The NFL Playoff system is a mess. This year, there thankfully weren't any teams with terrible records making it over teams with better records. But the seeding is still a mess as always.
I propose both conferences have two super divisions of 8 teams apiece. The NFC East would combine with the South and the North would combine with the West. The teams in the former NFC East would play each other twice every year. The teams in the East would play teams in the South once each. The teams in the NFC East would play four teams in the AFC each year on a rotating basis (as they do now). Teams in the NFC East would play two teams from the other NFC super division. The AFC East and North would be in one super division and the South would combine with the West.
The two division winners in each conference would earn byes. There would be four wildcards in each conference.
In the NFC, the playoffs under this new system would like this:
1) Atlanta (13-3), 2) San Francisco (11-4-1)
3) Seattle (11-5) vs. 6) Minnesota (10-6)
4) Green Bay (11-5) vs. 5) Washington (10-6)
AFC
1) Denver (13-3), 2) New England (12-4)
3) Houston (12-4) vs. 6) Cincinnati (10-6)
4) Indianapolis (11-5) vs. 5) Baltimore (10-6)
In both conferences, this new system allows Seattle and Indianapolis to have home playoff games that they deserve. This new system is simply more fair than the current one where teams with worse records are awarded home games because of a glitch of in the current format.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
A Comeback Thwarted
Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton were among the New York Knicks sitting out this game with the Sacramento Kings. After a dramatic shorthanded victory over the Suns on Wednesday, the Knicks faced a reeling Kings team on Friday.
The first half was utterly dreadful. The Knicks played with an uncharacteristic unprofessionalism. To the Kings' credit, they were on fire from three. They raced all over the court for loose balls. At one point, the Knicks were down an incredible 27 points. The lead was 21 at the half.
The Knicks stormed back int he second half. Jason Kidd and Chris Copeland were two big reasons why. Kidd was magnificent the entire game, the only one trying int he first half. He wound up with 16 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Copeland added 23 on 8 for 16 shooting.
J.R. Smith added 25, although he took 25 shots. Tyson Chandler had 21 points and 18 rebounds although he struggled from the line. Steve Novak went 3 for 5 from distance. The Knicks cut the lead to six by the time the fourth quarter rolled around.
The Kings' shooting had gone cold and their energy had waned. It seemed inevitable that the Knicks would pull away with an improbably comeback victory. But late in the fourth quarter, Jason Kidd made two uncharacteristically bad passes that were both picked off. The second one came with the Knicks up two and the time about to run out.
The Kings took the ball up the court and ran a play similar to one a team filled with headless chicken might run. Eventually, the ball was flung out to James Johnson who was standing behind the arc. He let fire. There was no way this fumbling team would win the game on this fumbling play after fumbling away a 27 point lead. But sure enough the ball swished through the hoop. The Kings celebrated and the Knicks's players bent at the waist in exasperation.
The Knicks lost 106-105 despite only giving up 36 points in the entire second half. The Knicks fall to 21-9.
The first half was utterly dreadful. The Knicks played with an uncharacteristic unprofessionalism. To the Kings' credit, they were on fire from three. They raced all over the court for loose balls. At one point, the Knicks were down an incredible 27 points. The lead was 21 at the half.
The Knicks stormed back int he second half. Jason Kidd and Chris Copeland were two big reasons why. Kidd was magnificent the entire game, the only one trying int he first half. He wound up with 16 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Copeland added 23 on 8 for 16 shooting.
J.R. Smith added 25, although he took 25 shots. Tyson Chandler had 21 points and 18 rebounds although he struggled from the line. Steve Novak went 3 for 5 from distance. The Knicks cut the lead to six by the time the fourth quarter rolled around.
The Kings' shooting had gone cold and their energy had waned. It seemed inevitable that the Knicks would pull away with an improbably comeback victory. But late in the fourth quarter, Jason Kidd made two uncharacteristically bad passes that were both picked off. The second one came with the Knicks up two and the time about to run out.
The Kings took the ball up the court and ran a play similar to one a team filled with headless chicken might run. Eventually, the ball was flung out to James Johnson who was standing behind the arc. He let fire. There was no way this fumbling team would win the game on this fumbling play after fumbling away a 27 point lead. But sure enough the ball swished through the hoop. The Kings celebrated and the Knicks's players bent at the waist in exasperation.
The Knicks lost 106-105 despite only giving up 36 points in the entire second half. The Knicks fall to 21-9.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
J.R. Smith Does It Again
If I told you that Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton, and Amar'e Stoudemire were all injured, who on the Knicks would you assume takes the bulk of the team's shots? It's got to be j.R. Smith, right? Of course.
He's already knocked in a game winner in Charlotte earlier this month. With the Knicks trailing by two, Smith dribbled around and produced a scant sliver of space from D.J. Tucker of the Phoenix Suns. It was enough to fade away while twisting to squared up to the rim. The ball glided off the finger tips of his right hand and swished through the basket. The shot barely beat the shot clock. The game was tied with 10.6 second left.
The Suns turned the ball over with a second remaining. Smith cut towards to near corner and stumbled. The ball was passed anyway and Smith managed to regain his composure, catch the ball, turn, and fire all in one motion. There was no doubt the ball wouldn't even graze the rim on its way to the bottom of the net. The Knicks pulled off an improbable win in Phoenix, 99-97.
Smith's overall game was rockier than the final 11 seconds suggest. He scored 27 points, but it took 27 shots. He had five steals, but four turnovers. He added 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but had three of his shots blocked.
Tyson Chandler (14 points, 12 rebounds), Jason Kidd (23 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and Chris Copeland (14 points) all helped out. James White got the start over Copeland and it was a rare miss by Mike Woodson, who deserves a lot of credit for this short-handed road win.
Jared Dudley poured in a career high 36 points for the Suns. After a close first quarter, the Knicks scortched the Suns int he second and took a comfortable ten point lead into halftime. Phoenix's starting point guard, Goran Dragic, was injured on a dubious flagrant foul call against J.R. Smith. Dragic skied in order to score as Smith ran past him, attempting to avoid contact.
But the Suns roared back in the third without Dragic to tie the game. The contest swayed back and forth int he fourth. The Suns had retaken the lead late before Smith's heroics saved the day.
The Knicks are now 21-8 and 9-6 or the road.
He's already knocked in a game winner in Charlotte earlier this month. With the Knicks trailing by two, Smith dribbled around and produced a scant sliver of space from D.J. Tucker of the Phoenix Suns. It was enough to fade away while twisting to squared up to the rim. The ball glided off the finger tips of his right hand and swished through the basket. The shot barely beat the shot clock. The game was tied with 10.6 second left.
The Suns turned the ball over with a second remaining. Smith cut towards to near corner and stumbled. The ball was passed anyway and Smith managed to regain his composure, catch the ball, turn, and fire all in one motion. There was no doubt the ball wouldn't even graze the rim on its way to the bottom of the net. The Knicks pulled off an improbable win in Phoenix, 99-97.
Smith's overall game was rockier than the final 11 seconds suggest. He scored 27 points, but it took 27 shots. He had five steals, but four turnovers. He added 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but had three of his shots blocked.
Tyson Chandler (14 points, 12 rebounds), Jason Kidd (23 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and Chris Copeland (14 points) all helped out. James White got the start over Copeland and it was a rare miss by Mike Woodson, who deserves a lot of credit for this short-handed road win.
Jared Dudley poured in a career high 36 points for the Suns. After a close first quarter, the Knicks scortched the Suns int he second and took a comfortable ten point lead into halftime. Phoenix's starting point guard, Goran Dragic, was injured on a dubious flagrant foul call against J.R. Smith. Dragic skied in order to score as Smith ran past him, attempting to avoid contact.
But the Suns roared back in the third without Dragic to tie the game. The contest swayed back and forth int he fourth. The Suns had retaken the lead late before Smith's heroics saved the day.
The Knicks are now 21-8 and 9-6 or the road.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Knicks Fall to Surging Lakers
The Knicks, wearing hideous Christmans jerseys, lost to the Lakers in Los Angeles. Carmelo Anthony was on fire, scoring 34 points on 13 for 23 shooting. Unfortunately, the rest of the team was cold. Still, the Knicks kept things close throughout the entire game, even taking a small lead into the fourth.
Raymond Felton shot terribly from the field although he did amass 6 assists and no turnovers. J.R. Smith scored 25 points including a fade away three as the shot clock ran out, but his overall play was less impressive than his numbers suggest. Dwight Howard got the better of Tyson Chandler. And the Knicks couldn't stop Kobe Bryant, who scored 34.
Jason Kidd has a decent all around game, with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kurt Thomas also had 6 points on 3 for 3 shooting. But the story was the impressive play of the Lakers. Steve Nash, in his second game back from injury scored 16 and dished 11. He gave teammates easy buckets, such as the one dropped off to a wide open Howard for a power dunk. Meta World Peace went crazy in the second quarter with 16 of his 20 points in that period. The Lakers have now won five straight.
The Knicks had only 10 turnovers, but more were in the last quarter than in any other one. This was a rare game in which the Knicks committed more turnovers than made threes (9). The Knicks lost 100-94 and fall to 20-8.
Raymond Felton shot terribly from the field although he did amass 6 assists and no turnovers. J.R. Smith scored 25 points including a fade away three as the shot clock ran out, but his overall play was less impressive than his numbers suggest. Dwight Howard got the better of Tyson Chandler. And the Knicks couldn't stop Kobe Bryant, who scored 34.
Jason Kidd has a decent all around game, with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kurt Thomas also had 6 points on 3 for 3 shooting. But the story was the impressive play of the Lakers. Steve Nash, in his second game back from injury scored 16 and dished 11. He gave teammates easy buckets, such as the one dropped off to a wide open Howard for a power dunk. Meta World Peace went crazy in the second quarter with 16 of his 20 points in that period. The Lakers have now won five straight.
The Knicks had only 10 turnovers, but more were in the last quarter than in any other one. This was a rare game in which the Knicks committed more turnovers than made threes (9). The Knicks lost 100-94 and fall to 20-8.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Another Obnoxious Pound-for-Pound List
Here is the updated version of my obnoxiously unnecessary and utterly superfluous list of the top 10 pound-for-pound boxers. The previous list was posted on September 22.
1) Floyd Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs), [Previous Rank: 1]
2) Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), [PR: 5]
3) Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs), [PR: 3]
4) Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs), [PR: 4]
5) Nonito Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs), [PR: 9]
6) Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 51 KOs), [PR: 6]
7) Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), [PR: 2]
8) Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs), [PR: 7]
9) Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), [PR: 8]
10) Carl Froch (30-2, 22 KOs), [PR: 10]
1) Floyd Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs), [Previous Rank: 1]
2) Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), [PR: 5]
3) Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs), [PR: 3]
4) Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs), [PR: 4]
5) Nonito Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs), [PR: 9]
6) Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 51 KOs), [PR: 6]
7) Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), [PR: 2]
8) Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs), [PR: 7]
9) Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), [PR: 8]
10) Carl Froch (30-2, 22 KOs), [PR: 10]
Friday, December 21, 2012
Bad Game for the Referees
People have bad days at work. That was certainly the case for the three officials, Zach Zarba, John Goble, and Olandis Poole, who oversaw the Knicks-Bulls games tonight. At first, the Bulls took advantage of being allowed to mug the Knicks in plain sight of the cameras. The three men must have accidentally sat on sticks during halftime and blew their whistles as of that was the case.
Carmelo Anthony was inexplicably tossed from the game after a second, dubious technical foul. Joakim Noah was thrown out after his second technical (the first being questionable). Tyson Chandler was ejected at the same time as Noah as the two puffed their chests at one another. It was Chandler's first T and there was no basis for the ejection beyond egotism.
J.R. Smith fouled out of the game, or at least the refs decided it should be so. Smith called for six fouls although a couple of them are missing and presumed never to have occurred. Coach Mike Woodson was tossed for speaking truth to power.
In reality, this game seemed more like an experimental therapy session for the referees than an NBA basketball game. It was sad. The players, fans, and the league deserve better than what Zarba, Goble, and Poole gave us on this day.
But the refs' despicable performance shouldn't diminish the Bulls'. Chicago had a comfortable 13 point lead at the half in MSG. The Knicks unraveled in the third. For the game, Anthony had 29 points and Smith had 26, but the team shot poorly from the field, both near and far.
Raymond Felton, who had really struggled with his shot, decided to penetrate to the tin int he fourth and helped spark a dramatic comeback. But the Knicks were in too big of a hole thanks to the refs' ridiculous calls.
The Bulls won 110-106. The Knicks fall to 19-7.
Carmelo Anthony was inexplicably tossed from the game after a second, dubious technical foul. Joakim Noah was thrown out after his second technical (the first being questionable). Tyson Chandler was ejected at the same time as Noah as the two puffed their chests at one another. It was Chandler's first T and there was no basis for the ejection beyond egotism.
J.R. Smith fouled out of the game, or at least the refs decided it should be so. Smith called for six fouls although a couple of them are missing and presumed never to have occurred. Coach Mike Woodson was tossed for speaking truth to power.
In reality, this game seemed more like an experimental therapy session for the referees than an NBA basketball game. It was sad. The players, fans, and the league deserve better than what Zarba, Goble, and Poole gave us on this day.
But the refs' despicable performance shouldn't diminish the Bulls'. Chicago had a comfortable 13 point lead at the half in MSG. The Knicks unraveled in the third. For the game, Anthony had 29 points and Smith had 26, but the team shot poorly from the field, both near and far.
Raymond Felton, who had really struggled with his shot, decided to penetrate to the tin int he fourth and helped spark a dramatic comeback. But the Knicks were in too big of a hole thanks to the refs' ridiculous calls.
The Bulls won 110-106. The Knicks fall to 19-7.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Knicks Trounce Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets were supposed to be a suitable rival for the New York Knicks. After eking out a home win in November, the Nets have not played their part in the so-called rivalry. The Knicks beat the Nets in Brooklyn thanks to Carmelo Anthony in their second meeting of the season. With Anthony hot again and at home, Brooklyn never really had a chance.
The game was close early. But the Nets simply cannot guard Anthony. He shot 12 for 22 for 31 points, his worst game against Brooklyn this season so far. He was 4 for 8 from three. Anthony is 38 for 71 (53.5%) from the field, and 12 for 20 (60%) from three point range against Brooklyn this season. He's averaging 37 ppg in those three contests.
J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland were efficient off the bench. In 15 combined attempts from the floor, they missed only 5 of them. Smith scored 19. Tyson Chandler has placed a mortgage on the paint. He grabbed 12 rebounds, not including his customary back-taps to teammates. He scored 16 points on 7 of 12 shooting. He leads the league in field goal %.
Raymond Felton struggled to shoot again. But the pick and roll with Chandler was a work of art. Chandler's points were mostly alley oops from Felton. Jason Kidd also shot poorly again, but contributed in other ways.
Many believe the Knicks' success is an aberration. They claim that the Knicks shoot too many threes and their hot shooting can't possibly keep up. Those people haven't been watching the games. The Knicks shot poorly from distance in this one. The Nets and Knicks shot similarly from the field and made a similar number of threes. They acquired a similar number of rebounds. There were two major differences. The Knicks got to the line more often and turned the ball over less often.
The Knicks won 100-86 to advance to 19-6 and maintain the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The game was close early. But the Nets simply cannot guard Anthony. He shot 12 for 22 for 31 points, his worst game against Brooklyn this season so far. He was 4 for 8 from three. Anthony is 38 for 71 (53.5%) from the field, and 12 for 20 (60%) from three point range against Brooklyn this season. He's averaging 37 ppg in those three contests.
J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland were efficient off the bench. In 15 combined attempts from the floor, they missed only 5 of them. Smith scored 19. Tyson Chandler has placed a mortgage on the paint. He grabbed 12 rebounds, not including his customary back-taps to teammates. He scored 16 points on 7 of 12 shooting. He leads the league in field goal %.
Raymond Felton struggled to shoot again. But the pick and roll with Chandler was a work of art. Chandler's points were mostly alley oops from Felton. Jason Kidd also shot poorly again, but contributed in other ways.
Many believe the Knicks' success is an aberration. They claim that the Knicks shoot too many threes and their hot shooting can't possibly keep up. Those people haven't been watching the games. The Knicks shot poorly from distance in this one. The Nets and Knicks shot similarly from the field and made a similar number of threes. They acquired a similar number of rebounds. There were two major differences. The Knicks got to the line more often and turned the ball over less often.
The Knicks won 100-86 to advance to 19-6 and maintain the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Knicks Fall to Rockets
The Carmelo Anthony-less Knicks were blown out by the Houston Rockets at MSG. It marked the second consecutive dominant performance for the Rockets over the Knicks this season.
The primary problem was the ease with which Jeremy Lin and James Harden penetrated to the basket. Lin had 22 points and Harden had 28. The two starting guards combined to shoot over 50% from the field. The combined for 14 rebounds and 11 assists as well. Lin's and Harden's numbers would have been better had they not missed multiple wide open layups.
The Knicks uncharacteristically shot poorly, defended the perimeter poorly, defended the paint poorly, and turned the ball over a season high 17 times. Otherwise, the Knicks played halfway decent. New York couldn't hit from three or the free throw line.
Chris Copeland became an NBA player in this one .In his second career start, he scored 29 points on 11 for 19 shooting. J.R. Smith scored 17 on 7 for 13 from the field. Pablo Prigioni added 16 in garbage time. But Jason Kidd and Steve Novak both were subpar. Raymond Felton had more shots than points and nearly as many turnovers as assists. Tyson Chandler grabbed 18 rebounds, but wasn't a factor offensively.
Houston led for most of the first half, thanks to 27-11 second quarter. But the Knicks cut the lead down to 5 in the third quarter. The Rockets were done playing. The lead immediately ballooned up to 18. It hovered over 20 and the Knicks were done. They fought back enough in the fourth to make the score respectable.
With the 109-96 loss, the Knicks fell to 18-6 and lost their first game of the season at home.
The primary problem was the ease with which Jeremy Lin and James Harden penetrated to the basket. Lin had 22 points and Harden had 28. The two starting guards combined to shoot over 50% from the field. The combined for 14 rebounds and 11 assists as well. Lin's and Harden's numbers would have been better had they not missed multiple wide open layups.
The Knicks uncharacteristically shot poorly, defended the perimeter poorly, defended the paint poorly, and turned the ball over a season high 17 times. Otherwise, the Knicks played halfway decent. New York couldn't hit from three or the free throw line.
Chris Copeland became an NBA player in this one .In his second career start, he scored 29 points on 11 for 19 shooting. J.R. Smith scored 17 on 7 for 13 from the field. Pablo Prigioni added 16 in garbage time. But Jason Kidd and Steve Novak both were subpar. Raymond Felton had more shots than points and nearly as many turnovers as assists. Tyson Chandler grabbed 18 rebounds, but wasn't a factor offensively.
Houston led for most of the first half, thanks to 27-11 second quarter. But the Knicks cut the lead down to 5 in the third quarter. The Rockets were done playing. The lead immediately ballooned up to 18. It hovered over 20 and the Knicks were done. They fought back enough in the fourth to make the score respectable.
With the 109-96 loss, the Knicks fell to 18-6 and lost their first game of the season at home.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Knicks Squeak by Cavs
A masked Kyrie Irving had his career best game with 41 points. The Knicks, though at home, didn't have Carmelo Anthony due to a sprained ankle. The Knicks shot poorly. And yet, New York was able pull out a close contest.
Tyson Chandler had 23 points and 10 points, but that doesn't include all of his back-taps to teammates. Chandler has shot amazingly from the field and this game was no different. He was 9 for 10. Steve Novak nailed four key threes for 13 points.
Raymond Felton tends to think he's a scorer when Anthony is out. He shot a respectable 9 for 20 in this game for 25 points. J.R. Smith also chuck up a lot of shots when Anthony is out. He was 6 for 20 for 16 points.
Jason Kidd did not shoot well, but as usual, he did all the little things. He ended with 8 assists and 2 blocks. Chris Copeland was 4 for 5 for with 11 points in his first start.
This was a close game throughout. The Knicks looked like they would run away with it in the fourth but for the greatness of Irving. Down two in the waning seconds, Anderson Varejao drove and drew a foul. He made the first free throw. But he missed the second and the Knicks grabbed the rebound. That solidified the win, 103-102. The Knicks have won four straight and are 18-5. They're 10-0 at home.
Tyson Chandler had 23 points and 10 points, but that doesn't include all of his back-taps to teammates. Chandler has shot amazingly from the field and this game was no different. He was 9 for 10. Steve Novak nailed four key threes for 13 points.
Raymond Felton tends to think he's a scorer when Anthony is out. He shot a respectable 9 for 20 in this game for 25 points. J.R. Smith also chuck up a lot of shots when Anthony is out. He was 6 for 20 for 16 points.
Jason Kidd did not shoot well, but as usual, he did all the little things. He ended with 8 assists and 2 blocks. Chris Copeland was 4 for 5 for with 11 points in his first start.
This was a close game throughout. The Knicks looked like they would run away with it in the fourth but for the greatness of Irving. Down two in the waning seconds, Anderson Varejao drove and drew a foul. He made the first free throw. But he missed the second and the Knicks grabbed the rebound. That solidified the win, 103-102. The Knicks have won four straight and are 18-5. They're 10-0 at home.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Knicks Smoke Lakers
The Knicks poured in 41 points in the first quarter. Carmelo Anthony couldn't miss. The Lakers' defense was atrocious.
Despite the occasional isolation play, the Knicks have been so adept at moving the ball. Contrasting the Knicks style of play with that of the Lakers, it's obvious why the Knicks have been so good and the Lakers so bad. Unselfishness, taking care of the ball, and perimeter defense are the three main reasons.
Anthony scored 30 points in only 22 minutes on 10 for 15 shots. He hurt his ankle crashing to the ground in the third and didn't return. Anthony seems to spend an awful lot of time on the floor grimacing. He was one of five players to score in double figures for the Knicks. Steve Novak shot 4 for 5 from three for 12 points. J.R. Smith, Tyson Chandler, and Raymond Felton were the others.
Both teams nailed 12 threes. The Knicks shot 25 while the Lakers shot 37. The Knicks shot 53.2% from the field while the Lakers were at 41.7%. The Knicks turned the ball over only six times. The Lakers did so 13 times. The Knicks were able to get to the rim with ease. Dwight Howard blocked only one shot and didn't alter many more.
New York would be the only team in NBA history to hit more threes than commit turnovers if they keep their current pace. Some have questioned their supposed lack of rebounding. The Knicks have a negative differential. But it's a misnomer. The Knicks have shown themselves to be good rebounders, particularly Chandler (who only 4 in this one, although he had numerous taps to teammates). The Knicks are far and away the best team in turnover differential. Since the Knicks' field goal % is similar to their opponents' , that means there are fewer defensive rebounds for the Knicks to grab. New York actually leads their opponents grabbing offensive boards.
The Knicks were up 58-32 at one point. The Lakers whittled it down to 6 at one point, but never truly challenged. The final score was closer than was the game. The Knicks won 116-107 and are now 17-5.
Despite the occasional isolation play, the Knicks have been so adept at moving the ball. Contrasting the Knicks style of play with that of the Lakers, it's obvious why the Knicks have been so good and the Lakers so bad. Unselfishness, taking care of the ball, and perimeter defense are the three main reasons.
Anthony scored 30 points in only 22 minutes on 10 for 15 shots. He hurt his ankle crashing to the ground in the third and didn't return. Anthony seems to spend an awful lot of time on the floor grimacing. He was one of five players to score in double figures for the Knicks. Steve Novak shot 4 for 5 from three for 12 points. J.R. Smith, Tyson Chandler, and Raymond Felton were the others.
Both teams nailed 12 threes. The Knicks shot 25 while the Lakers shot 37. The Knicks shot 53.2% from the field while the Lakers were at 41.7%. The Knicks turned the ball over only six times. The Lakers did so 13 times. The Knicks were able to get to the rim with ease. Dwight Howard blocked only one shot and didn't alter many more.
New York would be the only team in NBA history to hit more threes than commit turnovers if they keep their current pace. Some have questioned their supposed lack of rebounding. The Knicks have a negative differential. But it's a misnomer. The Knicks have shown themselves to be good rebounders, particularly Chandler (who only 4 in this one, although he had numerous taps to teammates). The Knicks are far and away the best team in turnover differential. Since the Knicks' field goal % is similar to their opponents' , that means there are fewer defensive rebounds for the Knicks to grab. New York actually leads their opponents grabbing offensive boards.
The Knicks were up 58-32 at one point. The Lakers whittled it down to 6 at one point, but never truly challenged. The final score was closer than was the game. The Knicks won 116-107 and are now 17-5.
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