Memphis Grizzlies at New York Knicks final score: Grizzlies beat Knicks 95-87
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 95-87 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Grizzlies improved to 11-15, and the Knicks fell to 8-18.
There were plenty of boos showered on the Knicks early in the game at MSG. The Knicks did not shoot well from the field and were outrebounded 56-29. It is difficult to blame a team for missing shots, but the lack of rebounding is unacceptable.
The Grizzlies led by as much as 19 after a Kosta Koufos two-pointer put Memphis ahead 85-66 with 6:11 to go in the fourth. From that point, the Knicks went on a 9-0 run to get within ten points of the Grizzlies with 4:28 left. The fans began supporting their home team with chants of “defense, defense,” as the Knicks cut into the deficit.
A Carmelo Anthony three at 1:39 narrowed the Memphis lead to seven points. On the following possession, a Carmelo two-pointer cut the lead to five with 59 seconds left. After a J.R. Smith steal on the other end, Tyson Chandler hit one of two free throws to make it a four-point game with 22 seconds to go.
Down four with the shot clock turned off, the Knicks were forced to begin a fouling strategy. Memphis point guard Jerryd Bayless, an 81% FT shooter, hit both free throws to end the Knicks’ second 9-0 run of the fourth quarter. After a missed contested layup by J.R. Smith on the other end, Tony Allen made a transition layup to give Memphis a 95-87 lead, which was the final score of the game.
Memphis top performers: Power forward Zach Randolph scored 25 points and collected 15 rebounds against his former team. Shooting guard Tony Allen finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
New York top performers: Small forward Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points along with seven rebounds and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. and J.R. Smith each finished with 16 points. Smith also added seven rebounds and four steals.
Next game: Memphis takes on Utah at 8 pm ET on Monday. New York travels to Orlando for a game against the Magic at 7 pm ET on Monday.
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