Derrick Rose has recovered from his back spasm and return to court after missed three games. While Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Kevin Love in a game against the Bucks after a surgery in his knee.
The impact of Rose in the Knicks lineup was shown instantly in the 1118-111 victory against Indiana Pacers this Tuesday, Dec. 20. Rose organized the Knicks defense efficiently making Carmelo Anthony focus more on the scoring and led the team, New York Times reported. Anthony posted 35 points followed by Rose with 24 points and Kristaps Porzingis tallied 21 points.
New York Knicks look tired in the game against the Pacers but they deliver the best performance at Madison Square Garden. Prior to the game, coach Hornacek assessed the team condition and said that a few nights off would recharge the players. However, he is happy with the winning at their home stadium against the Pacers.
Meanwhile in Cleveland, Love is having trouble with his knee, Cleveland.com reported. He is reported to have a knee contusion which occurred when he banged his knee against Larry Nance, Jr in the 119-108 victory against the Lakers on Saturday, Dec. 17.
After the incident, his knee was swollen and stiffed. Doctors then conducted a minor surgery on his left knee and he didn’t appear in the practice sesion on Monday. Cavaliers head coach Tyron Lue said that after the surgery, Love’s condition is questionable to play on Tuesday night game against Milwaukee Bucks. Therefore, the 6’10” forward will not join the team to Milwaukee.
Love has been a great contributor to the team this season. He has improved his scoring compared to last season, and he adjusted his game to coach Lue system and make a strong impact. This season he averages 22.25 points and 10.67 rebounds per game. His most impressicve performance was on Nov. 23 in the game against Pistons as he scored 34 points in a quarter.
Watch Love’s amazing performance from NBA official channel below: