How it Happened
Less than two full years into his NBA career, Langston Galloway has already made a name for himself by making clutch shots. He did it once again tonight, draining a contested 3-pointer from the top of the key to pull the Knicks to within one point with 8.5 seconds left to play, but wasn't able to connect on his second attempt -- a potential game-tying 3 from the right wing as time expired.
The Knicks battled back from a 16-point first quarter deficit behind 53 combined points from Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, but weren't able to get over the hump in Kurt Rambis' first game as head coach.
"I was pleased with our guys' determination to get back in the ballgame," Rambis said afterward. John Wall (28 points and 17 assists) was simply too much from start to finish.
Knick of the Night
Anthony's scoring efficiency and effort on the glass helped keep his team in the game against the Wizards, who connected on 16 3-pointers on the night. After receiving his All-Star jersey in a pre-game ceremony, he finished with 33 points on 12-22 shooting and 13 rebounds.
News and Notes
Porzingis followed up a 13-point, 7-rebound third quarter on Sunday with 14 points in the third tonight...Galloway finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Numbers Game
Porzingis also blocked three shots to give him 105 on the season, breaking Patrick Ewing's Knicks rookie record (103).
Next Up
The All-Star break gives the Knicks a chance to regroup and prepare for the remainder of the season under Rambis. They'll return to action a week from Thursday in Brooklyn.