The magic number seems to be about 38.
While no one is saying that definitively, that seems to be the number of wins the Knicks have set as the target for playoff entry.
“I think anywhere from 38 to 40 might be the number,” said Knicks coach Mike Woodson, whose Knicks need to go 9-3 in the final 12 games to get 38 wins.
“As far as how many wins it’s gonna take, who knows? We gotta go play,” said Carmelo Anthony.
J.R. Smith, who suffered a fracture in his cheekbone Feb. 8, said Sunday was his last game playing with the mask. In fact, he yanked it off early.
“I was frustrated, frustrated with the mask. [Sunday] was going to be the last day I wore it anyway. I had my heart set on not playing with it from the start of the game and then coming out in the third and missing some shots, I just got frustrated with it,” said Smith who shot 7-of-15.
Raymond Felton revealed he played with a hyperextended right thumb, suffered Friday in Philadelphia.
“It hurts, hyperextended it. Kind of just a little minor sprain. It’s a little swollen but whatever. I’m out there, it’s no time to sit out. Every game counts so I’m playing no matter what,” Felton said.
The Knicks were without Iman Shumpert. He was suffering from flu-like symptoms.
The likelihood of Kenyon Martin playing again for the Knicks this season did not seem good at all. But there is a chance Martin could return from his left ankle misery, especially if the Knicks could somehow squeeze into the playoffs.
“We’ll see,” said Martin, who last played Feb. 1 and has missed a total of 38 games. “It’s something I’m been dealing with all season. It got to the point where the pain just got unbearable.
“We’ve got games left, we’re still fighting for a playoff position and the team is playing well. That’s all that matters right now but I’m definitely trying to get back at some point whether during the season or the playoffs,” Martin said. “So I’m, optimistic about it. It’s just day-by-day, slow process. It’s better but it’s just not where I need to be where I think I could go out and play without being in pain. It’s frustrating. But it definitely has gotten better but it’s still not quite there yet.”
Woodson stressed there is no timetable for Martin or Andrea Bargnani (torn elbow ligament) to return.
“Bargnani’s running but no contact and Kenyon is basically [riding a] stationary bike. So we’ve got to keep winning for those guys to see if we can get in and get them back,” Woodson said.