Sports

With Chandler out, struggling Knicks know they need more effort, better defense

Associated Press
Published | Updated

New York Knicks' Raymond Felton, left, Carmelo Anthony, center, and Andrea Bargnani look on from the bench during the second half of the NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (The Associated Press)

New York Knicks' J.R. Smith reacts after a Knicks foul during the first half of the NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (The Associated Press)

Carmelo Anthony recognized the beautiful view the San Antonio Spurs enjoyed Sunday — and what to do with it.

"I know my eyes get bigger if I don't see a shot blocker in the paint," he said Monday. "So I guess that was their game plan, to attack, attack, knowing we didn't have any shot blockers in there."

And the New York Knicks won't for a few more weeks while Tyson Chandler recovers from a broken leg.

The Spurs sure took advantage, with Knicks coach Mike Woodson counting 17 layups in their 120-89 victory on Sunday. It was the second game Chandler missed, and the Knicks (2-4) will be in real trouble if more opponents punish them the way San Antonio did.