The New York Knicks (9-38) were looking to take the first game of the series against the Indiana Pacers (17-31). The Knicks wanted to capitalize on Wednesday night's win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, that was not the case.

Roy Hibbert, a player that has been a tough opponent for the Knicks within the past few seasons, showed why he is a major factor when it comes to playing the Knicks. He ended the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds and made it tough for the Knicks to compete in the paint. What's more amazing is that he did it in only 24 minutes of play. His defensive prowess and his offensive touch helped lead the Pacers on both ends of the floor. Rodney Stuckey led all scorers with 22 points.

Carmelo Anthony surprisingly played Thursday night. He was listed as day-to-day, but yet he played the second night of a back-to-back. However, he was limited to 25 minutes, which is well below his 2014-2015 season average of 36.2 minutes per game. He ended the game with 18 points and a disappointing one rebound and one assist.

Newly signed Lou Amundson was the top performer for the Knicks. He recorded 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. He has been a great addition to the Knicks, as he does all of the little things on the court that few players like to do, and it showed on Thursday night. He made it tough for the Pacers in the paint but didn't get much help from the supporting cast. The Pacers kept attacking the paint, as they ended the night with 50 points in the paint. 

Langston Galloway had a poor showing. He was 2-10 from the field and only had four points in 35 minutes of action. Lance Thomas had eight points on 4 of 10 shooting in 24 minutes, and Jose Calderon had nine points and six assists in 28 minutes of play.

Although, the Knicks played a great first half, it seemed like their energy was gone after halftime. They were outscored in the third quarter, 35-12. They couldn't get up quality shots, and it seemed like the Pacers got any shot they wanted. 

Nevertheless, it seems like the Knicks might have a better second half of the season. It's not saying much, but they have four wins in the month of January, which is almost as much as they had in October, November, and December combined. The new additions of Galloway, Amundson, and Thomas have brought a much needed energy and toughness that were sorely missing earlier in the season. As Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson, and Steve Mills continue to make roster changes, the Knicks will continue to build chemistry, as they attempt to avoid becoming the laughingstock of a storied franchise. 

The fight continues, as the Knicks head home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1st. The game tips off at 2:00 PM EST.