The Knicks drop their fourth game in a row to the Miami Heat in a complete collapse following the first quarter. After gaining a 14-point lead in the first quarter, the Knicks scored a pitiful 39 points in the second half, while the Heat ignited from downtown and ultimately defeated the Knicks, 109-95.
The Knicks entered tonight’s game with a refreshing full and healthy roster, which included Andrea Bargnani, who has missed all but two games this season. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave that way. After a superb 14-point first quarter by Carmelo Anthony, he headed to the locker room with a little more than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter after coming down awkwardly on his injured knee following a tough fade away jumper. The Knicks were only down by four points upon his departure, but with his absence, the team was unable to execute any kind of scoring prowess. Anthony finished with 26 points and four rebounds.
Amar’e Stoudemire, who has recently returned to the lineup, had a notable night as well, with a vintage dunk followed by a block on the defensive end. He finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Langston Galloway, who finished with 10 points, was the only other Knick in double-figures.
Despite the Knicks early lead, they were outscored 95-67 after the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Heat began their steady eruption beginning in the second quarter. After a slow start for Chris Bosh, only scoring three points in the first quarter, he shot over 50 percent, finishing with 32 points and six assists. His fourth quarter surge was sealed as he rattled in a three-pointer as the shot clock expired, extending the Miami lead to 12.
Mario Chalmers added 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds to the rally; Cole and Anderson combined for an additional 22 points, both of whom shot 4-for-6.
The Miami Heat committed zero turnovers in the fourth quarter, outscored the Knicks 32-18, and finished with a season-high 12 three-pointers, a recipe for a much needed win.
The Knicks head to Orlando on Wednesday to take on the 16-30 Magic, which will be their last game before the All-Star break. It could potentially be Amar’e Stoudemire’s final game in a Knicks uniform if he decides on a buyout, and could very well be Carmelo Anthony’s final game for the remainder of the season if he shuts it down after the All-Star game. All of the details are soon to come.