Returning from a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, nothing was going right for Carmelo Anthony in the New York Knicks matinee matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers--- Until it did, and Anthony hit the one shot that mattered most.
Melo Struggles, Saves Knicks with Clutch Basket
At one point in the third quarter the Knicks looked as if they were running far away with the game, extending their lead to 18 points over Jahlil Okafor and Co. with ease. Defense that was superbly lacking in the first half appeared to tightened up and the Sixers were unable to stop the Knicks consistent offense.
However, upon substitutions including Sasha Vujacic, who hasn't been seen in the court in some time, the Knicks saw their lead transform into a Philly three-point lead with less than 10 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. That's when leaders usually take over and Anthony proved that title he is so often denied. With 3.4 seconds left in regulation, Anthony hit a three over big man Nerlens Noel to tie the game at 96, sending the Knicks into OT with the worst team in the NBA.
Robert Covington would respond appropriately with a potential game saving play of his own. As the clock wound down in a thrilling overtime, that saw the Knicks with a lead, Covington drained a three to tie it once more, with seven seconds on the clock for the Knicks to end the most stressful game of the season, but to no avail. The Knicks got the ball in Anthony's hands with a wide open look, but pure exhaustion and fate would see a second overtime, where reserve Langston Galloway would show how and why he deserves to be on the court.
Calderon Struggles, Galloway Proves His Worth
Commentators and fans alike questioned why Derek Fisher allowed Galloway to ride the bench for so long, while Jose Calderon clearly struggled to contain Ish Smith, who finished with 16 points and 16 assists. In double overtime Galloway exhibited, arguably, some of his best play in a Knick uniform, almost single handedly securing the Knick win. With two clutch baskets and a blocked shot, Galloway imposed his will on both ends of the court, resulting in a 119-113 win for the Knicks.
Anthony finished with 19 points shooting an abysmal 7-of-28 from the field, but he saved the Knicks in that one moment, as rookie Kristaps Porzingis commented after the game. Porzingis, who finished with his 16th double double of the season, consisting of 16 points and 12 rebounds shot well, dazzling the Garden with a perfected dream shake and emphatic slams in the first half of the game.
Unfortunately, he did not return for either overtime due to a foot injury sustained in the fourth quarter. Fisher stated that Porzingis was able to play, but that he didn't want to risk further and avoidable injury, a good sign for Knicks fans.
As for Philly's big man and third overall draft pick, Okafor, a much anticipated matchup for Porzingis, surprisingly did not play at all after the third quarter, though he too played exceptionally well, shooting 10-for-17. Okafor finished with 20 points, while fellow big man Noel finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Other Notables
Arron Afflalo led all scorers with 25 points in this Knicks win, and Robin Lopez continues his impressive play as of late, finishing with a double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. On the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., the Knicks come away with their twenty-first win of the season, a game shy of a .500 record. The Knicks will take on the Utah Jazz at home to get back to that mark.