The New York Knicks wrapped up their rough preseason Friday night in an 85-83 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. This was, technically, the Knicks’ first and only home game of the preseason. Madison Square Garden reopened on Thursday after completing renovations that tallied close to $1 billion.
The Knicks had a 19-point lead in the first half but then missed 18 of 22 shots in the third quarter, allowing the Bobcats back in the game. The Bobcats’ Kemba Walker cashed in for 18 points and scored the tie-breaking basket with 1:31 remaining. Carmelo Anthony had another sour night as he shot 4-of-17 for 13 points and missed the potential tying jumper in the final seconds.
The Knicks had two old faces back on the bench, as J.R. Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire touched the court for the first time since their knee injuries. Smith scored 11 points and Stoudemire had six points on 3-of-4 shooting, as they both played limited minutes. Coach Mike Woodson has since said Smith is good to go and will rejoin the Knicks at 100 percent after he serves his five-game suspension. On the other hand, Stoudemire is still a work in progress, as he has been for the past three years.
"In a post-game interview, Stoudemire said, “I feel great. I feel strong. I feel no soreness right now after the game, so I’m sure I’ll be ready for Wednesday.”"
After coming off of three knee surgeries in the last year and with Knicks already having a four-man forward rotation, Stoudemire will slowly be eased back into it.
After a sub-par preseason, the Knicks are eager to play some meaningful games.
"“We never really got a chance to adjust here during the preseason, but that’s over,” Anthony said. “Now the real deal stars and this journey begins.”"
The Knicks were 2-5 this preseason and their star, Carmelo Anthony, shot better than 50 percent one time. There, however, were some positives to the preseason. It seemed to serve as a chance for Woodson to experiment with his team. It gave him the opportunity to see which lineups could work and which could not. By doing so, Woodson was also able to see what type of roles their two new additions, Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani would have. The Knicks also saw the emergence of rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardaway averaged 13 points and three rebounds per game and also had a game-winning shot.
The Knicks are going to have to turn it on early and keep it on in order to stay competitive in the surprisingly powerful East. They open up their season this Wednesday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks.