The New York Knicks hit the court as they face the Philadelphia 76ers in their early 12 pm start.
Both teams are coming off successful first games in their 2012 seasons.
For the Knicks it was an emotional return to the Garden following the devastation caused by Sandy. The Knicks simply destroyed the champion Miami Heat 104-84 as they simply were on fire.
Their defensive execution was almost flawless. They played at a high pace and made it tough on the Heat.
Their offense was led by the three-point ball. Led by their discount-triple check Steve Novak, the Knicks went on the knock down 17 three pointers Friday evening. Novak finished with 17 points.
Carmelo Anthony was focused going 10-28, not very efficient, but he scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to rack up the double-double. Other Knicks I'm double figures scoring; welcome back Raymond Felton he had 14 points and 9 assists, Jason Kidd dropped 12, Tyson Chandler had 10 and J.R. Smith finished with 11.
If there's after squad that knows about scoring and winning as a team it's the Philadelphia 76ers. They had
their starting five in double figures as they went on to defeat the Denver Nuggets 84-75.
There is no more Andre Iguodala and as a matter of fact, they beat Iguodala in his homecoming as he is now wearing a Nuggets' jersey.
This battle is now between the two teams that finished in 7th and 8th place to sneak into the playoffs. However, with the additions the clubs have made, many see both teams finishing in better conditions this year.
The 76ers have Andrew Bynum and the Knicks have a bolstered bench.
Tipoff is early at 12 pm.
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