Knicks Losing Streak Hits Six Games
After winning 10 of their 15 games in February, the New York Knicks are winless in March thanks to a six-game losing streak.
Friday night in Milwaukee, the Knicks ended a tough road trip with another tough loss. After falling behind early on, New York rallied from a 108-93 disadvantage in the game's final minute, and had a chance to take the lead. It wasn't enough, though, as two costly turnovers left the Knicks on the short end of a 119-114 score.
Amar'e Stoudemire led all scorers with 27 points; Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin finished with 22 and 20 respectively. The Bucks' trio of Ersan Ilyasova, Brandon Jennings and Mike Dunleavy combined for 76 points.
Sunday night saw the Knicks return to Madison Square Garden to host the Philadelphia 76ers. After a back-and-forth first half, the Sixers took control with a 38-point third quarter and never looked back, beating the Knicks 106-94.
Anthony led the Knicks with 22 points, while Stoudemire had a rare off-night with just nine. Lin contributed 14 points, six turnovers and seven assists.
The Knicks went back on the road for Monday night's game in Chicago. A gritty performance against the Eastern Conference leaders saw New York come up just short, 104-99.
Once again, Anthony led the team with 21 points; Stoudemire finished right behind him with an even 20. Lin contributed 15 points and eight assists, but was unable to stop Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. The reigning NBA MVP easily led all scorers with 32 points.
New York fans hope their team can return to form back at home this week. They will host the Portland Blazers Wednesday and the Indiana Pacers Friday before hitting the road again this weekend.
Tough Losses Ruin Islanders' Weekend
Despite a strong performance through the first 58 minutes of Saturday night's game against the Devils, the Islanders fell just short with a 2-1 defeat.
After two scoreless periods, John Tavares drilled a goal in the third to give the Isles a 1-0 lead. That lead held up for the next five minutes, and seemed as though it would give the Islanders their 29th win of the season.
What happened next silenced the sellout crowd at Nassau Coliseum. Devils forward David Clarkson laced a shot past goaltender Anders Nilsson to tie the score at one. Just 14 seconds later, Marek Zidlicky came through with what proved to be the game-winning score.
Sunday night was the final matchup of the season between the Isles and the rival New York Rangers. In a hard-fought contest, the Rangers came out on top, 4-3 in overtime.
The Isles surged to a 3-2 lead by the end of the second period thanks to goals from John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Andrew MacDonald. Brad Richards contributed both Rangers goals.
In the third period, though, the Rangers made it a tie game on the strength of Brian Boyle's goal. The score would remain tied throughout regulation and into the closing seconds of overtime.
With a shootout looming just six seconds away, Marian Gaborik roofed a shot just out of the reach of Evgeni Nabokov to give the Rangers a 4-3 win. The season series ends 2-3-1 for the Islanders.
In their first non-divisional matchup in four contests, the Isles will host the Washington Capitals Tuesday night.
Rangers Build on Eastern Conference Lead
Despite a tough loss on the road in Chicago Friday night, the New York Rangers are comfortably atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The Rangers took a 2-1 lead early in the third period, but three straight goals from the Blackhawks reversed that advantage en route to a 4-3 victory.
After Sunday's victory over the Islanders, though, the Rangers lead the conference with 93 points.
