The New York Knicks (2-8) have been on a seven game skid since their home win against the Charlotte Hornets on November 2nd. They look to bounce back against the Denver Nuggets (2-6), a team who is also going through some early season struggles. Last season, both teams split their interconference series with one game apiece. However, the Knicks lead the all-time head-to-head series, 42-37 (via LandOfBasketball.com).
With the early season injuries to Jose Calderon (calf), Andrea Bargnani (hamstring), and now Iman Shumpert (hip), the Knicks have continuously struggled. They are trying to implement a new offensive system while trying to build chemistry and adapt to their injuries.
Carmelo Anthony has tried to take the game into his hands. During Friday night's loss to the Utah Jazz, Anthony scored 46 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He shot an efficient 62 percent, including a game-tying three pointer with 2.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Although, he tried to will his team to victory, his effort went to waste when Trey Burke hit a step back jumper to beat the buzzer and the Knicks 102-100.
The Knicks will have to find another scorer to aid Carmelo Anthony on the offensive end. They are 26th in the league in points per game. They have lost their second leading scorer, Iman Shumpert (12.4), who is listed as day-to-day with a bruised hip. They have had a few different players that have come through. They go by the names of Tim Hardaway Jr., J.R. Smith, Jason Smith, and Amar'e Stoudemire. They have had some notable games, but they haven't been consistent. Anthony did go through a four-game slump, but he bounced back against the Orlando Magic with 27 points on 59 percent shooting. The second leading scorer was J.R. Smith with 19 points, but he shot a low 38 percent, including missing a buzzer beater from beyond the arc. The Knicks lost that game 97-95.
The Knicks have also gone into the third quarter with low energy. They have found their energy in the fourth quarter and have attempted to make some big, late game comebacks. If the Knicks could keep the game close or keep their leads (which they have blown too many times), they would be able to compete well in games, especially with their strong fourth quarters. Many of their losses of 10 points or less would have resulted in wins. As a result, the Knicks don't need to work on their offense; they need to work on their defense. The offense will come as long as their defense is reliable.
They will continue to progress as they keep fighting through their adversity. The key difference between this season's Knicks team and last season's Knicks team is the heart that they have shown. Last season, they would give up when the calls or games weren't going their way. This season, they continue to fight, and their fight will continue today against the Denver Nuggets. They're looking to turn things around, and this is the team that they will need to do it against. Both teams are struggling. However, the Knicks need to stop their skid before they fall over the cliff.
They will take on the Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. The game tips off at 1:00 P.M EST.