Since Red Holzman is not available for whatever reason, my first choice for the Knicks job will always be Jeff Van Gundy. However, that's not going to happen this time either, so here are my more realistic favorites.
Former Knicks Head Coach and current Clippers assist Mike Woodson would be a great choice. He did a terrific job in Atlanta and during his first go-round with the Knicks. His Hawks improved in each of his six years there. Woodson had far and away the most success of any Knicks coach since Van Gundy left. He was fired because Phil Jackson decided to ruin the franchise and firing Woodson was a good way to go to achieve that aim.
Former Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach David Blatt is another excellent choice. He had a very talented team that didn't like him too much in Cleveland, but his success can't be questioned. He led the Cavs to the Finals and the team was even up 2-1 despite numerous injuries. When he was fired in the middle of the next season, he was in line to coach the East All Stars. His replacement, Ty Lue, did win a championship that year, but it was in spite of himself. He's proved to be incompetent, taking the success that Blatt built and turning into a middling playoff team in the East. Blatt's firing was extremely unfair. This is a guy who has success wherever he goes.
Former Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer would be another good choice. It makes you wonder why the Hawks keep firing good coaches. His Spurs-style offense turned Kyle Korver into an All-Star. He led the Hawks to 60 wins in his second season, but his teams have won fewer games in each of the past three seasons. However, the lack of success is due more to losing talent than bad coaching.
Showing posts with label Knicks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knicks. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2018
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Start of a Memorable Comeback?
The Knicks refused to go gentle into that goodnight in Madison Square Garden. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith hit shots early and although neither ended with a good field goal percentage, they provided the early shot making the Knicks needed to succeed. The Knicks defensive intensity was at a fever pitch, a far cry from their pitiful Game 4 display.
Chris Copeland got some more playing time and scored 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting in 19 minutes. But the Knicks defense was the story. The Pacers shot 36% and committed 19 turnovers. The absence of George Hill, who was out with a concussion suffered in Game 4, hurt the Pacers offensive flow.
Rebounding was also a story as the Knicks were competitive on the glass with Indiana. The Pacers seemed like they grabbed a good bit more offensive rebounds than the Knicks, but the numbers suggest otherwise. The Pacers only took down two more.
After a hot start, the Knicks held a modest lead throughout much of the game. But it felt like they were in control the entire time, even on the rare occasions when Indiana took the lead. The Knicks won 85-75 to pull to close Indiana's series lead to 3-2 as the two teams head back to Indiana for Game 6.
Chris Copeland got some more playing time and scored 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting in 19 minutes. But the Knicks defense was the story. The Pacers shot 36% and committed 19 turnovers. The absence of George Hill, who was out with a concussion suffered in Game 4, hurt the Pacers offensive flow.
Rebounding was also a story as the Knicks were competitive on the glass with Indiana. The Pacers seemed like they grabbed a good bit more offensive rebounds than the Knicks, but the numbers suggest otherwise. The Pacers only took down two more.
After a hot start, the Knicks held a modest lead throughout much of the game. But it felt like they were in control the entire time, even on the rare occasions when Indiana took the lead. The Knicks won 85-75 to pull to close Indiana's series lead to 3-2 as the two teams head back to Indiana for Game 6.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Knicks Down 3-1
The Knicks didn't come out with the necessary energy to even the series in Indiana in Game 4. The Pacers led fromt he outset and never looked back. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith continued to struggle from the field. They shot a combined 16 for 45. Anthony fouled out with 24 points and Smith had 19.
Kenyon Martin got the start to match the Pacers' size and with Iman Shumpert the two were 0 for 9 fromt he field. Adding Jason Kidd's 0 for 2 won't help things. Kidd can't seem to get the ball anywhere near the basket of late. Even Tyson Chandler shot below 50%.
In this game, Roy Hibbert struggled, but George Hill picked up the slack with 26 points. Hill suffered a concussion late in the game when he ran into a Chandler pick.Paul George hasn't shot the ball well, but he helps his team in other ways. The Pacer bigs helped Indiana outrebound New York by 18.
The Knicks didn't turn the ball over this time, but did shoot around 35% from the field again.The poor shooting has led some to call for more playing time for Steve Novak and Chris Copeland, who are both better offensive players than defensive stoppers.
The Knicks lost this one in the first half, trailing by 14. They never mustered a proper comeback and lost 93-82.
Kenyon Martin got the start to match the Pacers' size and with Iman Shumpert the two were 0 for 9 fromt he field. Adding Jason Kidd's 0 for 2 won't help things. Kidd can't seem to get the ball anywhere near the basket of late. Even Tyson Chandler shot below 50%.
In this game, Roy Hibbert struggled, but George Hill picked up the slack with 26 points. Hill suffered a concussion late in the game when he ran into a Chandler pick.Paul George hasn't shot the ball well, but he helps his team in other ways. The Pacer bigs helped Indiana outrebound New York by 18.
The Knicks didn't turn the ball over this time, but did shoot around 35% from the field again.The poor shooting has led some to call for more playing time for Steve Novak and Chris Copeland, who are both better offensive players than defensive stoppers.
The Knicks lost this one in the first half, trailing by 14. They never mustered a proper comeback and lost 93-82.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Pacers Take 2-1 Lead
The Knicks are at their best when they're moving the ball and playing a ball-hawking style of defense. The former certainly wasn't in effect in Game 3. New York's offense was dreadful.
Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith have struggled to shoot since Game 4 of the Celtics series. They were a combined 10 for 28 in Game 3. That was especially bad because Anthony's 21 points qualified him as the only double digit scorer for New York.
The real story was Roy Hibbert, who dominated the game. His 24 points were crucial. He and David West each had 12 rebounds, helping the Pacers outrebound New York by 13 total and 8 offensive boards. The Pacers defense also prevented the Knicks from relying on the 3-point game, which is their trademark. The team that shot and made the most threes during the regular season shot only 13 in Game 3 and made only 3 of them.
The Knicks also uncharacteristically turned the ball over. They shot about 35% fromt he field. Put it all together and the Knicks were lucky to only lose by 11. The Pacers took the game 82-71 and a 2-1 series lead.
Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith have struggled to shoot since Game 4 of the Celtics series. They were a combined 10 for 28 in Game 3. That was especially bad because Anthony's 21 points qualified him as the only double digit scorer for New York.
The real story was Roy Hibbert, who dominated the game. His 24 points were crucial. He and David West each had 12 rebounds, helping the Pacers outrebound New York by 13 total and 8 offensive boards. The Pacers defense also prevented the Knicks from relying on the 3-point game, which is their trademark. The team that shot and made the most threes during the regular season shot only 13 in Game 3 and made only 3 of them.
The Knicks also uncharacteristically turned the ball over. They shot about 35% fromt he field. Put it all together and the Knicks were lucky to only lose by 11. The Pacers took the game 82-71 and a 2-1 series lead.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Knicks Even Things
In danger of losing two games at home, the Knicks once again came out strong. Carmelo Anthony had his first game of the playoffs shooting at least 50%. He hit on half his shots and scored 32 points.
The Pacers hung tough, closing the Knicks' nine point lead after one to five by the half. Paul George bounced back from a tough first game to score 20, but he got little help. New York, on the other hand, was efficient offensively. The Knicks shot nearly 50% and committed only 6 turnovers.
Conversely, The Pacers turned the ball over a whopping 21 times. If the Knicks can capitalize on Indiana's lack of a point guard, New York will have a good shot at taking this series. Anthony will have to make up his mind, however. He better make half his shots or get his teammates involved. His play in the playoffs has been disappointing, despite the high point totals. That's due to his focus on isolation ball and taking the air out of the ball at the top of the key. The offense stalls and Anthony is left to try to hit a tough shot at the buzzer. Because he's great, some go in, but it's not a way to beat the Pacers consistently.
The game was still close heading into the fourth. That;s when the Knicks piled on, winning the quarter 33-13 and the game 105-79.Every starter shot 50% over better and only J.R. Smith was inefficient among the Knicks who took at least five shots. He was a miserable 3 for 15.
The Knicks even the series at one. For some reason, Game Three isn't until Saturday night. The way the NBA stretches out the postseason kills the momentum of each series. This is something the NBA needs to correct for next season.
The Pacers hung tough, closing the Knicks' nine point lead after one to five by the half. Paul George bounced back from a tough first game to score 20, but he got little help. New York, on the other hand, was efficient offensively. The Knicks shot nearly 50% and committed only 6 turnovers.
Conversely, The Pacers turned the ball over a whopping 21 times. If the Knicks can capitalize on Indiana's lack of a point guard, New York will have a good shot at taking this series. Anthony will have to make up his mind, however. He better make half his shots or get his teammates involved. His play in the playoffs has been disappointing, despite the high point totals. That's due to his focus on isolation ball and taking the air out of the ball at the top of the key. The offense stalls and Anthony is left to try to hit a tough shot at the buzzer. Because he's great, some go in, but it's not a way to beat the Pacers consistently.
The game was still close heading into the fourth. That;s when the Knicks piled on, winning the quarter 33-13 and the game 105-79.Every starter shot 50% over better and only J.R. Smith was inefficient among the Knicks who took at least five shots. He was a miserable 3 for 15.
The Knicks even the series at one. For some reason, Game Three isn't until Saturday night. The way the NBA stretches out the postseason kills the momentum of each series. This is something the NBA needs to correct for next season.
Monday, May 06, 2013
Knicks Fall in Game One
After a strong start in the first quarter, the Knicks collapsed in the two quarters bookmarking halftime. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith were a combined 14 for 43 from the field continuing their cold spells.Anthony went one for four from beyond the arc, which is not good until you realize he hadn't ht a three in a while.
The Pacers got balanced scoring with David West controlling the paint. In the past, he's struggled against Kenyon martin, but no one could quiet him in Game One. Raymond Felton was the Knicks best option again, but he only amassed three assists.
New York stormed back in the third to make the score respectable, but never really had a chance. The Pacers won 102-95 to go up 1-0 in the series.
The Pacers got balanced scoring with David West controlling the paint. In the past, he's struggled against Kenyon martin, but no one could quiet him in Game One. Raymond Felton was the Knicks best option again, but he only amassed three assists.
New York stormed back in the third to make the score respectable, but never really had a chance. The Pacers won 102-95 to go up 1-0 in the series.
Saturday, May 04, 2013
The Knicks Close Out the Celtics... Finally
New York wasted no time jumping out to an early lead in Boston. The Knicks held a 24-10 lead after the first quarter. The Celtics simply couldn't score. After the first half, they had more turnovers than made baskets.
Pablo Prigioni and Iman Shumpert were the catalysts. Their energy helped keep the Knicks ahead. The lead ballooned up to 26 with nine minutes to go. But then everything seemed to go wrong. Avery Bradley scored all 10 of his point in the fourth in addition two dramatic steals that led to easy buckets.
Jason Terry added 14, but Jeff Green took over the game The Celtics scored 20 consecutive points in about three minutes. The Knicks looked shell-shocked. It was as if a witch had cast a spell on the Knicks. The cared less about the ball than they would about a receipt for a Slurpee.
But the Knicks held on .Shumpert ended the streak by jumping into the passing lane and dunking home his treasure. Anthony dribbled the ball at the top of the key and waited until the shot clock rolled down before forcing tough shots. Only when he allowed Felton to drive and kick to him, did Anthony get an open shot.
Ultimately, the Celtics ran out of gas. Green became exhausted. With a minute to go, the Celtics surprisingly gave up. They refused to foul and the Knicks held on for an 88-80 win. The Knicks won the series 4-2.
Pablo Prigioni and Iman Shumpert were the catalysts. Their energy helped keep the Knicks ahead. The lead ballooned up to 26 with nine minutes to go. But then everything seemed to go wrong. Avery Bradley scored all 10 of his point in the fourth in addition two dramatic steals that led to easy buckets.
Jason Terry added 14, but Jeff Green took over the game The Celtics scored 20 consecutive points in about three minutes. The Knicks looked shell-shocked. It was as if a witch had cast a spell on the Knicks. The cared less about the ball than they would about a receipt for a Slurpee.
But the Knicks held on .Shumpert ended the streak by jumping into the passing lane and dunking home his treasure. Anthony dribbled the ball at the top of the key and waited until the shot clock rolled down before forcing tough shots. Only when he allowed Felton to drive and kick to him, did Anthony get an open shot.
Ultimately, the Celtics ran out of gas. Green became exhausted. With a minute to go, the Celtics surprisingly gave up. They refused to foul and the Knicks held on for an 88-80 win. The Knicks won the series 4-2.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Gone Cold
The Knicks scorers were ice cold against the Celtics at home. Coming off of a one game suspension, J.R. Smith missed his first ten shots from the field. Carmelo Anthony hit only a third of his 24 shots.
The Knicks raced to an 11-0 lead, but the Celtics all but erased the lead by the end of the first. Boston went into halftime with a six point lead. Smith and Anthony continued to shoot and rely on isolation plays. Meanwhile, the Celtics held onto and even extended the lead.
Boston relied on balanced scoring. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and Jason terry all scored between 16 and 18 points. Terry was particularly hot in the 4th. Raymond Felton again showed that he could be trusted with the ball, when Anthony and Smith were willing to give it up. Felton shot 10 for 19 for 21 points.
The Knicks began hitting threes late in the fourth, but it was way too late at that point. The Knicks lost 92-86, but the score was closer than the game. Boston has narrowed the Knicks' series lead to 3-2.
The Knicks raced to an 11-0 lead, but the Celtics all but erased the lead by the end of the first. Boston went into halftime with a six point lead. Smith and Anthony continued to shoot and rely on isolation plays. Meanwhile, the Celtics held onto and even extended the lead.
Boston relied on balanced scoring. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and Jason terry all scored between 16 and 18 points. Terry was particularly hot in the 4th. Raymond Felton again showed that he could be trusted with the ball, when Anthony and Smith were willing to give it up. Felton shot 10 for 19 for 21 points.
The Knicks began hitting threes late in the fourth, but it was way too late at that point. The Knicks lost 92-86, but the score was closer than the game. Boston has narrowed the Knicks' series lead to 3-2.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Anthony Scores 36 to Lead the Knicks to Defeat
It's rare that a player will score 36 points and have a terrible game. Carmelo Anthony not only fit that bill, he lost the game for the Knicks in the more selfish and stubborn manner conceivable.
Going 3 for 15 in the first half, the Knicks down by 19, Anthony didn't change his tune after halftime. Instead, he chucked more and missed more in the second half. In the end, Anthony shot an embarrassing 10 for 35 from the field. When the Knicks needed him most- late int he fourth quarter and in overtime- Carmelo refused to pass the ball and missed every shot. It was a discouraging display that took Anthony-watcher back to 2004; a far cry from his usual improved game in 2013.
Anthony helped the team with had two drives the basket for dunks. In both cases, the defender- Kevin Garnett first and then Brandon Bass- overplayed one side and Anthony zoomed by for an easy dunk. Anthony also got to the line, shooting 16-20. But he missed two crucial free throws late int he fourth.
Anthony's ball-hogging debacle left Knick-partisans praying he'd pay the ball to Raymond Felton, or all people. Down 20 with fewer than 20 minutes left in regulation, head coach Mike Woodson eventually inserted three point guards, Iman Shumpert, and Kenyon Martin into the game.
The tactic worked. The Knicks stormed back to cut the lead to 3 by the end of the third. Each man played a crucial role. Pablo Prigioni and Jason Kidd repeatedly came away with steals. Felton was the scorer. Shumpert, a guard, rebounded like the reincarnation of Moses Malone. And Kenyon Martin guarded the post. The Celtics had played their one good half in the first and were crumbling.
When Carmelo came back into the game in the fourth, and the Knicks offense succeeded only when Anthony was excluded from touching the ball. The tragedy of this game was that Carmelo had rarely reverted to his old self this season. For it to happen in a close out game in the playoffs with J.R. Smith suspended, was a shame.
Jason Terry carried Boston in the overtime and Anthony kept shooting and missing, shooting and missing.
The Celtics won 97-90 and the trail the series 3-1 heading back to New York for Wednesday's game.
Going 3 for 15 in the first half, the Knicks down by 19, Anthony didn't change his tune after halftime. Instead, he chucked more and missed more in the second half. In the end, Anthony shot an embarrassing 10 for 35 from the field. When the Knicks needed him most- late int he fourth quarter and in overtime- Carmelo refused to pass the ball and missed every shot. It was a discouraging display that took Anthony-watcher back to 2004; a far cry from his usual improved game in 2013.
Anthony helped the team with had two drives the basket for dunks. In both cases, the defender- Kevin Garnett first and then Brandon Bass- overplayed one side and Anthony zoomed by for an easy dunk. Anthony also got to the line, shooting 16-20. But he missed two crucial free throws late int he fourth.
Anthony's ball-hogging debacle left Knick-partisans praying he'd pay the ball to Raymond Felton, or all people. Down 20 with fewer than 20 minutes left in regulation, head coach Mike Woodson eventually inserted three point guards, Iman Shumpert, and Kenyon Martin into the game.
The tactic worked. The Knicks stormed back to cut the lead to 3 by the end of the third. Each man played a crucial role. Pablo Prigioni and Jason Kidd repeatedly came away with steals. Felton was the scorer. Shumpert, a guard, rebounded like the reincarnation of Moses Malone. And Kenyon Martin guarded the post. The Celtics had played their one good half in the first and were crumbling.
When Carmelo came back into the game in the fourth, and the Knicks offense succeeded only when Anthony was excluded from touching the ball. The tragedy of this game was that Carmelo had rarely reverted to his old self this season. For it to happen in a close out game in the playoffs with J.R. Smith suspended, was a shame.
Jason Terry carried Boston in the overtime and Anthony kept shooting and missing, shooting and missing.
The Celtics won 97-90 and the trail the series 3-1 heading back to New York for Wednesday's game.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Knicks Destroy Celtics
An emotional return to Boston ended in disaster for the Boston Celtics. The Knicks took an early lead and never looked back. Pablo Prigioni hit three threes early and added five steals. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points. Ray Felton also had a strong game with 15 points and 10 assists. J.R. Smith added 15 points before being ejected for elbowing Jason terry.
The Celtics paltry point total was a combination of inept Celtic offense and swarming switching Knick defense. For the third straight game, the Celtics scored in the 70s. In this game, Boston struggled in the first half, a departure from the first two games. Only Jeff Green crossed the 20 point mark.
The Knicks won 90-76, but the Celtics were never really in it. New York now has a 3-0 lead.
The Celtics paltry point total was a combination of inept Celtic offense and swarming switching Knick defense. For the third straight game, the Celtics scored in the 70s. In this game, Boston struggled in the first half, a departure from the first two games. Only Jeff Green crossed the 20 point mark.
The Knicks won 90-76, but the Celtics were never really in it. New York now has a 3-0 lead.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Knicks Smack Celtics in Mouth Again
The Celtics shot a high percentage from the field in the first half and went into halftime with a slight lead. Carmelo Anthony struggled shooting and it appeared that Boston might actually give the Knicks a game.
It was not to be for the Celtics. Anthony and J.R. Smith caught fire in the second half.. Carmelo scored 34 points while Smith, who was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year award before the game, poured in 19. Smith hit a three from 35 feet away before the buzzer to end the second quarter sounded. Kenyon Martin continued his stellar defensive play. In addition to 11 rebounds, he blocked 4 shots.
Kevin Garnett was in foul trouble early. Head Coach Doc Rivers whined after the game, deeming the foul calls atrocious. He deserves a hefty fine for criticizing the refereeing, but his more egregious crime is simply being wrong. Both of Garnett's early foul calls were completely appropriate. Sometimes a coach will criticize the refs to get future calls in their favor. But Rivers's complaining was misguided here and it will likely serve to hurt his credibility with the refs.
The Knicks jumped out to a double digit lead int he third and the Celtics simply don't have the offensive firepower to have made a comeback. New York won 87-71 and now have a 2-0 lead heading to Boston for Friday night's game.
It was not to be for the Celtics. Anthony and J.R. Smith caught fire in the second half.. Carmelo scored 34 points while Smith, who was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year award before the game, poured in 19. Smith hit a three from 35 feet away before the buzzer to end the second quarter sounded. Kenyon Martin continued his stellar defensive play. In addition to 11 rebounds, he blocked 4 shots.
Kevin Garnett was in foul trouble early. Head Coach Doc Rivers whined after the game, deeming the foul calls atrocious. He deserves a hefty fine for criticizing the refereeing, but his more egregious crime is simply being wrong. Both of Garnett's early foul calls were completely appropriate. Sometimes a coach will criticize the refs to get future calls in their favor. But Rivers's complaining was misguided here and it will likely serve to hurt his credibility with the refs.
The Knicks jumped out to a double digit lead int he third and the Celtics simply don't have the offensive firepower to have made a comeback. New York won 87-71 and now have a 2-0 lead heading to Boston for Friday night's game.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Knicks Take Playoff Opener
Despite injuries to their big men and big games from the Celtics' Jeff Green and Paul Pierce, the Knicks stormed passed Boston in the fourth quarter. Carmelo Anthony hit his first four shots and led the Knicks to a hot start early, but then went cold and continued to shoot.
Boston quickly made it close and it remained so throughout the first half. Green scored the majority of his 26 points in that first half. Pierce was more of a distributor early and a scorer int he second half. Tyson Chandler struggled in the first half and barely played int he second. Kenyon Martin took his place and made a thrilling block. J.R. Smith was effective from the field. He flushed a rim shaker over Green after exploding into the lane.
The Celtics took a 7 points lead in the fourth. But Anthony caught fire. He ended with 36 points. Martin added 10 and Smith 15. Anthony's adjustment offensively and hot three-point shooting helped the fourth quarter surge.
The Knicks won 85-78 to take a one game lead.
Boston quickly made it close and it remained so throughout the first half. Green scored the majority of his 26 points in that first half. Pierce was more of a distributor early and a scorer int he second half. Tyson Chandler struggled in the first half and barely played int he second. Kenyon Martin took his place and made a thrilling block. J.R. Smith was effective from the field. He flushed a rim shaker over Green after exploding into the lane.
The Celtics took a 7 points lead in the fourth. But Anthony caught fire. He ended with 36 points. Martin added 10 and Smith 15. Anthony's adjustment offensively and hot three-point shooting helped the fourth quarter surge.
The Knicks won 85-78 to take a one game lead.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Knicks Lack of Energy Contributes to Loss Against Clippers
Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton were the only two bright spots against a balanced Clippers team. The Knicks came home to New York a day later than expected because of snow, but the Clippers had similar travel issues and were forced to play an early game, a daunting task for a west coast team.
But the Knicks were the team to show an ebb in terms of energy. Anthony had 42 points and Felton added 20, but the Knicks struggled from beyond the arc and turned the ball over. In fact, the Knicks committed more than twice as many turnovers than made threes. The Clippers shot over 50%. This was made all the worse because Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups saw limited minutes.
Paul add 25 points. Jamal Crawford, a former Knicks, scored 27 off the bench. Blake Griffin added some stellar dunks as part of his 17 points. The Knicks are a deep team, but so are the Clippers. Only Los Angeles showed their depth on this day.
The Knicks trailed virtually the entire game and lost 102-88. The Knicks are now 32-17.
But the Knicks were the team to show an ebb in terms of energy. Anthony had 42 points and Felton added 20, but the Knicks struggled from beyond the arc and turned the ball over. In fact, the Knicks committed more than twice as many turnovers than made threes. The Clippers shot over 50%. This was made all the worse because Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups saw limited minutes.
Paul add 25 points. Jamal Crawford, a former Knicks, scored 27 off the bench. Blake Griffin added some stellar dunks as part of his 17 points. The Knicks are a deep team, but so are the Clippers. Only Los Angeles showed their depth on this day.
The Knicks trailed virtually the entire game and lost 102-88. The Knicks are now 32-17.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Knicks Sweep Wolves
The Knicks took the lead early against the Timberwolves in a physical game in Minnesota. Carmelo Anthony was fantastic, scoring 36 points and 9 rebounds. Luke Ridnour caught fire in the third quarter and the Wolves raced out to a double digit lead.
But Minnesota didn't have the maturity to hold on. The Knicks stormed back in the fourth and Minnesota never had a chance even though the score was close. The Knicks held all the momentum. The Knicks had three men score in double figures off the bench- Amar'e Stoudemire, J.R. Smith, and Steve Novak- which is indicative of their depth.
The Knicks have been winning of late even though New York hasn't been shooting the three ball well. The Knicks won 100-94 to move to 32-16.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Knicks Get Revenge Over Celtics
On January 24, the Knicks traveled to Boston to face the Celtics for the first time since the Carmelo Anthony incident with Kevin Garnett. Anthony and the Knicks struggled to shoot early. The Celtics weren't any better. The game stayed sloppy and close throughout the first quarter. Boston took a comfortable lead in the middle of the second quarter, but the Knicks managed to come back and take a slight half time lead.
Rajon Rondo posted a triple double, but didn't have a whole lot of help. Paul Pierce added 22 points, but shot poorly. Anthony recovered from his poor first half performance and took over the game He ended 28 points. Amar'e Stoudemire added 15 points and 9 rebounds. Jason Kidd and Iman Shumpert both scored in double figures. J.R. Smith was ice cold and Steve Novak hardly played.
Marv Albert accused the Celtics organization of pumping in crowd noise to bolster an otherwise indifferent crowd. The fake crowd noise may have propelled the Celtics back from a ten point fourth quarter deficit to threaten late. But they came up short as Pierce turned the ball over with the clock winding down.
The Knicks won 89-96 to advance to 26-14.
Rajon Rondo posted a triple double, but didn't have a whole lot of help. Paul Pierce added 22 points, but shot poorly. Anthony recovered from his poor first half performance and took over the game He ended 28 points. Amar'e Stoudemire added 15 points and 9 rebounds. Jason Kidd and Iman Shumpert both scored in double figures. J.R. Smith was ice cold and Steve Novak hardly played.
Marv Albert accused the Celtics organization of pumping in crowd noise to bolster an otherwise indifferent crowd. The fake crowd noise may have propelled the Celtics back from a ten point fourth quarter deficit to threaten late. But they came up short as Pierce turned the ball over with the clock winding down.
The Knicks won 89-96 to advance to 26-14.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Knicks Crush Pistons in London
The Knicks traveled over to London and thrashed the Detroit Pistons in the O2 Arena. Fortunately, it counted as a home game for Detroit. The Knicks raced out to an early 16-2 lead. Carmelo Anthony was hot early and often, scoring 26 points on 19 shots. Amar'e Stoudemire added 17, making 11 of his 12 free throws.
The Knicks turned the ball over and didn't shoot too effectively from three, but this resulted in a rare win. The Pistons sputtered on offense for much of the game. Detroit cut the lead to four in the third quarter on the back of tiny guard Will Bynum, who ended with 22 points.
Iman Shumpert made his return from a serious knee injury in London. He scored 8 points in 12 minutes. Perhaps, his presence helped the Knicks show rare flashes of brilliance int he first quarter. After the lead was cut in the third, the Knicks clamped down on defense and moved the ball well on offense. The Pistons couldn't hang. The Knicks won 102-87. New York is now 25-12.
Steve Novak hit double figures, nailing 3 of his 6 threes for 13 points. J.R. Smith added 16, but missed 9 of his 15 attempts. He's been in a bit of a shooting slump of late.
The Knicks turned the ball over and didn't shoot too effectively from three, but this resulted in a rare win. The Pistons sputtered on offense for much of the game. Detroit cut the lead to four in the third quarter on the back of tiny guard Will Bynum, who ended with 22 points.
Iman Shumpert made his return from a serious knee injury in London. He scored 8 points in 12 minutes. Perhaps, his presence helped the Knicks show rare flashes of brilliance int he first quarter. After the lead was cut in the third, the Knicks clamped down on defense and moved the ball well on offense. The Pistons couldn't hang. The Knicks won 102-87. New York is now 25-12.
Steve Novak hit double figures, nailing 3 of his 6 threes for 13 points. J.R. Smith added 16, but missed 9 of his 15 attempts. He's been in a bit of a shooting slump of late.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Knicks Comeback to Beat Hornets
The Knicks struggled in the first quarter yet again. Carmelo Anthony missed nine of his first ten shots and the Hornets took a 7 points first quarter lead. The Hornets were able to get inside and score easily. Robin Lopez had 10 points and Anthony Davis had 13.
But the Knicks stormed back in the second quarter, outpointing New Orleans 27-12. Anthony began to hist his groove, he ended with 27 points. Chris Copeland, who kept the team in it during the first quarter, scored 22 points on 15 shots.
The Hornets hung tight in the third quarter. Eric Gordon scored 22 points. But the balanced attack and efficient ball movement, the Knicks opened it up early in the fourth quarter. The Hornets couldn't threaten after that point. New York won 100-87. The Knicks are now 24-13.
But the Knicks stormed back in the second quarter, outpointing New Orleans 27-12. Anthony began to hist his groove, he ended with 27 points. Chris Copeland, who kept the team in it during the first quarter, scored 22 points on 15 shots.
The Hornets hung tight in the third quarter. Eric Gordon scored 22 points. But the balanced attack and efficient ball movement, the Knicks opened it up early in the fourth quarter. The Hornets couldn't threaten after that point. New York won 100-87. The Knicks are now 24-13.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Bulls Blowout Knicks... Again
The Knicks have struggled mightily with the Bulls this season. This is a Chicago team without Derrick Rose, mind you. The Bulls are physical inside and Luol Deng has gone bonkers. Deng was at it again Friday night. He scored 33.
The Knicks went 11 for 22 from three point range, but shot poorly from inside the arc. The team was never really in it, falling behind 29-18 after one at MSG. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points, but took 32 shots to do it. Tyson Chandler added 18 rebounds and James White, who got the start, scored 11. Pablo Prigioni also had a nice game. But J.R. smith was dreadful. Amar'e Stoudemire was virtually non-existent. And Jason Kidd had his worst game as a Knick.
The trend against the Bulls is distressing. They can afford to play one on one against Anthony and it prevents open shots from the Knicks three point guns. Plus, the Bulls exhibit good help defense down low to thwart the Knicks' penetration into the paint. And Chicago finishes off their defensive possessions with rebounds.
The Bulls' weakness without Rose is on the offensive end. But it hasn't hurt them against the Knicks thus far. The problem for the Knicks comes if they have to face the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Otherwise, they likely won't need to worry about Chicago come postseason time.
The Knicks lost 108-101 after a valiant comeback in the fourth that was doomed to come up short. The Knicks are now 23-13.
The Knicks went 11 for 22 from three point range, but shot poorly from inside the arc. The team was never really in it, falling behind 29-18 after one at MSG. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points, but took 32 shots to do it. Tyson Chandler added 18 rebounds and James White, who got the start, scored 11. Pablo Prigioni also had a nice game. But J.R. smith was dreadful. Amar'e Stoudemire was virtually non-existent. And Jason Kidd had his worst game as a Knick.
The trend against the Bulls is distressing. They can afford to play one on one against Anthony and it prevents open shots from the Knicks three point guns. Plus, the Bulls exhibit good help defense down low to thwart the Knicks' penetration into the paint. And Chicago finishes off their defensive possessions with rebounds.
The Bulls' weakness without Rose is on the offensive end. But it hasn't hurt them against the Knicks thus far. The problem for the Knicks comes if they have to face the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Otherwise, they likely won't need to worry about Chicago come postseason time.
The Knicks lost 108-101 after a valiant comeback in the fourth that was doomed to come up short. The Knicks are now 23-13.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Knicks Fall to Pacers
Kevin Garnett can say horrible things to Carmelo Anthony and when Anthony wants to discuss those comments, he gets suspended. That is the hypocrisy of the NBA, folks. The Knicks traveled to Indian and Pacers the Pacers without Anthony. Investigators are still trying to figure out why.
Both teams shot terribly. Both teams' field goal percentages were in the 30s and three point percentages were in the 20s. It felt more like a weather report in Indiana than a battle between top Eastern Conference teams.The Knicks just happened to shoot worse.
J.R> Smith (29 FGA, 25 points), Amar'e Stoudemire 11 FGA, 9 pts), Jason Kidd (10 FGA, 8 pts), Chris Copeland (9 FGA, 8 pts), and Marcus Camby (9 FGA, 7 pts) were among the Knicks who amassed more shots from the field than points scored.
The lone highlight for the Knicks came when J.R. smith stretched out and dunked the ball in the first half. The aftermath of the game saw Charles Barkley criticize the Knicks lack of rebounding prowess. The Knicks outrebounded the Pacers and grabbed more offensive rebounds 19-12.
It's true the Knicks are in the bottom third in rebound differential. But they have more offensive rebounds than their opponents. So the rebounding differential comes on the defensive end. But it's a mirage. The Knicks and their opponents shoot a similar field goal percentage. So how the Knicks have more offensive rebounds than their opponents and fewer defensive rebounds if they shoot a similar percentage.
It's obvious. The Knicks are first in the league in turnover differential by a wide margin. The Knicks take more shots than their opponents That means there will be more offensive rebounding opportunities for the Knicks and more defensive rebounding opportunities for their opponents. So, when you look inside the numbers, it's clear the Knicks are not a weak rebounding team. They simply have fewer defensive rebounding chances than their opponents because they're such so good and forcing turnovers and ball control.
But it didn't help them much against the Pacers. In addition to poor shooting, it was one of the few games in which the Knicks not only committed more turnovers than their opponents, but committed more than threes made. The Pacers won 81-76. The Knicks are now 23-12. If the NBA can fine the Spurs for not playing all of their star players in a nationally televised game for no apparent reason earlier in the season, the NBA should be fined for suspending Anthony during a nationally televised game for no apparent reason. But the NBA won't do this because the league offices are filled with hypocrites.
Both teams shot terribly. Both teams' field goal percentages were in the 30s and three point percentages were in the 20s. It felt more like a weather report in Indiana than a battle between top Eastern Conference teams.The Knicks just happened to shoot worse.
J.R> Smith (29 FGA, 25 points), Amar'e Stoudemire 11 FGA, 9 pts), Jason Kidd (10 FGA, 8 pts), Chris Copeland (9 FGA, 8 pts), and Marcus Camby (9 FGA, 7 pts) were among the Knicks who amassed more shots from the field than points scored.
The lone highlight for the Knicks came when J.R. smith stretched out and dunked the ball in the first half. The aftermath of the game saw Charles Barkley criticize the Knicks lack of rebounding prowess. The Knicks outrebounded the Pacers and grabbed more offensive rebounds 19-12.
It's true the Knicks are in the bottom third in rebound differential. But they have more offensive rebounds than their opponents. So the rebounding differential comes on the defensive end. But it's a mirage. The Knicks and their opponents shoot a similar field goal percentage. So how the Knicks have more offensive rebounds than their opponents and fewer defensive rebounds if they shoot a similar percentage.
It's obvious. The Knicks are first in the league in turnover differential by a wide margin. The Knicks take more shots than their opponents That means there will be more offensive rebounding opportunities for the Knicks and more defensive rebounding opportunities for their opponents. So, when you look inside the numbers, it's clear the Knicks are not a weak rebounding team. They simply have fewer defensive rebounding chances than their opponents because they're such so good and forcing turnovers and ball control.
But it didn't help them much against the Pacers. In addition to poor shooting, it was one of the few games in which the Knicks not only committed more turnovers than their opponents, but committed more than threes made. The Pacers won 81-76. The Knicks are now 23-12. If the NBA can fine the Spurs for not playing all of their star players in a nationally televised game for no apparent reason earlier in the season, the NBA should be fined for suspending Anthony during a nationally televised game for no apparent reason. But the NBA won't do this because the league offices are filled with hypocrites.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Rough One Against the Celtics
Jim Valvano once described basketball as a game of runs. He must have been thinking about the Knicks-Celtics contest at MSG. The Knicks started first, racing to an early lead. The Celtics came back. The Knicks went on another run. The Celtics came back.
The in the second half, it was the Celtics turn to take the lead. The Knicks followed shortly there after. But time ran out eventually and the Knicks couldn't catch up that last time. With Rajon Rondo suspended, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett rose to the occasion.
Things became heated between Garnett and Carmelo Anthony (20 points on 26 FGA) amid the frenzied Garden atmosphere. Garnett was his usual dirty self, spewing filth across the court. Anthony answered and at one point, both received a technical Garnett's venom was so inappropriate that Anthony waited to confront him after the game.
Neither Anthony nor J.R. Smith (24 points on 7 for 18 from the field) shot the ball well. Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler did, but only took 12 shots combined. Both made 4 and both scored 13 points. Jason Kidd and Steve Novak were a combined 5 for 6 from three, part of the reason the Knicks held a first half lead. Marcus Camby added 7 rebounds in 10 minutes.
The Knicks shot the ball from three effectively going 14 for 32. But The 13 turnovers were more than usual. It was one of the rare occasions where the Knicks turned the ball over more than did their opponent. The Celtics only had 10.
The Knicks lost 102-96 and are now 23-11.
The in the second half, it was the Celtics turn to take the lead. The Knicks followed shortly there after. But time ran out eventually and the Knicks couldn't catch up that last time. With Rajon Rondo suspended, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett rose to the occasion.
Things became heated between Garnett and Carmelo Anthony (20 points on 26 FGA) amid the frenzied Garden atmosphere. Garnett was his usual dirty self, spewing filth across the court. Anthony answered and at one point, both received a technical Garnett's venom was so inappropriate that Anthony waited to confront him after the game.
Neither Anthony nor J.R. Smith (24 points on 7 for 18 from the field) shot the ball well. Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler did, but only took 12 shots combined. Both made 4 and both scored 13 points. Jason Kidd and Steve Novak were a combined 5 for 6 from three, part of the reason the Knicks held a first half lead. Marcus Camby added 7 rebounds in 10 minutes.
The Knicks shot the ball from three effectively going 14 for 32. But The 13 turnovers were more than usual. It was one of the rare occasions where the Knicks turned the ball over more than did their opponent. The Celtics only had 10.
The Knicks lost 102-96 and are now 23-11.
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