Knicks' offensive woes return in loss to Cavs
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving drives to the basket against Tyson Chandler during the fourth quarter. (Jan. 25, 2012) Credit: AP
CLEVELAND -- The frustration could be felt throughout the Knicks' locker room Wednesday night. They were disgusted they couldn't put back-to-back good performances together.
Carmelo Anthony showed a little progress. He hit some shots after going 0-for-7 and scored a career-low one point Tuesday in Charlotte. But overall the Knicks regressed 24 hours later and lost for the seventh time in eight games.
The Knicks' offense was stuck in neutral again and they were careless with the basketball and fell, 91-81. to the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Knicks take a 7-11 record into Miami Friday against last season's Finals runners-up and a team they were expected to challenge for the Eastern Conference title. The Knicks are having enough trouble with sub .500 teams. "We've just got to get it together," a clearly dejected Tyson Chandler said. "We got enough talent on this team in this room. But we've got to figure out what it's going to take to win games and we've got to do it consistently."
The Knicks have been one of the league's biggest disappointments. If they don't turn things around, coach Mike D'Antoni could be the fall guy.
They appeared to have found out how they need to play when they scored 111 points and beat lowly Charlotte by 33, despite getting nothing from Anthony on offense. Wednesday night, the Knicks had nothing reminiscent of Tuesday's flow or ball movement and struggled to score 80 against the 7-10 Cavaliers, who came in on a four-game losing streak. "We wanted to win," Chandler said. "But doing the things to put ourselves over the hump to win we kind of went back, took a step back."
Anthony surpassed his basket and point total just 2:15 into the game. He scored on a layup and converted it into a three-point play with 9:45 remaining. But he finished 5-for-14 and scored 15 points.
Amar'e Stoudemire led the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds, but committed six turnovers. The Knicks totaled 23 turnovers that led to 24 points for the Cavaliers.
"That, with our anemic offense, you can't generate a win that way," D'Antoni said. "We do have to take care of the ball. I know it's the same story I keep coming out here, but we've got to find a way to score. We're not scoring the basketball."
The Knicks led by nine in the second period. But a 14-1 run put the Cavaliers, who were led by Antawn Jamison's 15 points, on top late in the half. The Knicks never regained the lead.
The Cavaliers built an 84-73 advantage with 5:03 remaining in the fourth. The Knicks cut it to nine on their next possession on a Stoudemire dunk, and after a turnover had a chance to draw closer. But Toney Douglas misfired on a three-pointer.
After an empty Cavaliers' trip, Anthony short-armed a three, leading to a Anderson Varejao driving dunk and an 86-75 lead with 3:05 remaining. They took a 12-point lead 30 seconds later on Anthony Parker's free throw.
"When you're not putting the ball in the basket,'' Anthony said, "that always makes the game strenuous, makes the situation that much tougher."
