Knicks Take Another Step In Right Direction

The New York Knicks’ 100-92 victory over New Orleans Friday night was a big step toward convincing the skeptics — and themselves — that they really are a good basketball team.

The Knicks (11-9) had not defeated a winning team since toppling the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 4 and since then had slogged through a six-game losing streak and a gradual recovery. So yes, this victory — their third in a row and eighth in nine games — meant a little more than the rest.

“We knew this was going to be a game where we could measure ourselves to see how good we can be,” said Amar’e Stoudemire, who again led the way with 34 points and 10 rebounds. “And we could have played better. It’s a big win for us, definitely a great step in the right direction. And we’re really showing how good we can be.”

The Hornets entered the game 13-5. Even though they were playing without leading scorer David West (stomach virus) they were at home, and this is the best team the Knicks have defeated in a month.

Here is a little more reaction from ESPN.

Entering the game, the Hornets were 8-1 when Chris Paul dished out 10 assists or more. Well, tonight he had 10 (and 17 points), and the Knicks still won, 100-92, beating one of the league’s top teams at 13-5, thanks to arguably their best defensive half of the year. After being down 55-53 at the end of two, the Knicks held the Hornets to 20 points in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth quarter by clogging the middle, actively rotating and jumping out on shooters quickly.

The Knicks weren’t just dominant on defense. Amare Stoudemire had his third straight 30-point game with 34 and Raymond Felton continued to make his claim as an All-Star candidate, tallying 17 points and 13 assists. “I think the guys are starting to get a swagger and they think they can win anywhere,” Mike D’Antoni said.

Wow! A Mike D’Antoni team getting credit for playing defense. Amazing.

Knicks 100, Hornets 92: Eight Of Nine For New York

New Orleans, LA – Amare Stoudemire scored 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the New York Knicks to, a 100-92 win over the New Orleans Hornets, the Knicks eighth victory in nine games.

“The guys are getting a little swagger,” said Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni.

Raymond Felton registered 17 points and 13 assists for the Knicks, who have won six straight on the road for the first time since the 1994-95 season. Wilson Chandler added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Danilo Gallinari and Shawne Williams both scored 13 in the win.

Trevor Ariza scored 21 points to lead the Hornets, who have lost five of seven. Chris Paul had 17 points and 10 assists, while Emeka Okafor provided 11 points and 14 rebounds in defeat.

The Bobcats played without leading scorer David West.

— Sports Network contributed to this report

New York Knicks At New Orleans Hornets: Knicks Hit The Road

Having won seven of their last eight games, the New York Knicks (10-9) take to the road tonight to test themselves against one of the NBA's better teams, The 13-5 New Orleans Hornets.

The Hornets are, of course, led by Chris Paul -- whom many have speculated could be on the Knicks' radar when he becomes a free agent prior to the 2012 season. Paul expressed admiration for how well the Knicks have played lately.