Knicks Vs. Nets Preview: Both Teams Playing On Short Rest

The Nets and Knicks will face off tonight in Madison Square Garden. Both teams will be playing on short rest as they look for their ninth win of the season.

Knicks Vs. Celtics: New York Loses In Boston, 91-89

Two days before the New England Patriots and New York Giants meet for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, the New York Knicks traveled to Boston to play the Celtics, and if the outcome of this game was any indicator on how the Knicks' and Celtics' NFL counterparts will play, Patriots fans will have another Super Bowl to celebrate. The Celtics defeated the Knicks by a score of 91-89 in TD Garden on Friday night.

With the loss, the Knicks fall to 8-15, which places them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and in third place, behind the Celtics and 76ers, in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Celtics now have a 12-10 record, which puts them in seventh place in the conference and in second place in the division.

The Knicks were led by a 26-point performance by Carmelo Anthony. Center Tyson Chandler scored 20 points, Amare Stoudemire scored 16.

The Celtics were led by Paul Piece, who scored 30 points against the Knicks. Kevin Garnett scored 15 points, Ray Allen scored 14.

This is the Knicks' second loss in a row and their fifth loss in the last six games. They will look to get things back on track on Saturday evening against the Nets at home at 7:30 p.m. The Celtics have now won three games in a row and are looking to extend that streak at home against the Grizzlies on Sunday at noon.

-- For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting, and for updates on the Celtics go to Celtics Blog.

Knicks Vs. Celtics: Struggling New York Visits Boston

The last three weeks have not been kind to the New York Knicks. Winners of just two games in their past 12 attempts, the Knicks are a team searching for answers, with a coach sitting firmly on a hot seat, two superstars fielding criticism from all angles and a back court that has played as expected, which is to say poorly.

The struggling Knicks attempt to find their way back to the wins column Friday night when they visit the TD Garden for an 8 p.m. tip off against the Boston Celtics.

New York saw some good signs Thursday against Chicago, most pressing among them Amare Stoudemire's season-high 34 points, but the Knicks missed two threes in the final 11 seconds and fell, 105-102.

Without Rajon Rondo for their past eight outings, the Celtics have won six out of eight to claw back above .500 at 11-10. Rondo is a game-time decision for Friday's game, but the Celtics have performed admirably in his absence. Paul Pierce has regained his All-Star form, and the Celtics' defense has held seven of its last nine opponents under 90 points, including four times keeping its opponent under 80 and two times under 65.

The Knicks and Celtics opened the season against each other on Christmas Day, when New York prevailed 106-104.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

New York Knicks Rumors: Kenyon Martin Headed To Los Angeles Clippers, According To Report

The New York Knicks are playing like a team that needs plenty of help, but the assistance they require will not come from Kenyon Martin.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the free agent forward, who was recently released by FIBA from his Chinese Basketball Association contract, has agreed to sign a mini mid-level deal to play for the Los Angeles Clippers. The contract should be finalized as soon as Martin passes a physical, an NBA source told the Times.

Martin averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets last season, and should provide the relatively thin Clippers front court with an aggressive presence at both ends of the floor.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the CBA is attempting to block Martin from returning to the NBA immediately, claiming that he has not yet fulfilled his contractual obligations and that the clearance letter FIBA provided should be retracted. Martin's contract stipulated that he could not sign with any NBA team until his Chinese team's season ended, even though Martin was released early in the Chinese season.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Bulls 105, Knicks 102: Derrick Rose, Bulls Too Much For Knicks

One of the Knicks' superstars finally played like one, but the Bulls' franchise player was that much better. There were long periods of Thursday night's 105-102 Bulls victory over the the Knicks that Rose was simply unstoppable. The reigning league MVP scored 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Bulls held off the Knicks, who got a much-needed breakout performance from Amare Stoudemire. Stoudemire's 34 points and 11 rebounds weren't enough as Rose's 32 points and 13 assists led his club to their conference-leading 19th win of the season. The Knicks fell to 8-14, and have two games in the next two nights, perhaps needing to win both to save the job of head coach Mike D'Antoni.

The Knicks fell behind by as many as 13 points but rallied in the third quarter to momentarily tie the game. it was a close bout until the end, with the Knicks hanging around in the fourth on clutch baskets by Stoudemire and Landry Fields. Stoudemire was called upon to try and tie the game from unfamiliar territory, as with 10 seconds left his 3-point attempt missed and essentially sealed Chicago's victory. Carmelo Anthony had a prayer 3-point shot as time expired that had about as much chance of going in as D'Antoni does in being the Knicks' coach on opening night next season.

The story of the Knicks' season so far has been their poor offense and namely the inability of Stoudemire and Anthony to click on the same night. On Thursday is was Stoudemire's turn, as he poured in a season high in points, but Anthony was lacking. He finished with 26 points but was just 10-of-26 from the field. In a close game on their home court against an elite team, the Knicks could have used Anthony down the stretch, and he was very quiet in the fourth quarter. The Knicks need a performance from one of their stars akin to what Rose gave the Bulls. It's not about the amount of points he score or assists he handed out -- and his numbers were indeed impressive -- it was when he got his points at crucial points of the game.

Now the Knicks head to the road to take on the aging Celtics on Friday night. They return to Madison Square Garden o Saturday to host the Nets. Two losses drops them to 8-16 and surely puts D'Antoni's job in peril. Even a 1-1 record doesn't seem good enough to stave off the embattled coach from a possible firing. At this point it seems as though its when, not if, D'Antoni gets the axe. Despite the Knicks playing a generally good game against the East's best team, the only thing that matters now are wins and losses. With each tally on the right column of the standings, things become more tenuous for the Knicks' head coach.

Knicks Schedule: Crucial Stretch Starts With Visit From Derrick Rose, Bulls

The Knicks got right, momentarily, in Tuesday's blowout victory over the Detroit Pistons. It was New York's most efficient offensive game of the season, but many remain rightly skeptical given the quality of the opponent. On Thursday, New York won't have that same benefit, as they begin a grueling and crucial three-games-in-three-nights stretch when they host the Chicago Bulls, the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. The back-to-back-to-back includes a trip to Boston on Friday and a home date with New Jersey on Saturday, but the Knicks certainly aren't in any position to look past Chicago.

Derrick Rose is following up his MVP season with another stellar campaign so far. One of the game's truly elite players at the ripe young age of 23, Rose leads the Bulls in scoring (23 points per game) and assists (7 per). However, the Bulls come into the game on a bit of a slide themselves. They've lost three out of their past five games, and fell to 18-6 on Wednesday in Philadelphia in a 16-point defeat. Still, they boast one of the league's strongest starting fives (Luol Deng is expected back from injury after missing the past six games) and in the second year of coach Tom Thibodeau's reign remain a stout defensive side. They rank third in the league in opponent's points per game, allowing just 87.9 nightly, and are fourth-best in defensive rating (97.7 points per 100 possessions, per basketball-reference.com).

Coming into this season, the Knicks were feared to be a struggling defense and a potent offense, but the opposite has rang true. By defensive rating, the Knicks rank 9th so far this season -- allowing 100.1 points per 100 possessions, and are in the middle of the pack when it comes to points allowed per game. The Knicks have played some poor offensive teams recently, and Rose is one of the toughest players in the league to impede, but there's no doubt that the Knicks' defense -- while not eye-opening -- is a bit underrated. The Bulls will provide a stern test and give New York's defense a good point of reference as to where it is exactly as a unit.

The offensive focus will again fall on the able hands of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire who are both looking to shake off their early season shooting slumps. Anthony certainly played his most efficient offensive game of the season on Tuesday against Detroit, but Stoudemire continues to struggle from the field. He hasn't gotten in any sort of rhythm all year, and Thursday would definitely be a great place to start. The Knicks would also love to get similar shooting production fro Landry Fields, whose 16 first half points and long-range shooting on Tuesday helped the Knicks break the game open early.

Thursday begins a crucial stretch for the Knicks, one that could truly turn around their season. If they were to somehow win all three of these games -- a very daunting task -- the mood around the team would improve ten-fold. The Bulls are the toughest road block in that dream scenario, and it comes right off the bat.

Knicks 113, Pistons 86: Knicks Offense Wakes Up In Blowout Over Pistons

To finally break out of their losing slump, the New Yor Knicks simply needed to start knocking down some shots. Playing one of the worst teams in the NBA certainly didn’t hurt either.

New York improved to 8-13 with a wire-to-wire 113-86 victory over the lowly Pistons Tuesday night. The Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak and a four-game home losing streak, and finally broke out of their shooting malaise by connecting on 60 percent of their attempts on the night. Carmelo Anthony, who was a game-time decision, returned from missing the past two games due to injury and was efficient in helping run the Knicks’ offense in a way many thought he would all year. Anthony finished with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting and also dished out a team-high six assists.

The best Knick in the first half however was Landry Fields. As we mentioned in our SBNation New York Power Rankings this morning, Fields’ play as of late has turned a corner, and he’s starting to resemble the pre-trade Fields from last season that made him one of the league’s top rookies. Fields connected on all four of his three point attempts in the first half, and all six of his shots overall. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five steals.

Ball movement and shot-making are two of the main aspects of the Knicks’ offense that have sorely been lacking this season. On Tuesday, New York finally hit from the perimeter on a consistent basis and was efficient with and protective of the ball, only turning it over 15 times. The Pistons (4-19) were able participants, playing poor defense and struggling to score as they have all year. Now the Knicks will have to see if they can keep up the good habits against good teams, and they’ll be tested right away on Thursday when the Chicago Bulls come to the Garden.

Knicks Schedule: New York Hosts Detroit Pistons With Carmelo Anthony In Doubt

When you’re in the situation the Knicks and head coach Mike D’Antoni are in, every game is a must-win. At home on Tuesday night against the lowly 4-18 Detroit Pistons, D’Antoni simply needs to find a way for the Knicks to get their eighth win of the season. With each loss, as the dubious streak continues, the calls for D’Antoni’s head will get louder, and their message will have more validity.

However the ailing Carmelo Anthony is still no guarantee to return to the Knicks’ lineup. He’s missed the last two games as he tries to recover from a sprained ankle, a sprained wrist and a bad thumb. Anthony will reportedly give it a go during the team’s morning shoot-around and go from there. Even if Anthony can go, it might be a better idea to let him sit this one out. That seems precarious for a team in desperate need of a win, but the Pistons are a team the Knicks should beat on their home floor regardless of Anthony’s status.

Detroit is just 1-10 on the road and is in the middle game of a back-to-back-to-back road swing. On Monday, they were blown out in Milwaukee by an underwhelming Bucks team, and the Pistons look like a team who is destined for a top-3 draft choice this summer. It could be a very ugly, low-scoring game as the Pistons are the league’s worst scoring team and one of the least efficient offensive teams, ranking 26th out of 30 in offensive efficiency (points per 100 possessions). The Knicks of course have been an improved defensive side but continue to struggle on the offensive end themselves.

There’s not much reason for celebration if the Knicks were to win tonight. It’s something they simply need to find a way to do.

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: Knicks Forward Hopes To Play Against Pistons

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is going to try to play in tomorrow night's game against the Detroit Pistons, if his ankle feels up to it. Anthony has missed the last two Knicks games, both losses.

Carmelo says his goal is to play tomorrow, depending on how ankle feels. Will go through morning shootaround first. If not Tues, than Thurs

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) January 30, 2012

If Anthony cannot play against the Pistons, and he is considered doubtful at this point (via SI), his next opportunity to play would come on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. Both games are at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony leads the struggling Knicks in scoring this season with 23.6 points per game. He also leads New York with 4.3 assists per game. Anthony is third on the Knicks with 6.9 rebounds per game.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Rockets 97, Knicks 84: New York Has Lost Nine Of 10

The reeling New York Knicks continued to stumble Saturday night, losing to the Houston Rockets, 87-84.

New York was without Carmelo Anthony for the second straight contest due to a litany of ailments. Amare Stoudemire scored a team-high 23 points to go with eight rebounds and Tyson Chandler added 14 points and 11 boards in the Knicks’ third straight loss. They have dropped nine of 10 overall.

“The thing about this stretch right here is it’s something you don’t want to get used to,” said Stoudemire. “Losing is definitely not something that we set out to do, it was a whole different game plan for us this season.”

Anthony also missed Friday’s 99-89 loss at the Heat while dealing with thumb, wrist and ankle issues. The staggering Knicks are just 7-13 this season.

Chase Budinger had 19 points and Goran Dragic added 16 for Houston. Thw Rockets played without leading scorer Kevin Martin, out with a foot injury,

“We’ve got good depth,” said Rockets coach Kevin McHale. “Those guys (the bench) can play basketball.”

— Sports Network contributed to this report

Heat 99, Knicks 89: New York No Match For Miami

Miami, FL (Sports Network) – Dwyane Wade sparkled in his return to the lineup, scoring 28 points, and the Heat withstood a bevy of three-pointers from New York to earn a 99-89 victory over the short-handed Knicks.

LeBron James totaled 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Heat, who have won three in a row and six of their last seven games.

Wade, who came back following a six-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, made 11 of his 19 field goal attempts and all six of his foul shots. He also came up with five steals and even blocked a pair of shots.

“This is a very good team with or without me,” Wade said. “I was just trying to be aggressive. I’ve been out for a while. The best way to get your rhythm is by attacking the basket.”

With Carmelo Anthony sidelined because of thumb, wrist and ankle issues, the Knicks tried to beat the Heat with the long distance shot. They were on target, going 18-of-43 from beyond the arc, but were just 12-of-41 on two- point attempts.

Bill Walker was the offensive catalyst, going 7-of-10 from long distance for a 21-point night, but the Knicks suffered their eighth loss in nine games. New York was outscored 42-14 in the paint.

“I’m glad for him because we need him and he’s got to keep improving,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said of Walker. “He needs to keep working out his body. He could be the outside guy once we get Carmelo back and give us some more scoring.”

Walker stepped well behind the three-point line several times, making a trio of those shots in a span of 69 seconds in the third quarter, boosting the Knicks to a 62-58 lead. His last one in that sequence caromed off the glass, from 27 feet straight away from the hoop.

But New York’s interior defense couldn’t withstand Wade setting up James for some easy buckets and vice versa. In the final minute of the period, it was James taking command, as the two-time MVP motored down the lane for a lefty layup. That widened the Heat lead to 74-71 going to the fourth.

James winced in pain and looked as his left hand after being called for an offensive foul, when he plowed into Mike Bibby in the closing seconds of the quarter.

Steve Novak’s three tied the game to start the fourth, but Miami came back with an 8-1 burst, capped by Wade’s tip-in.

The sellout crowd at American Airlines Arena came to its feet when James flipped the ball to Wade for a two-handed alley-oop jam. That widened the gap to 88-79 with 4:42 remaining. Miami led by 12 down the stretch.

“If he’s putting on a uniform, I expect greatness out of him,” James said of Wade. “To be out six games and look like basically you didn’t miss a beat, his speed and his stamina were the two things that were like ‘wow.’ It’s good to have him back.”

Early on, it was a dunk fest for Wade and James. The two superstars combined for 18 first-quarter points, but the Knicks, thanks to four threes in the period had it even at 22 after 12 minutes.

Amare Stoudemire, who had 12 points in the game, was 0-for-4 from the field in the first quarter, part of a 2-for-14 effort from inside the arc in the stanza for New York.

“They were keying in on him, but other guys were open,” D’Antoni said. “That’s why they were shooting a lot of shots. He was great because he was just playing the game. He didn’t force anything.”

Miami led 52-48 at the half, and by that time the Knicks had already attempted 23 three-point shots.

Knicks Carmelo Anthony Will Miss Next Two Games; Baron Davis Too

According to Howard Beck of the New York Times, the New York Knicks will be without both Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis this weekend when they play the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets on the road this weekend.

Carmelo taking next two games off to rest his injuries, D'Antoni says. Could return tues.

No Baron this weekend either.

Carmelo has been nursing wrist and ankle injuries for a while now and has not been performing at his usually high level. In his last six games Melo has attempted 126 shots, converting on only 40. In those six games the Knicks are 1-5 and 7-11 overall. They currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division, five games behind the division-leading Philadelphia 76ers.

The Knicks will also be without the services of point guard, Baron Davis, who has yet to play in a game this season.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Knicks Schedule: Struggling Knicks Visit LeBron James And The Heat

Prior to the season, the Knicks' first matchup with the Miami Heat on Jan. 27 was supposed to be a measuring stick. Were the new look Knicks, with Tyson Chandler to go along with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, ready to match wits with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and that other guy who made up Miami's Big Three?

Nobody would have thought that a loss on Jan. 27 to the Heat could cost Mike D'Antoni his job. That might be a bit drastic, but that's the position the 7-11 Knicks are in on Friday night when they hit South Beach to face the 13-5 Heat. The Knicks can't afford to keep losing games, as loss on Friday would put them five games below .500. In a season that only has 66 games, such a mark at the quarter-point of the season is alarming.

The dynamic between the two teams is interesting, given the "Big Three" model that both teams have opted for in building their rosters. The Heat of course made it to within two victories of a championship last year, and nobody ever expected the Knicks to get that far this year. Those Knicks optimists looking for parallels between the two teams could point to last year's rough start for the Heat. They started 9-8, deemed disastrous by their atmospheric expectations, but a record these Knicks would sign up for nonetheless. In a piece that ran in Friday's New York Daily News by Frank Isola, James sais the Knicks need to be patient.

"It’s never going to work just right over night," James said. "We were the prime example of that. It took us time. We were 9-8 at one point, but it took us even longer after that to become a good team. To know each other. To learn each other. What works for each other. What don’t work. I think they’re going through the same thing right now. But people want results now. That’s just the league and the world we live in."

-via New York Daily News

Eddy Curry 'Numb' To Playing New York Knicks

Miami Heat center Eddy Curry will meet the New York Knicks on Friday for the first time since being traded from the team last winter, but don't expect any hugs for Mike D'Antoni.

Curry told the New York Post there are still some people in the Knicks organization he does not remember fondly, but he will try to keep his emotions from impacting Friday's game.

"I'm completely numb to the situation," Curry said. "I got friends over there and I got people I don't like so much over there. But that's between me and them, and we'll just keep it professional."

"I don't even think about it, honestly," Curry said of his Knicks stint. "That was a long time ago and I'm just looking toward the future right now. I don't feel any way, positive or negative. I don't feel anything."

While discussing what motivates him, Curry said he is "pretty much fueled from the inside," a concept that probably has Knicks fans wondering exactly what type of fuel that is.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Cavaliers 91, Knicks 81: Knicks' Offense Falters Again

Well, that didn't last very long.

The New York Knicks' winning streak lasted just one game as New York was defeated on Wednesday night by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 91-81. New York dropped to 7-11 on the season and hasn't won a game in Cleveland since Nov. of 2006, faltering in its last nine tries at Quicken Loans Arena. You know it's a bad sign when Anderson Varejao was the best player on the floor -- he finished with 10 points, 16 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists and 2 blocks to lead the Cavaliers, who improved to 7-10.

In most of the Knicks' losses this season -- and they are starting to pile up against poor teams at an alarming rate -- the main culprit has been the offense. Coming into the season, many didn't think the Knicks would have trouble scoring. Mike D'Antoni's teams never have, and the team boasts two of the game's top scorers. But Wednesday's loss to the Cavaliers was a microcosm of how the entire season for the Knicks has gone.

A clearly banged up Carmelo Anthony had just 15 points, while Amare Stoudemire led the team with 19. As a team, the Knicks shot just 42 percent, including an abysmal 3-for-20 from 3-point range. There are times when the Knicks shoot too often from beyond the arc, but this wasn't one of those times. Sure, Jared Jeffries and Stoudemire don't need to be lining up from distance, but Anthony misfired on all three of his tries and Toney Douglas, a 36 percentcareer 3-point shooter, made just two of his eight. For the season, the Knicks are hitting just 30 percent of their shots from 3-point distance, which is in the bottom third of the league. Additionally, New York has struggled with ball security all year long. They had 22 more turnovers on Wednesday, and their 284 ranks third-most in the entire NBA. Those are two big reasons that New York is where it is at this point in the season.

There are times when shots aren't falling and you simply need to bear down and win on effort and hustle plays. D'Antoni has not gotten maximum effort out of all of his players this year, and as the losses keep coming, one has to wonder how much longer he has to try and turn things around. Yes, it is ultimately on the players to step up, and professional athletes shouldn't need pep talks to play their hardest. But its common in sports for a coach's voice to become white noise in a locker room. Despite there being some new faces on the Knicks, it's worth considering that it has gotten to that point with D'Antoni.

It doesn't get easier for the Knicks, as they travel to Miami on Friday night for a date with the Heat.

Knicks Schedule: New York Knicks At Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

Who would have thought the Knicks would snap their six game losing streak in a game that leading scorer Carmelo Anthony had just one point? On Tuesday night in Charlotte against the lowly Bobcats, not only did the Knicks get a victory with Anthony’s low output, they won the game by 33 points.

All season the Knicks (7-10) have needed much more out of their secondary players (while also needing more consistency and better shooting out of Anthony, it must be noted) and they got in on Tuesday night with efficient performances from Tyson Chandler (20 points, 17 rebounds), Amare Stoudemire (18 and 8) and Landry Fields (18 pts., 5 assists and a +29).

Related: Could Baron Davis Make Knicks' Debut Against Cavaliers?

It was the kind of blowout win the team needed after their head coach called their recent slide "a crisis". It surely helped that their opponent was the Bobcats, who fell to 3-15 on the season. On Wednesday there’s a chance the good vibes continue as the Knicks visit another young and struggling team in the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6-10 Cavs have lost four straight games, but played the Miami Heat very close in their last contest on Monday, a 92-85 loss in which they turned the ball over 22 times. Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving leads the team in scoring (17.4 PPG) and assists (4.8 APG), but the young floor general has struggled with ball security recently. He has a team-high 18 turnovers in the team’s last four games.

Thanks in large part to the tail end of the LeBron James era in Cleveland, the Knicks are winless in their last eight games at Quicken Loans Arena, with their last win coming in Nov. of 2006. Their best chance to snap that slide will be if their role and bench players repeat their performances from a night ago. That’s how the Knicks will turn around their season altogether. There aren’t many nights Carmelo Anthony will score in single digits, so if the likes of Fields, Stoudemire, Chandler and the bench start contributing more, New York will simply win a lot more games.

Knicks Vs. Bobcats Final Score: New York Cruises Past Hapless Charlotte, 111-78

The New York Knicks got off a six-game losing schneid, defeating a struggling Charlotte Bobcats squad, 111-78, on Tuesday night. Though the win won't save the season nor stop the calls for Mike D'Antoni's job, it will hopefully kickoff a wave of positive momentum to help bring the Knicks back to .500 on the season.

The Knicks were spurred along by a monster game from center Tyson Chandler, who shot 9-for-10 from the field for 20 points and hauled in 17 rebounds--all through the first three quarter of the game. Amare Stoudemire and Landry Fields contributed 18 points each, helping New York to 50 percent shooting from the floor for the game despite Carmelo Anthony's 0-for-7 performance. Anthony had just one point on the night, easily a season low, but did contribute 11 rebounds.

The Bobcats shot just 33 percent for the game. Kemba Walker led the team with 22 points on 7-for-17 from the field. Charlotte was not helped by 1-for-9 and 1-for-6 performances from Tyrus Thomas and Boris Diaw, respectively, nor a 53-33 rebounding advantage for New York.

-- For more Knicks coverage, be sure to check out Posting and Toasting.

Carmelo Anthony 'Too Obsessed With His Points', According To Source

The New York Knicks' latest six-game losing streak has many fans and experts pointing fingers at players and head coach Mike D’Antoni, especially. However, the biggest issue maybe star forwards Carmelo Anthony's obsession with his points total, says a source familiar with the situation who spoke to the New York Post's Mike Berman Monday.

"Maybe I should take the blame for the games we’re losing,’’ Anthony said to Berman. "Coach does run the offense through me. I’ll take the blame. It’s obvious I’m beat up. I don’t want to use that as any excuse. Maybe it’s time to revaluate everything, reevaluate my body, sit with the trainers, see what’s going on.’’

The source also told Berman that forward Amare Stoudemire is "too concerned with Anthony taking over the team".

"We as a team need to do a better job getting Amar’e the ball,’’ Anthony admitted. "I have the ball in my hands. Maybe it’s on me. Maybe I have to give him the ball a little more, help him out with that. We’ll talk probably [today] and try to figure it out together. If I’m doing too much, I want him to tell me. I want the guys on the team to tell me if I’m doing too much.’’

The Knicks try and snap their current six-game skid Tuesday night, as they host the Charlotte Bobcats (7:30 p.m. on MSG).

For more Knicks coverage, be sure to check out Posting and Toasting.

Knicks Schedule: New York Looking To End Slide At Woeful Bobcats

How many more days does Mike D’Antoni have left? It’s a valid question to ask, what with the Knicks mired in one of their worst slumps in recent memory. On Tuesday night the Knicks visit the 3-14 Charlotte Bobcats. It’s one of these games the Knicks just have to find a way to win. Another loss to a bad team (last week the Knicks fell to the Suns and Bucks) and the already-scorching seat that D’Antoni sits on is going to intensify even more.

You can’t place all the blame on D’Antoni for the Knicks’ struggles this season. The Knicks do have two of the games best scorers in Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, and neither one of them has played to their potential whatsoever this season. Both are shooting way below their career averages from the field (Anthony 40% against 46%, Stoudemire 41% against 53%). It’s surely on the coaching staff to find a way to get these guys playing better and more in sync together, but it’s also on them, as professionals and star players with proven track records, to step up and simply start making shots.

It’s the third meeting between the two teams this season, with exactly 33% of the Bobcats’ wins coming against New York this season. They played each other at Madison Square Garden twice within a six day span. Charlotte took the first meeting by putting up 118 points, while the Knicks squeaked by 91-87 in the rematch. In both games, the Knicks allowed Boris Diaw to play like Jerry West, letting him grab his two highest point outputs of the season (27 and 19, respectively).

Since beating the Knicks back on Jan. 4, the Bobcats have won just once while cracking the 90-point mark just three times in 11 games. There’s no question that they’re one of the league’s bottom feeders right now. Can D’Antoni survive another loss to a lowly opponent?

On Monday, Baron Davis practiced with the Knicks for the first time. The mantra surrounding the Knicks is that he can’t return to the court soon enough. He’s the savior. Unfortunately for D’Antoni, if the year is 2012 and you’re counting on Baron Davis to save your job, you might want to start sending a few resumes out sooner than later.

Amar'e Stoudemire: Presence Of Tyson Chandler To Blame For STAT's Struggles?

Knicks Vs. Nuggets Final Score: Nuggets Outlast Knicks, 119-114, In Double Overtime

Forty eight minutes wasn't enough time to settle the score between the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, and neither was just one overtime. The Nuggets outlasted the Knicks 119-114 in double overtime, behind 37 points from former Knick Danilo Gallinari.

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points for the Knicks, but missed 20 of his 30 shots and all but one of his three point attempts. Amare Stoudemire had a similarly-off night, posting just 12 points, six shy of his season average.

Rookie PG Iman Shumpert was again a bright spot for the Knicks, as he played 38 minutes and contributed 18 points coupled with seven assists.

In the end, however, it was the Knicks inability to contain Gallinari that proved the difference. The Italian forward -- who was part of the package New York sent to Denver in exchange for Anthony last season -- nailed 18 of his 20 free throw attempts, and needed just 19 field-goal attempts to score his 37 points.

The Knicks drop to 3-6 at Madison Square Garden on the season, and will next play Tuesday night in Charlotte against the Bobcats.

For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting. For all the latest NBA coverage, head over to SB Nation's NBA home.

Knicks Vs. Bucks: Carmelo Anthony Frustrated, Doesn't Like To Be 'Punked'

After five losses in a row, frustration is beginning to set in for Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. Anthony scored 35 points Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, but was ejected late in the game after sharing words with Brandon Jennings. Afterward, the Knicks star admitted apologized for his behavior but said he doesn't like to be "punked."

"We're just have a hard time making shots right now. That gets frustrating.... It makes the whole situation that much more strenuous," Anthony said. ...

"I don't like to be punked out there so I think that's where the frustration sets in. It started trickling down so maybe it was my fault," said Anthony, who received treatment on his wrist and other injuries for an hour after the game. ".... I apologize to my teammates for that but I don't like being in those situations. I don't know how to handle them punking situations too well."

Anthony has a chance to relieve himself of the sour taste Saturday, when he meets the Denver Nuggets for the first time since being traded.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Knicks Vs. Bucks: Milwaukee Defeats New York 100-86

The Milwaukee Bucks handed the New York Knicks their fifth straight loss by defeating them in Madison Square Garden by a score of 100-86 on Friday night. The Knicks now have a record of 6-9 and are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference while the Bucks have a 5-9 record and are in ninth place.

The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony, who scored 35 points against the Bucks. Amare Stoudemire added 15 while Tyson Chandler scored 11, Landry Fields scored 10 and Iman Shumpert scored four. The Knicks didn't get much support from their bench players as Josh Harrellson, Bill Walker and Toney Douglas could only combine for 11 points off the bench.

The Bucks were led by Brandon Jennings, who outscored Anthony by one point. His 36 points allowed the Bucks to pull off the 14 point win. Shaun Livingston added 18 for the Bucks while Andrew Bogut scored 8 and Carlos Delfino added nine. Milwaukee had more support from their bench players as Drew Gooden scored 10, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored six, Beno Udrih scored four, ersan Ilyasova scored three, Tobias Harris score two and Mike Dunleavy added one.

Both of these teams have tough matchups coming up. The Knicks will attempt to break their five-game losing streak on Saturday, when they host the 11-5 Denver Nuggets, and the Bucks will look to win their second on in a row on the road in Miami against the Heat on Sunday.

For updates on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting, and on the Bucks, check out Brew Hoops.

Knicks Schedule: Knicks Host Bucks Trying To Snap Slide

If the Knicks are already in a "crisis" as coach Mike D’Antoni stated after Wednesday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, where would a Friday loss to the lowly Milwaukee Bucks put them?

Not only have the Knicks lost four straight games and currently sit at 6-8, they have looked poor against some bad teams along the way. Wednesday’s loss against the Suns proved that the Knicks are totally lost offensively at the moment. Carmelo Anthony, perhaps hampered by wrist and ankle sprains, had one of his worst shooting days as a Knick. Amare Stoudemire continued to shoot poorly too, and the Knicks got just three total field goals from their razor-thin bench. This was against a bad Suns squad that had just been blown out in Chicago the night before.

On Friday the Knicks have another shot at temporarily righting the ship, and again they’ll go up against a less-than-intimidating opponent. The Bucks enter the game just 4-9 on the season, and they’ve been winless in eight tries away from home. Milwaukee is ranked 19th in the league in points allowed per game and are 21st in Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions, via basketball-reference.com) However, the Bucks have had the Knicks’ number as of late, winning 10 of the past 12 matchups between the teams. Brandon Jennings always seems to like playing against the Knicks who, surprisingly to some, passed on him in the 2009 draft. Jennings averages 20.5 points against the Knicks in his career, well above his career average.

The Bucks are the type of defensive team that scorers like Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire should be able to exploit easily. They are also one of the league’s worst offensive teams, and coach Scott Skiles is having a tough time co-existing with volatile shooting guard Stephen Jackson. But when an underwhelming team comes to Madison Square Garden these days, the Knicks seem to play polite host. The teams find themselves in similar situations early in the year, despite vastly different expectations.

Suns 91, Knicks 88: Knicks' Slide Continues With Brutal Loss To Suns

Something tells us that one of the biggest New York Giants fans this NFL postseason is New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni. With Big Blue’s playoff run in progress, the bloodthirsty New York media has something more important to concentrate on than the floundering Knicks, who continue to play poorly as the losses pile up. On Wednesday, New York fell at home to the Phoenix Suns, 91-88, in another brutal offensive performance for a team boasting two of the game’s great scorers.

The Knicks, who fell to an unimpressive 6-8 (and 3-4 at home) were burned by 26 points and 11 assists from the type of player they sorely lack, the ageless Steve Nash. Nash remains able to run a solid offense with a forgettable cast of characters, while the Knicks continue to be one of the worst offensive teams in the league, even with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. The two Knicks’ stars haven’t been able to get on the same page and put together a good combined performance just about all year, and Wednesday was no different. The two combined for 12-of-44 shooting, with Anthony making just 5-of-22 attempts for 12 points. Stoudemire finished with a team-high 23 points, but made just seven field goals.

It was a close game throughout, and the only player keeping the Suns from truly pulling away in the last few minutes was Iman Shumpert. He hit four huge shots down the stretch including two three pointers to keep the Knicks in striking distance. But a wacky three-pointer by Shannon Brown — that caromed off the rim and backboard before rattling in — was the real dagger, putting the Suns up 85-80 with 35 seconds left. One of Shumpert’s threes followed, but Nash was able to salt the game away, scoring the Suns’ final six points from the free throw line.

As a team, the Knicks shot a dismal 37 percent as their team-wide offensive slide continued. A telltale sign of how far the Knicks are from being an elite team in the Eastern Conference is that the Suns were in the second game of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Suns were blown out by the Chicago Bulls, who were without their best player and reigning league MVP Derrick Rose. The Knicks, with their top two players playing 38 minutes apiece, were a few desperate shots from a rookie away from losing going away on their home floor to that same Suns team.

Baron Davis can’t get healthy soon enough, but it can certainly be viewed as a major slight that the Knicks are pining their hopes on an oft-injured, past-his-prime Davis to save their season. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the D’Antoni-Stoudemire-Anthony tandem just isn’t working out. Anthony and Stoudemire are signed to huge contracts and are the faces of the franchise. They’re not going anywhere. If things don’t change soon, the team will need a shakeup, and D’Antoni will be the top candidate to go.

New York Knicks Vs. Phoenix Suns Preview

At least one NBA losing streak will end Wednesday night.

The struggling New York Knicks host the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m., MSG), as both teams look to end skids.

The Knicks have lost three straight contests, including a 102-93 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Monday. Carmelo Anthony returned from ankle injury to score 33 points against the Magic and the Knicks took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, but Ryan Anderson's hot outside shooting (30 points, including seven three-pointers) allowed Orlando to emerge with the victory.

The Suns carry a five-game losing streak into New York. Phoenix was shellacked by Chicago on Tuesday night, 117-98, despite 25 points and nine assists from Steve Nash. Marcin Gortat added 14 points and 15 rebounds in a losing fashion, but the Suns could not stop Carlos Boozer, who had 31 points before sitting out the fourth quarter.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Knicks Vs. Magic Final Score: Carmelo Anthony Returns, But Orlando Shoots Its Way To 102-93 Victory

Carmelo Anthony returned from a sprained ankle to score 33 points, but the New York Knicks fell to the hot-shooting Orlando Magic 102-93 on Monday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

Ryan Anderson scored a career-high 30 points for Orlando and J.J. Redick, making a rare start, scored 21. The duo combined for 10 of the Magic's 17 3-pointers (Anderson had seven).

The Magic shot 50.7 percent compared to the Knicks' 41.1 percent, but New York still led by two entering the fourth quarter thanks to their ability to draw fouls (the Knicks finished 28-33 from the free throw line, including 14-16 by Anthony). Orlando outscored New York 29-18 in the final frame.

The game's two star big men both served up duds. Amare Stoudemire battled foul trouble all afternoon and managed just 10 points and two rebounds, and Dwight Howard fouled out in the final minute with just eight points and 10 boards.

The Knicks' Iman Shumpert, who started at point guard, was active on his way to 12 points, three steals, two assists and two rebounds, and Tyson Chandler was crucial in slowing down Howard.

Anthony appeared to tweak his ankle late in the fourth quarter but did not leave the game.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Patrick Ewing Takes Another Shot At 'Brooklyn' Nets

The New Jersey Nets will soon be moving to Brooklyn. But Patrick Ewing doesn't think the change in location will be enough to win over New York City fans.

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: New York Knicks Forward Cleared, Will Start Against Orlando Magic

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has been medically cleared to play and will start against the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon, reported the New York Times' Howard Beck early Monday afternoon.

Anthony sprained his ankle Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies and missed Saturday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Without Anthony in the lineup, New York shot 41.0 percent from the field against the Thunder and every starter on the team had a minus-15 rating or worse en route to a 104-92 defeat.

Anthony has averaged 25.5 points and 6.2 rebounds this season and has been making a more concerted effort as a playmaker (his 4.3 assists per game would be a career high), but was shooting just 38.8 percent in the four games before the injury.

The Magic have won three straight, all on the road.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Carmelo Anthony Could Return Monday For Orlando Game

Carmelo Anthony is thinking of playing on Martin Luther King day for the Knicks. They desperately need him.

New York Knicks Vs. Orlando Magic Preview: Floundering, Injured Knicks Welcome In Surging Magic

Things are looking bleak for the New York Knicks, and in comes Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Monday looking to pile on. Game time is 1 p.m. ET (MSG).

New York has lost its last two games in blowout fashion to fall to 6-6 on the season, and they may again be without their top player, Carmelo Anthony. Anthony left the Knicks’ Thursday loss at Memphis with a sprained ankle, and the injury kept him out of the team’s Saturday debacle in Oklahoma City against the Thunder. In the defeat at Oklahoma City, the Knicks, who were supposed to be an improved defensive team this season, allowed 70 first half points and were never in the game. On Monday in their annual Martin Luther King Day home matinee, New York will have to account for Howard, who is having a career year.

The Magic (8-3) center is averaging over 20 points a game and is also pulling down a career-best 15.2 rebounds per contest. The task will fall at the hands of Knicks’ center Tyson Chandler, whom the team acquired for games such as this. But as much as the Knicks have struggled on the defensive side, something is array with their offense as well. The team is near the bottom of the league in shooting percentage and assists per game, and without Anthony — who is a game-time decision — New York will be fighting an uphill battle again.

With Anthony out, the go-to guy is Amar’e Stoudemire, who has gotten off to a rough start. His 18.7 points-per-game doesn’t sound all too bad, but it’s down significantly from his career totals. His jump shot has been off all year, and he hasn’t been able to score as consistently as usual when driving to the lane. Stoudemire’s struggles could likely be attributed to the Knicks’ lack of a true point guard, and with Baron Davis still a couple of weeks away from returning from injury, the Stoudemire and the Knicks will have to work out the kinks on the fly.

There are many teams in the NBA that you could skate by against, even without you top player. Howard and the Magic do not quite fit that bill.

Knicks Vs. Thunder Final Score: Kevin Durant Nets 28 As Oklahoma City Routs New York

Behind 28 points from Kevin Durant and 24 from James Harden Saturday night the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the New York Knicks, 104-92, in a inter-conference contest at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK Saturday night. Point guard Russell Westbrook tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and eight for the Thunder, while the Carmelo Anthony-less Knicks trailed by as many as 30 points.

Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Toney Douglas all scored a team-best 14 points for the Knicks, who trailed by 30 near the end of the third quarter before the Thunder began to pull their starters, who didn't play a single minute in the the fourth quarter. Chandler added a team-best seven rebounds.

New York is back in action Monday when the Knicks host the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference match up. The contest begins a string of four straight homes games for the Knicks.

— See SB Nation’s Posting and Toasting for more discussion and analysis of the Knicks.

Iman Shumpert: Wild Game By Rookie Draws Wild Reactions

New York Knicks Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Carmelo Anthony Unlikely To Play

The New York Knicks will most likely face the 10-2 Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday night in Oklahoma City (8 p.m. ET/MSG) without star forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, averaging 25.5 points per game, has a sprained ankle and a sore wrist.

“I’m real sore,” Anthony told the Knicks’ official website. "Hopefully, I will be alright. I can wrap the wrist and play through that. A sore ankle is a little bit more to deal with.

The Knicks (6-5) will need to get star forward Amare Stoudemire untracked to have a chance against Kevin Durant and the Thunder. Stoudemire had just six points in a loss to Memphis earlier in the week. He is still averaging 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Knicks, but has sometimes appeared out of place ina New York offense that revolves around Anthony.

— See SB Nation’s Posting and Toasting for more discussion and analysis of the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: Star Forward (Sprained Ankle, Sprained Wrist) Day-To-Day

New York Knicks star forward Carmelo Anthony is not practicing on Friday due to a sprained ankle and sprained wrist he suffered during Thursday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony is considered day-to-day and could miss Saturday's meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Anthony injured his wrist during the first quarter, but taped it and returned to the game, finishing with 14 points. It wasn't until early in the third quarter that Anthony added injury to injury, spraining his ankle after getting tangled up with Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.

By the time Anthony left, the Knicks were already well on their way to the 94-83 defeat.

"We will see [Friday],'' Anthony said Thursday regarding his availability. "Right now I'm real sore. I'm more concerned with getting my ankle right. I can deal with my wrist. I can wrap the wrist and play through that. A sore ankle is a bit more deal with.''

For more on the Knicks, visit the SB Nation blog Posting And Toasting, as well as SB Nation New York.

Grizzlies 94, Knicks 83: Carmelo Anthony Sprains Ankle As Knicks Blown Out In Memphis

The Knicks were blown out in Memphis on Thursday, but their biggest concern will be the health of their star player.

Carmelo Anthony, the league’s third leading scorer, left the Knicks’ 94-83 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter with a sprained ankle. Anthony will have an MRI shortly to determine the severity of the injury, and the organization and its fans are surely waiting with bated breath and hoping it’s not too serious.

Anthony’s injury is not nearly the reason the Knicks lost, as they played poorly both before and after his departure. The Grizzlies led wire to wire and led by as much as 25 points in a dominant third quarter. Amar’e Stoudemire picked up two quick fouls and never found a rhythm, finishing with just 6 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Rookie Iman Shumpert, who has been impressive in his first NBA season, was woeful, shooting 5-of-20 from the field and turning the ball over six times. Overall, the Knicks looked very much like a tired team, having played Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers night and flown out to Memphis after the win.

For Memphis, Rudy Gay enjoyed his best game of the season, and the Knicks simply had no answer for the former UConn Husky. Gay scored a season-high 26 points, misfiring on just five of his 16 shot attempts. O.J. Mayo also shot very well, finishing with a season-high 18 points. The win snapped a three game losing streak for the Grizzlies and improved them to 4-6 on the season.

The Knicks fell to 6-5 and have a tall order ahead of them on Saturday night when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. It would be a tough task with a full squad, but if Anthony is unavailable, the Knicks will be very much in danger of falling to the .500 mark again.

New York Knicks at Memphis Grizzlies Preview: Quick Turnaroud As Knicks Look For Fifth Straight Victory

On Wednesday night, the Knicks were the fresher team who was able to knock off a tired victim at home. On Thursday, they’ll reverse roles as they try to extend their winning streak to five games in Memphis against the struggling Grizzlies.

The Knicks’ four game winning streak has raised their record to 6-4. It hasn’t been pretty all of the time, but early in this whirlwind season, winning streaks may be few and far between for every team. Wednesday’s 85-79 win over the Philadelphia 76ers was impressive in that the Sixers had won six straight coming in and had dominated inferior opponents. The Knicks had played some close games against the cellar-dwellers, but were able to hold the high-scoring Sixers to a season-low 79 points. Some of it was surely the tired legs of the Sizers, playing their third game in as many nights, but the Knicks have shown an ability to win low-scoring, close games as of late.

Thursday’s matchup could play out in a similar fashion, as the Grizzlies are struggling offensively at the moment. During their current three game losing streak , which has put them at 3-6 overall, they’re averaging just 87.3 points per game. With Zach Randolph out for a while due to a knee injury, the scoring load has fallen on Rudy Gay. Gay is averaging over 16 points a game but has not shot the ball entirely well.

Last season, the Knicks had a memorable win at FedEx Forum, defeating the Grizzlies by two when Carmelo Anthony hit a jumper with under a second left. In all, Anthony has had a lot of success in the building, averaging 31.8 points in his last five games in Memphis.

Knicks 85, 76ers 79: Knicks WIn Ugly Over Sixers

It wasn’t pretty, and the New York Knicks made it a lot tougher on themselves than they needed to, but New York was able to keep its winning streak alive while halting the Philadelphia 76ers’ own streak with a 85-79 win Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

New York improved to 6-4 behind the strength of 27 points and 9 rebounds from Carmelo Anthony and 20 points and 9 rebounds from Amar’e Stoudemire. The Knicks were able to open up a 17-point lead early in the fourth quarter but Philadelphia was resilient despite playing in their third game in as many nights. The Knicks obliged, turning the ball over 11 times in the fourth quarter to allow the Sixers to get to within four. But it wouldn’t get any closer.

On the surface it will look like a good defensive performance for the Knicks, and they were able to get some key stops at the end. But the tired Sixers — who entered the game as one of the best offensive teams in the league during the early season — shot poorly for the most part.

The rookie duo of Iman Shumpert and Josh Harrellson helped the Knicks jump out to the big lead. Harrellson connected on three 3-pointers and finished the game as a +12. Shumpert showed himself to be a little over-aggressive at times, but still used his energy to the tune of 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and played a team-high 38 minutes.

The Knicks hit the road immediately and take on the 3-6 Memphis Grizzlies on the road on Thursday.

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview: Knicks Host Red-Hot Sixers

Before the season, the Knicks/76ers game on Wednesday, Jan. 11 looked like it'd be a tough early season test for one of the teams. However, most probably didn't think it'd be the Knicks.

But that's exactly what it will be for New York when they host Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden tonight. The Sixers enter the game as one of the hottest (and maybe best?) teams in the NBA. At 7-2, they've won six in a row and have dominated their opponents along the way. Heading into the game, the Sixers rank third in the NBA in scoring and first in points allowed. Perhaps the main advantage the Knicks could have is that this will the the third game in as many nights for the Sixers.

The 5-4 Knicks are on a streak of their own. After two poor home losses last week to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Bobcats, the Knicks have won three straight, albeit against weak opposition in the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and Bobcats (in fairness, the Sixers have wins over mostly poor teams during their streak, the Indiana Pacers the exception).

The Knicks will look to shut down the balanced Sixers offense that has nearly seven players who are averaging double figures in points per game (Elton Brand is averaging 9.6). Last season, Brand turned back the clock on the Knicks, averaging 26.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in four games versus the Knicks. All eyes will be on the much-questioned Knicks defense, which has shown a few signs of turning things around since giving up 118 points to the Bobcats four games ago.

Bobcats Vs. Knicks: New York Holds On For 91-87 Win

The Charlotte Bobcats never led again after taking a 16-15 lead over the New York Knicks with 4:28 left in the first quarter of Monday night's game. They made things interesting with a late run, however, coming within two points of the Knicks with just over a minute left before eventually falling by a 91-87 final score.

The Knicks' defensive effort has been much maligned throughout the season, but they did a nice job on that end of the floor Monday. Holding a 79-71 lead with 6:48 left in the game, New York gave up an 11-3 run by the Bobcats, however, knotting the game up at 82 apiece. The Knicks would retake and retain the lead on a Carmelo Anthony layup, but not without some trepidation from then on.

Anthony finished with 22 points for the day on 6-for-18 shooting. Tyson Chandler was effective in the paint once again, picking up 13 rebounds and 20 points on 7-for-8 from the field. Amare Stoudemire led all scorers with 25 points in addition to his 12 rebounds.

For more on the Knicks, visit the SB Nation blog Posting And Toasting, as well as SB Nation New York. Be sure to head over to Rufus On Fire for everything Bobcats.

Knicks Vs. Bobcats: New York Tries For Third Straight Victory

The New York Knicks will be looking to avenge a loss while trying to extended their current winning streak to three games Monday, as they host the Charlotte Bobcats in a Eastern Conference contest at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks (4-4) lost to the Bobcats (2-6) less than a week ago, 118-110, but since then have rallied off two straight victories, including a dominating effort against the Detroit Pistons Saturday.

Knicks 103, Pistons 80: Amare Stoudemire Leads New York Rout

New York is trying to turn around its current struggles at home, which feature losses in two of its first three games. Forward Carmelo Anthony will also be looking for a rebound effort after netting a season-low 13 points Saturday.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has lost two straight since beating New York. The latest loss came against the Indiana Pacers, 99-77, on Saturday.

Point guard D.J. Augustine leads the Bobcats in scoring with 17.2 points per game, but every Knicks fan will be looking forward to New York native, rookie guard Kemba Walker, return to the Big Apple for the second time in less than a week.

For more on the Knicks, visit the SB Nation blog Posting And Toasting, while Rufus On Fire has everything on the Bobcats.

Knicks 103, Pistons 80: Amare Stoudemire Leads New York Rout

Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds, as the New York Knicks stepped up defensively and pounded the Detroit Pistons, 103-80, to post consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Mike Bibby came off the bench for 16 points and Carmelo Anthony chipped in 13 with seven assists for the Knicks, who were coming off a three-point victory at Washington on Friday. Tyson Chandler ended with 10 points, nine boards and had three of his team's 12 steals.

"Good offense is moving the ball and Amare started in the first half by moving the ball and pushing the ball out a couple times on drives that would set up people," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "As long as the players are willing, which they are, then we'll eventually get a stop."

Brandon Knight had 19 points for the injury-plagued Pistons, who lost their third in a row. Ben Gordon had 12 points, but accounted for nine of his team's 21 turnovers that led to 23 New York points.

The Pistons, who played without Austin Daye (sore right ankle), Rodney Stuckey (sore groin) and Charlie Villanueva (sore right ankle), shot 37.2 percent from the floor.

The big difference in Saturday night's game was the second quarter, when the Knicks held a 39-18 scoring advantage. The visitors sizzled from the field by going 15-for-23 in the period, compared to a 5-of-15 performance for the Pistons.

Knicks Vs. Pistons: New York Shooting For Second Straight

(Sports Network) - Carmelo Anthony is the NBA's second-leading scorer and looks to remain hot tonight, when the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons from The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Anthony is currently battling a sore hip and is averaging 29.1 points on the season. Miami's LeBron James leads the league with 29.9 ppg.

New York got 37 points from Anthony in Friday's 99-96 victory over the winless Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center. Anthony, who is averaging 35 points over the past three games, buried a three-pointer with 15.5 seconds to go to keep the Wizards at bay, while Amare Stoudemire recorded a double-double with 23 points and 12 boards for New York, which ended a two-game slide and won for the third time this season (3-4).

Knicks 99, Wizards 96: Carmelo Anthony's Three Saves Knicks In Washington

Mike D’Antoni should send Carmelo Anthony a fruit basket. Or something like that.

The Knicks looked on the verge of a disastrous loss Friday night before Anthony’s three pointer with 15 seconds left saved them. They were behind 96-95, having surrendered a seven point fourth quarter lead against the winless Washington Wizards. Anthony surely had his part in the collapse, misfiring on a number of forced shots. But when the Knicks got the ball after John Wall put the Wizards up by one, Anthony knocked down the big shot, saving the Knicks from a loss that could have seriously endangered the future of D’Antoni as head coach.

The Knicks’ win brought them to a still disappointing 3-4, and the Wizards remained winless at 0-7. Anthony finished with 37 points, connecting on 16 of his 33 field-goal attempts. The others Knicks stars, Amar’e Stoudemire (23 points, 12 rebounds) and Tyson Chandler (12 and 15) had good nights as well, but two backcourt reserves shined bright.

Mike Bibby, who had hit just one three pointer all year ahead of this game, knocked down three long range shots and finished with a season-high 11 points. Rookie Iman Shumpert, who simply continues to impress and outplay Landry Fields, stuffed the stat sheet. Shumpert had 10 points with five steals, seven assists and three rebounds. And perhaps most importantly and impressively, Shumpert led the Knicks in plus-minus, as the team was +20 with the rookie on the court.

The Knicks needed Bibby and Shumpert to play the bulk of the minutes and perform because starting point guard Toney Douglas and Fields were uninspiring, playing just 29 combined minutes and two points between them. There have been rumors that Shumpert will soon start, and that possibility is becoming increasingly apparent.

The Knicks have a shot to get back to .500 Saturday night when they visit another struggling Eastern Conference team, the 2-5 Detroit Pistons.

Knicks At Wizards Preview: Knicks Try To Right The Ship Against Winless Wizards

Head on over to Posting and Toasting for more on the Knicks.