Recap: Knicks 104, Heat 84

After a stressful and emotional week in New York City due to the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy, the city was in need of a huge pick-me-up. The Knicks were more than happy to abide. In front of an emotional crowd in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks defeated the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat by a score of 104-84. It was the home and season opener for the Knicks, after what was supposed to be their first game agains the Brooklyn Nets Thursday night was postponed. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 30 points and 10 rebounds while the Heat were led by LeBron James’ 23 points along with seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

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Notes:

• The Knicks shot an absurd 53% from beyond the arc (19-for-36), led by Novak’s 5-for-8 performance. In last season’s five-game playoff series vs the Heat, Novak made a total of four three-pointers on seven attempts. Five Knicks (Anthony, Novak, Felton, Kidd, J.R. Smith) hit multiple three-pointers.
• The Knicks starting backcourt of Kidd and Ronnie Brewer had fine games in their Knicks debut. Kidd was 3-for-5 from the field (all beyond the arc) and 3-for-3 from the free throw line for 12 points along with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brewer scored seven points on 3-for-7 shooting along with five rebounds and three assists. The two combined for a +/- of +20.
• After his 6-for-10 first quarter, Anthony shot just 4-for-18 the rest of the way. However, he went 6-for-7 from the free throw line (all after the first quarter) and his defense on LeBron James was a huge factor in the Knicks win.
• Felton, in his return to the Knicks, almost had himself a double-double (19 points, nine assists). He did have three turnovers and at times forced some shots, but overall did a fine job managing the Knicks offense. He was exceptionally well when the Heat attempted to double team him off pick-and-rolls, continually splitting the Miami defense and getting into the paint.

The Knicks will host divisional foes, the Philadelphia 76ers, on Sunday in the first of a home-and-home back-to-back. Tip off is at noon.