Knicks' bench sparks comeback win
Steve Novak looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Feb. 29, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Knicks opened the second half of the season with renewed optimism about being a championship contending team. But they played like a lottery team until the second half of Wednesday's game.
At halftime Tyson Chandler spoke up in the locker room and challenged his teammates asking them what kind of team they want to be after allowing the lottery-bound Cavaliers to build a 17-point lead. Chandler's words carried over to the court in the third quarter as the Knicks turned up their defensive intensity and reserve Steve Novak got into one of his three-point shooting zones.
The Knicks wiped away a 17-point deficit and beat the Cavs, 120-103, at the Garden to climb back to .500 on the season. During an 11-minute stretch between the third and fourth periods, the Knicks went on a 34-13 run. Overall, they outscored Cleveland 71-42 in the second half. "I didn't want to lose to these guys," Chandler said. "No disrespect to that team over there. Coming out of the All-Star break, playing at home, I felt we got to turn it up. Now is the time. We can't wait.
"A lot of times teams can get lured into thinking we can turn it on, we can turn it on for the playoffs, we'll find our rhythm. No, you've got to make your rhythm. You've got to make teams miss. I just let my teammates know if we really want to be true contenders, on nights like this we have to show it. Nothing is going to come easy."
Chandler, the only Knick with a championship ring, backed up his words with his play. He had 13 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three steals as the Knicks avoided losing to the Cavaliers (13-20) for the second time this season.
Carmelo Anthony paced the Knicks (18-18) with 22 points. Jeremy Lin finished with 19 points 13 assists and just one turnover. But the bench, led by Novak, played a huge part in the blowout win.
Novak shot 5 of 6 from three-point range after halftime and scored 15 of his 17 points in 12 second-half minutes. With about three minutes left the fans chanted "We want No-vak!"
Baron Davis also played a strong floor game. Backing up Lin, Davis finished with eight assists and no turnovers in just his fourth game since returning from a herniated disc. "I felt a little bit more settled," Davis said. "I'm starting to get a little stronger and more aggressive."
The Knicks' depth is a big reason they believe the can challenge for the East crown, especially if Davis continues to get his legs under him. The subs scored 50 points, including 38 in the second half against the Cavaliers, who were led by Antawn Jamison's 23 points.
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said the reserves have outplayed the starters the past couple of practices. Novak said he didn't miss a shot during a scrimmage on Monday -- where little defense was played. He had a similar effort Wednesday night. Novak made his last four threes. "It was definitely feeling good," Novak said.
The Knicks were down five when Novak entered in the third. He gave them their first lead with a three with 2:52 left and sent them into the fourth up 82-80 after another three.
"The first group got us back into the game," D'Antoni said. "And then Novak and that second group came in. He was ridiculous."
Novak opened the fourth by hitting another three. When D'Antoni removed him and started putting his starters back in, the Knicks led 101-86. "We're a very deep team," Anthony said. "Our bench will be a big part of our success, and we look forward to that."
