In a game that featured both teams holding double-digit leads, the final outcome was not decided until the final seconds. The Knicks grabbed an 80-75 lead with 5:30 remaining in the game behind Amar’e Stoudemire’s 25 points. Charlotte fought hard down the stretch and D.J. Augustin hit a 3-pointer with under three minutes in the final stanza to the tie the game 82-82. New York would grab the lead back with 13.9 seconds as Landry Fields hit 1-of-2 free throws. However, Augustin drilled an incredible fadeaway 3-pointer with just 10 seconds left to slice the Knicks advantage to one point. Carmelo Anthony would knockdown 1-of-2 free throws as well and Augustin could not duplicate his magic. Anthony finished with 22 points and six assists in New York’s third consecutive victory (5-4) and first home win since Christmas Day.
Stoudemire remained aggressive in tonight’s home contest, capitalizing on his 13 trips to the free throw line. The Knicks big man also cleaned the glass, posting 12 boards in 38 minutes. After a slow start to the season and a nagging ankle injury, Stoudemire is showing signs that he is back to playing All-Star caliber basketball and blending nicely with new cast surrounding him in the lineup. |
