The Knicks were really expected a lot out of Steve Francis when they traded for him but he has disappointed them this season.  In his defense, he has been injured most of the season….but when he’s been healthy he hasn’t played too well.  Francis has played in 22 games this season and he’s averaged 26 minutes, 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.  He’s only shooting 42.1% from the floor and that needs to improve if he’s going to help the Knicks make a run for the playoffs this season.

The Knicks had a 10 point lead going into the 4th quarter but were outscored 27-17 in the 4th quarter and then beaten in OT.  Jamal Crawford led the way for the Knicks with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.  Eddy Curry also had a solid game with 27 points and 8 rebounds.

The Knicks fell to 22-29 on the season with this loss.  http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=270210026

David Lee’s play this season has been a major reason for the improved play of the Knicks as a team.  Lee has been providing a lot of muscle off of the bench for the Knicks with his aggressive style of play.  Lee is averaging 11.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season.  The Knicks have resisted the temptation to start Lee because he brings energy to the whole team when he comes off of the bench….even the tired guys that started the game!  He’s hit an amazing 60.6% of his shots from the floor this season which is fantastic.  He also is very good at the free throw line as he makes 80.4% of his attempts.  Without Lee, the Knicks would be worse than they were last season.

The Knicks outscored the Clippers 59-37 in the second half and that’s why they won last night!   Eddy Curry had a real solid game with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.  Jamal Crawford also had a good game with 23 points and 3 rebounds.

The Knicks improved to 22-28 on the season with this win.  http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=270206018

The Knicks played well on defense as they held the Magic to 37.7% shooting from the floor.  Eddy Curry led the way for the Knicks with 27 points and 6 rebounds.  Channing Frye also had a very good game with 18 points and 7 rebounds.

The Knicks improved to 21-28 on the season with this win.  http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=270203019

The Knicks rookies have not played very well this season.  Renaldo Balkman has played in 44 games and he’s averaging 13.2 minutes, 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists.  The Knicks do like the defensive effort that Balkman gives every night, but he needs to work on his offense.

Guard Mardy Collins best play of the season was when he fouled J.R. Smith hard to start the big melee in New York.  Collins has played in 26 games and is averaging 4.5 minutes, 1.5 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.2 assists.  He’s also only shooting 33.3% from the floor.  That shooting % must come up if he wants to earn more minutes.