DALLAS — Coach Mike Woodson decided to go against his normal plan. He reduced his rotation to eight players and his Knicks looked tired on the second night of a back-to-back in Wednesday night’s 114-111 loss in Dallas.
Woodson played eight guys, meaning point guard Pablo Prigioni, Marcus Camby and even Kurt Thomas didn’t see the Dallas court. It was the first time Prigioni did not play this season, and it continued Camby’s perplexing usage.
Woodson admitted it wasn’t the right call.
“I was trying to go for the sure win and not that I don’t do that every time, but I narrowed the lineup knowing we had a day off for Thanksgiving,’’ Woodson said. “But it somewhat backfired. Bad coaching. We’ll figure it out next game.’’
The Knicks’ biggest strength is its depth but instead he used Carmelo Anthony for 40:35 and he didn’t shine in the fourth. He played Raymond Felton 39:17 and Jason Kidd went 35:46. JR Smith played 32:10.
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* Tyson Chandler has been banging the drums for Anthony’s MVP candidacy, saying he should be “at the top of the race’’ because the Knicks’ great start. Last night, before Anthony faded down the stretch, Chandler said, “To me, he’s the best player in the game right now.’’
Chandler, who has a championship ring, praised Anthony, but it could be viewed as damning him with faint praise, reading between the lines. It’s evident the Knicks center didn’t consider Anthony had qualities of a true winner before the 2012-13 season.
“He’s a completely different player this year,’’ Chandler said before the game. “I think the USA [Olympic] experience did wonders for him being around those guys. I think he’s hungry to take it to the next level and win.’’
Ironically, the only other time Anthony made it out of the first round in his career came after the 2008 Olympics gold-medal game when he played for the Redeem Team.
“He’s been at an incredibly high level his entire career as far as individual accomplishments,’’ Chandler said. “He’s ready to take it to the next level of leadership and winning. He’s doing all the little things it takes to actually win, practicing hard, focused on shootaround, playing defense, communicating on the basketball floor. He’s a real leader out there and it’s fun to watch.’’
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Knicks superfan Spike Lee took in the Knicks victory in New Orleans as he has been in the Big Easy for a couple of months, filming a new movie. Decked in all orange, Spike sat next to actor James Brolin courtside.
Afterward, Lee was in deep discussion with the Knicks newly heralded shooting coach Dave Hopla, who has earned kudos from o Anthony for helping with his jump shot.