With backcourt depth already an issue for the New York Knicks, an injury to any member of their rotation was something they couldn't afford. Unfortunately, according to Howard Beck of the New York Times, rookie guard Iman Shumpert suffered a strained MCL in the third quarter:
@HowardBeckNYT: Shumpert has a sprained MCL and will not return today
Shumpert provided a nice spark off the bench for the Knicks, as his aggressive play was important with Carmelo Anthony and Toney Douglas in foul trouble in the opening three quarters. Although his shot wasn't falling, Shumpert was able to score 11 points off the bench and was showing some of the promise that made him a first round pick coming out of Georgia Tech.
With this injury, the Knicks will need Landry Fields and Bill Walker to provide some consistency on the offensive end of the court. Toney Douglas has shot the ball well from the field, and he will need to continue to be a scoring threat to make up for the absence of Shumpert.
Stay tuned to SB Nation NBA for the latest on Shumpert and all of the Christmas Day action.