup Wednesday by inserting Shelden Williamsin place of Shawne Williams. Shelden Williams was effective, making all three of his shots for six points and helping defend the Nets’ Brook Lopez.
“Shelden’s been playing great these last couple games,” Anthony said.“(He’s) another big body, playing against Dwight (Howard), playing against Lopez. Watch Live Online Give it a try >>>
