The New York Knicks took their three-game winning streak into Charlotte Saturday night. Both New York and Charlotte were playing the second game of a back to back. The Knicks have been playing well the last three games but had to play this one without All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Coach Derek Fisher said it was due to the back to back, and they had to rest him. With the knee injury still in question, it was wise for the Knicks to be extra careful with their All-Star forward. Charlotte, in the meantime, was without their star point guard Kemba Walker. He was out for the third time in the last five games.
Knicks coach Derek Fisher had three players that are currently on 10-day contracts in the starting lineup tonight. Brooklyn product Lance Thomas had another strong game for his hometown Knicks with 16 points and eight rebounds while playing a game-high 41 minutes. Rookie Langston Galloway struggled at times tonight, but he contributed 11 points and second-year guard Tim Hardaway Jr. added a season-high 25 points.
Amar'e Stoudemire came off the bench and he did not look like himself, only scoring one point in limited action. Guard Jose Calderon did not play tonight after injuring himself during last night's game against the Orlando Magic.
Charlotte big man Al Jefferson also came off the bench tonight for the second straight time, and he struggled from the start of the game. Big Al was 4 for 14 for the field with nine points, six rebounds, and seven blocks in 30 minutes. Coney Island product Lance Stephenson also struggled to get in a rhythm. Point guard Brian Roberts led the team in scoring with 17.
The New York Knicks are back in action Monday night to take on the Sacramento Kings at the Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is at 7:30 pm ET.
The Charlotte Hornets will fly to San Antonio to take on the Spurs Wednesday night. Tipoff is at 8:30 pm ET.