New York Knicks make huge statement with win over the Miami Heat

Back-up finding their groove

Amar’e Stoudemire needed his minutes to be reduced in order to recover from a knee injury. Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler sat out due to injuries. Iman Shumpert failed to produce effectively.

If injuries were not enough, to make matters worse, there were even reports of chemistry issues within the roster. A lot went on during November and December, including a 9-game losing streak.

But over a period of time the team adjusted to the minutes, with themselves and with the injuries, and are currently reaping the benefits.

Felton and Stoudemire, who came up big against the Heat with double doubles, are slowly getting their groove back. The Knicks’ win over the Heat just goes to show the importance of Felton to their play. He finished with 13 points and 14 assists. Stoudemire, who at the start of the season was allowed only 10 minutes a half, made a difference with his performance of 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench against the Heat after playing 26 minutes.

The most recent revelation has been Iman Shumpert while on their trip to the Texas triangle. Against the Spurs, Mavericks and Rockets he averaged 21 points a game. His shooting has become more efficient. Against the Heat he contributed only 12 points, but all came from long range on 4-7 shooting.

Do they have a shot at the Playoffs?

The team doesn’t lack offense but in a tight game might fall short on the defensive end.

They seem to be doing better with J.R. Smith on the bench. Metta World Peace is out with knee problems and Tyson Chandler is out with an upper respiratory infection.

So when those players make their return there is no debate about the fact that the Knicks’ defense would go up more than just a notch. We often associate defense with Chandler, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, but another underrated quality of the big man is his offensive rebounding.

These would be crucial and huge additions to an already improving Knicks’ team. If they could keep up their current level of play, the new debate would be how far can they go into the post-season rather than whether they would make it there.