NBA Playoffs – No Brooms Needed Here. Knicks Take Game 4
By Editorial Staff
It was an all or nothing type of game as the New York Knicks survive to fight another day defeating the Miami Heat 89-87. Carmelo Anthony finally found his shooter’s touch as he poured in 41 points, shooting over 50% from the field. Amare Stoudemire also had a strong outing with a double-double after missing game 3 with a strained left hand.
It is hard to believe the Knicks will come back from a 3-1 series deficit against a star studded Miami team, but you have to give it to them. This was a hard fought game played down to the wire. Carmelo learned how to pass the ball to his teammates, and Tyson Chandler showed his defensive swagger on almost every possession down the floor. They have a very high mountain to climb, but the first step is always the hardest.
KEY PLAYERS:
Knicks: Amare Stoudemire – 20 PTS, 10 REB, 8-13 FGM-A, 34:15
Amare was the offensive spark the Knicks desperately needed in game 4. He played hard defense in the paint, was efficient from the field, and most importantly drew the defense in, allowing Carmelo more space to create off the dribble. It was his best game of the series thus far but whither or not he can carry this momentum into game 5 is the question.
Heat: Chris Bosh – 17 PTS, 9 REB, 9-10 FTM-A, 39:33
Chris Bosh played a vital role in game 4, the bail out option. What do you do when your two top scorers on the team are struggling from the floor? You give it to Chris Bosh. Let’s be honest, Bosh will never be in the same category as James or Wade but you can always count on him to be that constant when all else fails. With a quiet 17 points and nearly perfect from the line, Bosh will just have to wait a few more days until he can spend some time with his new born, Jackson.
KEY MOMENTS:
Knicks: Baron Davis Dislocates Knee
Look away if you’re a little squeamish, even players on both benches couldn’t bare to see the damage done on Baron Davis’ knee. After chasing down a loose ball, Davis tried to plant his foot to no avail as his knee buckled in every wrong direction, dislocating his right patella. This sparked an offensive rush by the Knicks as if they were finally playing for something other then just fending off elimination. All it took was a brutal injury (Enter sarcasm here).
Heat: Dwayne Wade Final Shot
Wade took it upon himself to finish off the Knicks as he hoisted up the final shot that rang off the front of the rim. Wade must be replaying the shot over and over again in his head as the Heat were only inches away from securing their slot in the second round. But regardless of his poor shooting percentage, Wade carried his team with his leadership, staying calm and collected while his team was struggling down the stretch. It was Wade keeping his team close with clutch baskets and finding the open man. Lebron may have taken the throne, but this is still Dwyane Wade’s team.
KEY STATS:
Knicks:
5-22 3PM-A vs. Miami 3-19 3PM-A (Both were 0-10 to start)
Heat:
Dwayne Wade 4-11 FTM-A
Quotes:
Knicks:
Carmelo Anthony – “It was a great feeling, especially to win here in the Garden. The fans were tremendous tonight despite all the stuff that’s been gong on with our team, with Amare hand and Shump’s injury and Baron’s injury. It’s a great feeling.” (NBA.com)
Heat:
Lebron James on Dwayne Wade’s final shot– “For me personally, I would love to have the ball, but you know as a team; we all win games together and we lose games together so that’s all the matters.” (NBA.com)
Next Game:
Wednesday May 9th, 2012, 7PM, @ Miami
Series:
Miami leads the series 3-1
Notes:
After watching the play, it looked to me that Baron Davis was ok, no screaming or grimacing of any sorts. But during the replay you can clearly see when and where the knee dislocates. It’s a terrifying site to see any player to be taken off by stretcher after an accident like that. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Davis family.
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