On January 08, 2012, the New York Knicks dominated the Detroit Pistons with a great all-around performance. The Knicks evened their record at 4-4. This team is starting to gel.
Rookie guard Iman Shumpert got his first start of the season over Toney Douglas and did not disappoint. Shumpert had 11 points and three assists. He was able to penetrate and find teammates for easy baskets. There seems to be more energy when Shumpert is on the court. I expected Shumpert to break into the starting lineup, but not this soon. He is the real deal.
It was nice to see Amare'e Stoudemire attack the basket for a change. We know he can hit the jumper, but he needs to drive to the basket too. Stoudemire benefited from the play of Shumpert at the point.
Carmelo Anthony only scored 13 points, but he displayed his passing ability once again. Anthony had seven assists. He has a knack for finding Tyson Chandler around the basket. It is great when Anthony scores 30+, but the Knicks are a better team when more players contribute.
Guard Mike Bibby has emerged as a threat from long range. He hit four out of four three-pointers. Bibby may have lost a step, but he can still hit the three. It looks like Bibby will be a valuable asset off a thin bench for the Knicks.
Scoring was balanced as six Knicks were in double figures. Landry Fields had eight points. Rookie forward Josh Harrellson continues to impress. He had 11 points and seven rebounds. The balanced attack was just too much for the Pistons.
Passing was the difference in this game. The Knicks had 26 assists, a season-high. This is how the Knicks are most dangerous. They must continue to get each other involved, play the two-man game and find teammates in good spots. Here is one pretty sequence between Stoudemire and Anthony from last night: video.
It was a great overall effort for the Knicks. This is how dominating the Knicks can be when everything is clicking. It looks like the Knicks are starting to figure things out.
More from Edwin Torres:
Knicks Listless Against the Bobcats: Fan Reaction
Five Reasons to Panic for the New York Knicks: Fan Opinion
Five Thoughts on Knicks Over Celtics on Christmas Day: Fan Perspective
NBA Preseason Shows Good and Bad Knicks: Fan View
Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.
