Iman Shumpert got a big hand from the Garden crowd during player introductions for the first time this season.
Yesterday was his first game this season in the United States but it wasn’t a memorable one. After his solid season debut in London last Thursday, Shumpert couldn’t knock down a shot in the Knicks’ 88-85 loss to the Nets, shooting an airball on his first attempt — a corner 3-pointer. He finished the game with two points on 1 of 6 shooting in 20 minutes — his new playing time cap. He also allowed the Nets’ Joe Johnson to get off to a hot start.
“Today I got open shots and I’m supposed to knock it down,’’ Shumpert said. “I just missed the shots. It wasn’t rust. It wasn’t rust when I shot them in London. You just got to knock down shots.’’
Shumpert said his left knee, on which he underwent ACL surgery in early May was fine. Before the game, Knicks coach Mike Woodson talked about Shumpert needing to improve his jump shot and playmaking.
“He’s going to be up and down,’’ Woodson said afterward. “But that is going to be that way until he gets his legs under him. I like his effort. That’s all I can ask for.’’
Shumpert would have been the ideal defender on Johnson in the final 15 seconds but he got caught on a switch and J.R. Smith picked the Nets gunner up.
“I am mad at the loss more so than what I am doing,’’ Shumpert said. “I am trying to fit in.’’
* Knicks point guard Pablo Prigioni played just 52 seconds of the second half before injuring his left toe in a collision. He didn’t return for the fourth quarter. Prigioni said the medical staff manually tested the toe and did not feel it was broken. Prigioni said the staff called it “a contusion.’’
* Steve Novak went scoreless (0-for-3). … Kurt Thomas was a DNP for second straight game. …. Amar’e Stoudemire (six rebounds) said the return of Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby will help improve the team’s rebounding. “They are definitely two quality rebounders. We definitely need them, but still had a chance to win.’’ … Tyson Chandler had seven points and 11 boards.
* Woodson was asked before the game about the significance of MLK Day and admitted he may not be in his position without the black civil rights champion.
“Martin Luther King Day is for all people,’’ Woodson said. “The struggles he went through many years ago. I was 10 years old when he was assassinated. I didn’t understand the dynamics. But I think he was fighting for all people, not just African-American people. All people of color, equal rights, the rights to grow and be a human being. He lost his life for that. I don’t know too many people who would sacrifice their life for that. He’s part of the reason I’m in my position today.’’