"(Tonight) is a payback game, man...It left a bitter taste in my mouth and the team's mouth and we remember that. We hold grudges." -Carmelo Anthony
The Knicks take on the Cavs tonight, a team who they have yet to beat in two tries this season. One of those games was last weekend, post trade. The Cavs are 11-49 on the season.
Expect the Knicks to come out hot tonight, as they try to wash the bitter taste of losing to the worst team in the league out of their mouths.
Chauncey Billups is doubtful. If Billups does indeed not play, Toney Douglas will be asked to step up again, as he did against the Hornets on Wednesday, scoring 24 points.
The last time these two teams played, Antwan Jamison, Ramon Sessions and J.J. Hickson each had what may of been their best games of the season, with 28, 22 and 24 points respectively. This time, especially with the home crowd rooting on the Knicks, it's a good bet that those three will not end with such gaudy numbers.
Meanwhile, Baron Davis is making his Cavaliers debut. Cavs coach Byron Scott and Davis reportedly had a bumpy relationship during their days with the Hornets, although are supposedly on the same page now. The Cavs will have to shake off the rust with a new star point guard, and the Knicks are coming out with a vengeance.
I see a blowout in the Garden on Amar'e Stoudemire bobblehead night.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Knicks 107, Hornets 88
Knick's Record- 31-28 (6th in the East, 5 games back from the 5th seeded Hawks, 1 1/2 games up on 7th seeded 76ers)
The entire roster saw action tonight as the Knicks massacred the Hornets, 107-88. It was 52-42 Knicks at the half and 82-62 after three. Chris Paul's first points came with a buzzer beating shot to end the first half. He would score one more basket, ending with just 4 points and 10 assists.
Box Score
Stoudemire had 24, Douglas had 23 and Anthony had 22, leading the way for the Knicks. In a rare occurrence, D'Antoni gave the crowd what they wanted late in the game, inserting Roger Mason, who absolutely drained two shots, one of which was a three, while also dishing out an assist in just four minutes. Play like that might make D'Antoni more inclined to give him chances in future games.
We also got our first looks at the newcomers, Jared Jefferies and Derrick Brown. Jefferies picked up right where he left off; I could only tell this wasn't a replay of his first stint with the team because he now wears number nine. Oh, and the entire roster has changed. Jefferies played well on defense and had six rebounds, four of which were offensive. Brown played just four minutes along with Mason and picked up two fouls and one rebound. Still, he played with confidence and looks like the type of player who would fit D'Antoni's run and gun style of offense.
Shawne Williams, who had been slumping recently shooting the three, shot 4-6 from beyond the arc, including hitting his first three, on the way to 16 points.
The Knicks played a very solid game, especially without Billups. They looked like the type of team that should have these types of victories, especially against reeling teams like the Hornets, who came off a loss to the Toronto Raptors.
The Knicks are now 3-2 since the trade. They play the Cavs (who they have yet to beat in two attempts this season) on Friday.
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| Amar'e and Melo learn how it feels to sit on the bench |
Box Score
Stoudemire had 24, Douglas had 23 and Anthony had 22, leading the way for the Knicks. In a rare occurrence, D'Antoni gave the crowd what they wanted late in the game, inserting Roger Mason, who absolutely drained two shots, one of which was a three, while also dishing out an assist in just four minutes. Play like that might make D'Antoni more inclined to give him chances in future games.
We also got our first looks at the newcomers, Jared Jefferies and Derrick Brown. Jefferies picked up right where he left off; I could only tell this wasn't a replay of his first stint with the team because he now wears number nine. Oh, and the entire roster has changed. Jefferies played well on defense and had six rebounds, four of which were offensive. Brown played just four minutes along with Mason and picked up two fouls and one rebound. Still, he played with confidence and looks like the type of player who would fit D'Antoni's run and gun style of offense.
Shawne Williams, who had been slumping recently shooting the three, shot 4-6 from beyond the arc, including hitting his first three, on the way to 16 points.
The Knicks played a very solid game, especially without Billups. They looked like the type of team that should have these types of victories, especially against reeling teams like the Hornets, who came off a loss to the Toronto Raptors.
The Knicks are now 3-2 since the trade. They play the Cavs (who they have yet to beat in two attempts this season) on Friday.
Knicks vs. Hornets 7:30 p.m.
The Knicks will have to play Chris Paul and the Hornets without Chauncey Billups tonight. It's crazy how quickly Billups has gone from an afterthought in the blockbuster deal to the third member of the Knicks' very own big three.
A night after his collision with Dwight Howard's knee, Billups says he "feels better." He is listed as questionable for friday's game against the Knicks' nemesis, the Cavs.
The two new Knicks, Derrick Brown and Jared Jefferies, will suit up tonight. Jefferies should see minutes, as he knows the system and D'Antoni is a big fan. We will see if Brown gets in the game, and what he shows us.
The Knicks beat the Hornets 100-92 on December 3rd, in their only other meeting this season. Amar'e Stoudemire had 34 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, while Paul had 17 points and 10 assists for the Hornets. Of course, this is a much different matchup.
This is a game the Knicks should be able to steal, even without Billups in the lineup. The Hornets have lost 11 of their last 15, including a loss last night to the last-place Toronto Raptors.
P.S. Remember Paul's toast at Carmelo Anthony's wedding? Let's hope the Garden crowd shows Paul how great it could be playing here.
***
A few quick notes that have nothing to do with tonight's game:
-Happy anniversary to Wilt Chamberlain. On this day 49 years ago, Wilt the Stilt scored 100 points in a single game against none other than the New York Knicks.
- Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld and ESPN 1040 tweeted that Eddy Curry (formerly Eddy Curry's expiring contract) is telling friends that he will sign with the Heat. Do the Heat want him? And if so, why? And how unfair would it be if Curry won a ring with...maybe I'm getting head of myself.
- Mike Prada over at SBnation.com put together a pretty hilarious list of 60 players the Heat should sign over Curry. Personally I think a more comprehensive list could be put together.
Enjoy the game and check back after for post game thoughts and analysis.
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| Paul will dictate how the Hornets play |
A night after his collision with Dwight Howard's knee, Billups says he "feels better." He is listed as questionable for friday's game against the Knicks' nemesis, the Cavs.
The two new Knicks, Derrick Brown and Jared Jefferies, will suit up tonight. Jefferies should see minutes, as he knows the system and D'Antoni is a big fan. We will see if Brown gets in the game, and what he shows us.
The Knicks beat the Hornets 100-92 on December 3rd, in their only other meeting this season. Amar'e Stoudemire had 34 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, while Paul had 17 points and 10 assists for the Hornets. Of course, this is a much different matchup.
This is a game the Knicks should be able to steal, even without Billups in the lineup. The Hornets have lost 11 of their last 15, including a loss last night to the last-place Toronto Raptors.
P.S. Remember Paul's toast at Carmelo Anthony's wedding? Let's hope the Garden crowd shows Paul how great it could be playing here.
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| Don't forget your toast, Paul |
***
A few quick notes that have nothing to do with tonight's game:
-Happy anniversary to Wilt Chamberlain. On this day 49 years ago, Wilt the Stilt scored 100 points in a single game against none other than the New York Knicks.
- Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld and ESPN 1040 tweeted that Eddy Curry (formerly Eddy Curry's expiring contract) is telling friends that he will sign with the Heat. Do the Heat want him? And if so, why? And how unfair would it be if Curry won a ring with...maybe I'm getting head of myself.
- Mike Prada over at SBnation.com put together a pretty hilarious list of 60 players the Heat should sign over Curry. Personally I think a more comprehensive list could be put together.
Enjoy the game and check back after for post game thoughts and analysis.
Ewing Speaks!
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| The Garden used to be his house |
On the Knicks:
"New York hasn't had two bona fide superstars since Willis (Reed) and Earl (Monroe) and Clyde (Frazier). Those guys (Stoudemire and Anthony) are bona fide superstars."
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| Now it's theirs |
"Everybody kept talking about him [Chauncey Billups] as a throw in. People overlooked him when he first started. He's played great games. He's won championships."
On Howard:
"He's staying in Orlando. He ain't going nowhere. I told him if he's going anywhere, I'm chopping his legs off."
It's been awhile since I had the joy of seeing Patrick Ewing talk to reporters. The last time I remember seeing Ewing besides pointing him out on the Magic bench to my dad, his name was Patrick Chewing.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Magic 116, Knicks 110
Knick's Record- 30-28 (6th in the East, 5 games back from the 5th seeded Hawks, 1 game up on 7th seeded 76ers)
The Knicks gave Donnie Walsh an early birthday present Sunday night with their victory against the Heat. Unfortunately, they were unable to deliver a gift on his actual 70th birthday Tuesday night, as they fell to the Magic, 116-110.
Box Score
The Knicks had this game in their grasp, leading by five going into the fourth quarter.
But then, after a nonexistent first half where he scored just 3 points, Jameer Nelson decided to show up. With a flurry of circus layups and step-back jumpshots, Nelson helped the Magic take back a lead that they would not again relinquish.
Against the Knicks' "front court," Dwight Howard had 30 points, 16 boards and 5 blocks.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups each had 30 for the Knicks, and Carmelo Anthony had 25, with yet another poor shooting night (8-24 from the field). Billups took a career high 20 free throws and made 18. Between the two teams there were 97 free throws taken, while zero players fouled out.
What you can take away from this game as a Knicks fan is this: The Knicks are on the same level as the Magic. This game had the same intensity and competitive fire that Sunday night's game had. Overall, the Knicks have the talent to beat the Magic, and could compete in a 7-game series.
Of course, the problem is Howard. The Knicks simply do not have anyone to match up with the big man. His presence alone changes the entire game; it opens up threes and outside jumpers, and simply gives the other four Magic players much more court to utilize. However, there are very few teams with the ability to combat Howard. The Lakers, Celtics (as long as Shaq is health), Thunder (with newly acquired Kendrick Perkins) and Bulls are the only teams that even have a chance.
I'll break down the teams player by player in another post, but Knicks fans can celebrate the fact that the Magic don't have five Dwight Howards; they only have one.
It's also worth noting that this was only the Knicks' fourth game A.C. (After Carmelo). Don't forget what your third grade teacher used to tell you when you were learning multiplication tables: practice makes perfect.
The Knicks gave Donnie Walsh an early birthday present Sunday night with their victory against the Heat. Unfortunately, they were unable to deliver a gift on his actual 70th birthday Tuesday night, as they fell to the Magic, 116-110.
Box Score
The Knicks had this game in their grasp, leading by five going into the fourth quarter.
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| Nelson came alive in the second half |
Against the Knicks' "front court," Dwight Howard had 30 points, 16 boards and 5 blocks.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups each had 30 for the Knicks, and Carmelo Anthony had 25, with yet another poor shooting night (8-24 from the field). Billups took a career high 20 free throws and made 18. Between the two teams there were 97 free throws taken, while zero players fouled out.
What you can take away from this game as a Knicks fan is this: The Knicks are on the same level as the Magic. This game had the same intensity and competitive fire that Sunday night's game had. Overall, the Knicks have the talent to beat the Magic, and could compete in a 7-game series.
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| The Knicks had no answer for Superman |
I'll break down the teams player by player in another post, but Knicks fans can celebrate the fact that the Magic don't have five Dwight Howards; they only have one.
It's also worth noting that this was only the Knicks' fourth game A.C. (After Carmelo). Don't forget what your third grade teacher used to tell you when you were learning multiplication tables: practice makes perfect.
Knicks vs. Magic 7 p.m.
The Knicks head to Orlando tonight to face Dwight Howard and the Magic. They faced each other once earlier this season, a 112-103 loss on Dec. 30.
Of course, that was B.C. (Before Carmelo).
It's the 4th game of the new era, and the Knicks should come into Orlando with a renewed confidence after their huge victory against the Heat Sunday night. Since the trade occurred exactly one week ago, there is not much to look at in terms of previous matchups between the two teams.
Howard put up 24 points and 18 boards against the Knicks in December. As I wrote earlier today, the Knicks still have a gaping hole when it comes to big men, so it is likely that Howard will roam under the basket with the same freedom he felt earlier in the year. Amar'e had 30 points in that game, but just 4 boards.
Howard has been monstrous of late, putting up at least 30 points in 5 of his last 7 games.
The Knicks will have to double team him and force the rest of the team to beat them.
Howard's supporting cast has been meager this season; Gilbert Arenas is not the Arenas of yesteryear, when he was an explosive All-Star lock. He's averaging 8 points a game for the Magic this season. Hedo Turkoglu hasn't scored more than 20 points since January 22nd, and you have to go back almost an entire month from that date to find the next time he broke 20. Jason Richardson hasn't broken 20 since January 15th.
With Melo and Amar'e, the Knicks have the offense to compete with any team in the league. It's their defense that could trip them up. Once Jared Jefferies is suited up and playing (supposedly tomorrow against the Hornets), their defense should be a little stronger. However, even Jefferies is not big enough to do much against Superman.
This game is going to come down to Howard's supporting cast. Will they step up?
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| Superman vs. STAT |
Of course, that was B.C. (Before Carmelo).
It's the 4th game of the new era, and the Knicks should come into Orlando with a renewed confidence after their huge victory against the Heat Sunday night. Since the trade occurred exactly one week ago, there is not much to look at in terms of previous matchups between the two teams.
Howard put up 24 points and 18 boards against the Knicks in December. As I wrote earlier today, the Knicks still have a gaping hole when it comes to big men, so it is likely that Howard will roam under the basket with the same freedom he felt earlier in the year. Amar'e had 30 points in that game, but just 4 boards.
Howard has been monstrous of late, putting up at least 30 points in 5 of his last 7 games.
The Knicks will have to double team him and force the rest of the team to beat them.
Howard's supporting cast has been meager this season; Gilbert Arenas is not the Arenas of yesteryear, when he was an explosive All-Star lock. He's averaging 8 points a game for the Magic this season. Hedo Turkoglu hasn't scored more than 20 points since January 22nd, and you have to go back almost an entire month from that date to find the next time he broke 20. Jason Richardson hasn't broken 20 since January 15th.
With Melo and Amar'e, the Knicks have the offense to compete with any team in the league. It's their defense that could trip them up. Once Jared Jefferies is suited up and playing (supposedly tomorrow against the Hornets), their defense should be a little stronger. However, even Jefferies is not big enough to do much against Superman.
This game is going to come down to Howard's supporting cast. Will they step up?
Knicks' Roster Becoming Complete
Donnie Walsh announced today that the Knicks have claimed Derrick Brown off waivers from Charlotte.
This is interesting news. Jared Jefferies should be signing any minute now with the Knicks, and the presumption was that the Knicks would be going after another big to fill out their roster, after having bought out Corey Brewer and waiving Kelenna Azubuike.
Brown is a young, (drafted 40th overall in the 2009 draft) 6'8" swingman with promise. His pro minutes have been so limited that they are not even worth analyzing at this point (9.4 minutes per game last season, 12 this year).
It's worth noting his steady improvement in college, though. As a Xavier freshman he averaged 6 points and 4 boards per game. As a sophomore, 11 and 6.5. As a senior, 14 and 6. He was also a solid 3-point shooter, so I'm sure D'Antoni is salivating at the news of his signing. He shot 41.5% from downtown for his college career.
But the move is puzzling because of what the Knicks desperately need, which is a center.
Neither Jefferies nor Brown appears to fill that role; many Knicks fans yearn for the likes of Leon Powe, who appears to be headed towards Miami or back to Boston.
Thus far, Donnie Walsh has done no wrong in my eyes; he has transformed the Knicks from a bumbling squad of delinquent losers into a star-studded (albeit small) group of contenders in just two years. Here's to hoping that, as usual, he see's a little bit more than the casual observer.
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| Bygones? |
Brown is a young, (drafted 40th overall in the 2009 draft) 6'8" swingman with promise. His pro minutes have been so limited that they are not even worth analyzing at this point (9.4 minutes per game last season, 12 this year).
It's worth noting his steady improvement in college, though. As a Xavier freshman he averaged 6 points and 4 boards per game. As a sophomore, 11 and 6.5. As a senior, 14 and 6. He was also a solid 3-point shooter, so I'm sure D'Antoni is salivating at the news of his signing. He shot 41.5% from downtown for his college career.
But the move is puzzling because of what the Knicks desperately need, which is a center.
Neither Jefferies nor Brown appears to fill that role; many Knicks fans yearn for the likes of Leon Powe, who appears to be headed towards Miami or back to Boston.
Thus far, Donnie Walsh has done no wrong in my eyes; he has transformed the Knicks from a bumbling squad of delinquent losers into a star-studded (albeit small) group of contenders in just two years. Here's to hoping that, as usual, he see's a little bit more than the casual observer.
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