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The New York Knicks took the court tonight trying to avoid an 0-4 start to their season, playing host to the New Orleans Hornets. Chris Paul is one of the best pick and roll point guards in the league and it really exploited the Knicks in the early going. Despite the pick and roll issues, the Knicks came out firing and shot 51% in the first quarter, scoring 31 points and taking the early lead. The defense then began to sputter and the turnover bug flew into the Knicks’ hands in the second quarter, allowing the Hornets to get back into the game considerably. The pick and roll was utilized very well and Emeka Okafur found himself wide open in the middle of the lane for easy buckets.

The post defense of New York still is non-existent as Wilson Chandler was found guarding David West for most of the half. This called for double teams as he backed down towards the painted area and left Okafur open for a lot of one on one opportunities against either David Lee or Darko Millicic. The help often came late and that’s where Okafur was able to thrive on easy buckets or trips to the foul line. Paul really struggled with his offense in the first half, only netting three points by intermission. Despite the poor post defense, the Knicks held a six point lead, 58-52 heading into the break.

The second half started strong yet again for the Knicks as they were able to surge to a quick ten point lead. Then came the play that has been all too relevant. Jump shot after jump shot, the Knicks shot themselves out of the lead and New Orleans stormed back with a hot shooting run of their own. What should be noted during this run is the fact that New Orleans presented the Knicks with some zone looks. Each possession facing the zone, the Knicks failed to get the ball into the post for a touch. The ball was moved along the perimeter time and time again and settling for jump shots became a routine.

David Lee was a sure bright spot for the Knicks in this one as his ability to hit the mid range shot was on full display. Lee was able to take Okafur away from the basket and face up against the bigger and stronger center. This move also made long rebounds and second chance opportunities available for the Knicks by vacating the physical presence in Okafur. Lee finished his evening with 28 points and eight rebounds to lead New York.

With about 4:00 to play in the fourth, the Knicks turned up the defensive pressure and forced New Orleans into turnovers. Not all were capitalized on, but it allowed the Knicks to run time off the clock and preserve their ten point lead at 102-92. With 1:01 left, Larry Hughes made a quick move to the baseline and let go a floater with time expiring on the shot clock that dropped and pushed their lead to 110-101. Despite a 29 point second half for Paul that saw a barrage of three pointers drop, the Knicks held on for their first win of the season in front of the hometown crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Game Notes:

David Lee served as the catalyst with his 28 points and eight rebounds
Jordan Hill was still left sitting on the bench, despite the success of the pick and roll New Orleans had on the Knicks.
The Knicks shot an impressive 24-for-28 from the free throw line for a total of 85.7%.
Darko Millicic is by far the most un productive player on the Knicks roster. He registered three fouls in the first half and within the first 20 seconds he saw in the second half, he had an offensive foul. He had six points and just three rebounds in just over 12 minutes of action.
Four players scored in double figures for the Knicks with Lee, Harrington (24), Hughes (20), Chris Duhon (18).
Nate Robinson missed tonight’s game with a sprained ankle and is expected to miss 10-14 days.

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BG
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