New York Knicks Team Report - February 24

(Basketball News) - The Knicks will face the new-look Philadelphia 76ers tonight at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia acquired Chris Webber from the Kings on Wednesday night.

On Wednesday night, just 20 hours before today’s trade deadline, the Sixers pulled off a blockbuster deal, acquiring Webber and reserve forwards Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley from Sacramento in exchange for forwards Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner.

New York, which had been rumored to be interested in acquiring Webber as well, has been in a downward spiral as of late, losing four of six and nine of its last 12 contests. The Knicks’ woes continued on Tuesday, as they dropped a 97-88 decision to the Pistons.

Jamal Crawford led the Knicks with 23 points and six assists, while Kurt Thomas had 15 points and 17 rebounds. Tim Thomas also had 15 points and Stephon Marbury was held to 12, as the Knicks were swept in a season series by the Pistons for the first time since the 1989-90 season.

Trevor Ariza had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks in the losing effort. The Knicks shot just 37.6 percent from the field in the game, while hitting only 4-of-21 (.190) from three-point range.

New York, which is 14-12 at home this season, is beginning a three-game homestand tonight. The Knicks have won three of their last four home tilts.

This season, the Knicks are just 4-7 within the Atlantic and 12-20 against the East.

Philadelphia snapped a three-game series losing streak with a 106-105 victory over the Knicks on Valentine’s Day. However, the Knicks have won seven of the last nine meetings in the series overall. Philadelphia has dropped its last four trips to the Big Apple.

The Knicks will have the day off on Friday before closing out their week against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.