by Stop Mike Lupica on March 6 at 9:03AM
...and I feel good about that game.
No, it wasn't as good a game for the Knicks as the last time they played at the Garden, when the Knicks blew out the Cavs. But something about this Cavs team (hint: the Knicks don't like LeBron) brings out the best in the Knicks.
But forget about bringing out the best... how about bringing out the young!
That's what Isiah Thomas finally did yesterday, giving rookies Wilson Chandler and Randolph Morris more playing time than they had seen all year. I guess all those articles and posts the NY media had written earlier this week found Isiah's ears. So, how did they do?
Wilson Chandler came in early in the first quarter, and played 35 minutes! On a night in which Quentin Richardson, who normally locks up LeBron, was in foul trouble, Chandler's job was to keep The King in check. He obviously didn't slow him down very much (not surprisingly, LeBron's worst quarter was the first, before Q-Rich had to check out with foul trouble), but give the kid a break. It's hard for anyone to stop LeBron James.
Some observations on Chandler: he twice drew fouls on entry passes into the post - that's generally a sign that he puts them in the right place, but is too slow in making his pass. That allows the defense to try to jump on the pass for the steal (in this case resulting in two fouls).
Two dumb fouls by Wilson sent Wally World to the line in the second quarter. Both fouls were away from the ball, with the Knicks in foul trouble. Hence the term "rookie mistakes".
Randolph Morris - early on he looked very rusty, mis-timing his jump on rebounds. In fact, he had only 2 rebounds in his 6-7 minutes of play in the second quarter. But in his 4-5 minutes he played in the second half, he was more aggressive on the boards, and got 5. He finished the game with 7 boards in 12 minutes. Nice turnaround for the kid. If nothing else, we know he can eat glass. That already makes him more efficient at center than Eddy Curry.
LBJ had 15 points in the second, and some amazing plays - a vicious dunk, a three, an amazing pass, and finally a 40 foot three pointer at the buzzer - a fadeaway jumper (not a chuck)... incredible leg strength. I can't emphasize that enough. I think LeBron might have the strongest legs in the league.
Mike Breen broke down the story behind Jamal Crawford's bandage, finally. Turns out he has a pad underneath the bandages, which softens the blows to his shoulder, which he sprained earlier this season.
Nate Robinson's amazing guard play (especially in the third) was almost enough to inspire hope in the Knicks' future. Seriously, in the third quarter he ran the offense (which basically means pass the ball around until someone breaks down the defense and then swing it around to open man, or optionB Z - the pick and roll), was calm, efficient, and savvy. He has shot 39-77 (50%) over his last 6 games, which is great shooting from a guard. His assist numbers need to go up, but the reality is that Crawford runs the point as much as Nate does. Regardless, with Nate running the offense in the third, the Knicks go 9 for 13 at one point, and have a 15-2 run.
I noticed Chandler likes to fast break a lot - he's always the first one up the court on a steal. That's great, though it might also be a sign that he leaves too quickly on the break. Never the less, he's another youngster (like Lee, Balkman and Nate) who can get up the court in a hurry. You got to enjoy that if you are a Knick fan.
Two quick Wilson stats: he swatted Varejao's shot out of bounds (man to man defense), and he hit his first three of the year/career (range).
Randolph Morris had some impressive moves, hitting his first three shots, including a nice spin move.
The last note about this game: LeBron finished with 50 points (!), plus 10 assists, 4 steals and 8 rebounds. He absolutely dominated with Richardson in foul trouble. Yet the Knicks were in contention most of the game, trailing 99-98 with four minutes to go before the typical end of game collapse. You have to say that, in a game that featured 48 minutes from the rookies, versus 55 total for Richardson, Zach Randolph, and Eddy Curry, the Knicks might have a better future ahead of them. If only they continue to groom and play those kids, and work them into the rotation.
Posting and Toasting's recap noted that there are three things he wants to see from Knick games this year: the kids getting more burn, decent play throughout (no getting blown out) and a last second collapse, you know, to secure a better draft pick. I'm not sold on the last item, though I do agree that a better pick is a good strategy (but let's face it - we aren't getting Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose, and no one else pops off at me). But the other two are dead on, and the Knicks achieved those modest goals yesterday. That's why you can feel kinda good about the game yesterday, if you are a Knicks fan.
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No, it wasn't as good a game for the Knicks as the last time they played at the Garden, when the Knicks blew out the Cavs. But something about this Cavs team (hint: the Knicks don't like LeBron) brings out the best in the Knicks.
But forget about bringing out the best... how about bringing out the young!
That's what Isiah Thomas finally did yesterday, giving rookies Wilson Chandler and Randolph Morris more playing time than they had seen all year. I guess all those articles and posts the NY media had written earlier this week found Isiah's ears. So, how did they do?
Wilson Chandler came in early in the first quarter, and played 35 minutes! On a night in which Quentin Richardson, who normally locks up LeBron, was in foul trouble, Chandler's job was to keep The King in check. He obviously didn't slow him down very much (not surprisingly, LeBron's worst quarter was the first, before Q-Rich had to check out with foul trouble), but give the kid a break. It's hard for anyone to stop LeBron James.
Some observations on Chandler: he twice drew fouls on entry passes into the post - that's generally a sign that he puts them in the right place, but is too slow in making his pass. That allows the defense to try to jump on the pass for the steal (in this case resulting in two fouls).
Two dumb fouls by Wilson sent Wally World to the line in the second quarter. Both fouls were away from the ball, with the Knicks in foul trouble. Hence the term "rookie mistakes".
Randolph Morris - early on he looked very rusty, mis-timing his jump on rebounds. In fact, he had only 2 rebounds in his 6-7 minutes of play in the second quarter. But in his 4-5 minutes he played in the second half, he was more aggressive on the boards, and got 5. He finished the game with 7 boards in 12 minutes. Nice turnaround for the kid. If nothing else, we know he can eat glass. That already makes him more efficient at center than Eddy Curry.
LBJ had 15 points in the second, and some amazing plays - a vicious dunk, a three, an amazing pass, and finally a 40 foot three pointer at the buzzer - a fadeaway jumper (not a chuck)... incredible leg strength. I can't emphasize that enough. I think LeBron might have the strongest legs in the league.
Mike Breen broke down the story behind Jamal Crawford's bandage, finally. Turns out he has a pad underneath the bandages, which softens the blows to his shoulder, which he sprained earlier this season.
Nate Robinson's amazing guard play (especially in the third) was almost enough to inspire hope in the Knicks' future. Seriously, in the third quarter he ran the offense (which basically means pass the ball around until someone breaks down the defense and then swing it around to open man, or option
I noticed Chandler likes to fast break a lot - he's always the first one up the court on a steal. That's great, though it might also be a sign that he leaves too quickly on the break. Never the less, he's another youngster (like Lee, Balkman and Nate) who can get up the court in a hurry. You got to enjoy that if you are a Knick fan.
Two quick Wilson stats: he swatted Varejao's shot out of bounds (man to man defense), and he hit his first three of the year/career (range).
Randolph Morris had some impressive moves, hitting his first three shots, including a nice spin move.
The last note about this game: LeBron finished with 50 points (!), plus 10 assists, 4 steals and 8 rebounds. He absolutely dominated with Richardson in foul trouble. Yet the Knicks were in contention most of the game, trailing 99-98 with four minutes to go before the typical end of game collapse. You have to say that, in a game that featured 48 minutes from the rookies, versus 55 total for Richardson, Zach Randolph, and Eddy Curry, the Knicks might have a better future ahead of them. If only they continue to groom and play those kids, and work them into the rotation.
Posting and Toasting's recap noted that there are three things he wants to see from Knick games this year: the kids getting more burn, decent play throughout (no getting blown out) and a last second collapse, you know, to secure a better draft pick. I'm not sold on the last item, though I do agree that a better pick is a good strategy (but let's face it - we aren't getting Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose, and no one else pops off at me). But the other two are dead on, and the Knicks achieved those modest goals yesterday. That's why you can feel kinda good about the game yesterday, if you are a Knicks fan.
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Comments
Maybe the Knicks could fix the lottery again and get Beasley...
Seriously though. I am not a Knicks fan, but why is Balkman not playing? He has always seemed like a good/fun player to watch. Is he hurt?
Joe, the balkman question is a very sore spot with me. ...Isiah loves Quentin Richardson in ways that i can't explain
gotta play the kids...
I was there! It was the first time I've ever been able to sit back and really enjoy seeing the NYK lose. How can you not get amped watching LeBron hit a half-court buzzer beater when you know that winning won't do the Knicks any good anyway? It's impossible. If we are already at the point where Nate Robinson is our point gaurd, then Balkman deserves 20 minutes a game. Funny story, I actually checked out the Balkman #32 t-shirt situation in the MSG store. They only make it in girl sizes.
I lUV HIM WITH ALL MY HEART HOPE TO DIE STICK A NEDLE IN MY EYE I LUV U MIKE
sshhhh i've convinced myself that we are destined for the number 2 pick and D Rose, dont bring out all this "logical reasoning" crap and destroy my fantasy !