Knicks Smoke Lakers

The Knicks poured in 41 points in the first quarter. Carmelo Anthony couldn't miss. The Lakers' defense was atrocious.

Despite the occasional isolation play, the Knicks have been so adept at moving the ball. Contrasting the Knicks style of play with that of the Lakers, it's obvious why the Knicks have been so good and the Lakers so bad. Unselfishness, taking care of the ball, and perimeter defense are the three main reasons.

Anthony scored 30 points in only 22 minutes on 10 for 15 shots. He hurt his ankle crashing to the ground in the third and didn't return. Anthony seems to spend an awful lot of time on the floor grimacing. He was one of five players to score in double figures for the Knicks. Steve Novak shot 4 for 5 from three for 12 points. J.R. Smith, Tyson Chandler, and Raymond Felton were the others.

Both teams nailed 12 threes. The Knicks shot 25 while the Lakers shot 37. The Knicks shot 53.2% from the field while the Lakers were at 41.7%. The Knicks turned the ball over only six times. The Lakers did so 13 times. The Knicks were able to get to the rim with ease. Dwight Howard blocked only one shot and didn't alter many more.

New York would be the only team in NBA history to hit more threes than commit turnovers if they keep their current pace. Some have questioned their supposed lack of rebounding. The Knicks have a negative differential. But it's a misnomer. The Knicks have shown themselves to be good rebounders, particularly Chandler (who only 4 in this one, although he had numerous taps to teammates). The Knicks are far and away the best team in turnover differential. Since the Knicks' field goal % is similar to their opponents' , that means there are fewer defensive rebounds for the Knicks to grab. New York actually leads their opponents grabbing offensive boards.

The Knicks were up 58-32 at one point. The Lakers whittled it down to 6 at one point, but never truly challenged. The final score was closer than was the game. The Knicks won 116-107 and are now 17-5.