5 things to watch: Spurs vs. Knicks
The San Antonio Spurs (26-8) will look to extend their winning streak to eight games in a row as they visit the New York Knicks (21-10) tonight.
This will be the final meeting between the Spurs and Knicks this season. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 104-100 in San Antonio this past November. Six Spurs scored in double figures and were led by Tony Parker's 19 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds while Tim Duncan added 14 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The Spurs are coming off a 117-110 win over the Bucks in Milwaukee. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and 3 blocks. Tony Parker chipped in 23 points and 11 assists, while Manu Ginobili added 16 points and 6 assists off the bench.
The Knicks are coming off a 100-105 loss at home to the Blazers. Carmelo Anthony, who missed the last two games with a hyperextended left knee, scored a game-high 45 points and J.R. Smith added 28 points off the bench.
And as East meets West tonight in "The Big Apple," here are five things to watch for during the game:
• The Spurs are shooting 47.5 percent from the three-point line during their current seven-game win streak.
• The Knicks are holding its opponents to 46.1 points in the second half which is sixth best in the NBA.
• The Knicks are an impressive 12-3 at home but all three defeats have come in their last five games at Madison Square Garden.
• The Knicks lead the NBA in assists per turnovers at 1.82 with Jason Kidd fourth in the NBA with a 3.58 assists to turnover ratio.
• The Knicks are fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage at .388 while making 11.3 triples a game, which is tops in the NBA.
The Spurs are 26-8 (9 now) because they were facing lightweight teams. They have now lost to the Clippers twice, to the Knicks twice, once to the Thunder,and once to the Heat. They appear to be mdgets agains the Knicks tonight. Why can't coach Pop, GM Buford and Mr. Holt accept it? They are the best of 2nd class teams! don't mgnt have any pride at all? PLEASE, if anyone out there can talk to the Spurs it is NOT too late to dream about the wcf or even the nba finals. As it is they ar no matck to the likes of Chandler, Anthony, Stoudemire. Camby and newcomer Copeland. SHAME ON YOU SPURS1
