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Knicks vs Bucks – 3-15-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

New York avenged a terrible February 03, 2014 loss to the league’s worst team on a Saturday matinée game, defeating Milwaukee 115-94.

The previous three contests against Milwaukee were highly competitive, going to a double overtime, and even giving the Bucks one of their league worst thirteen wins. Saturday would be a completely different story, as New York stretched their season high winning streak to six straight. Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire made their return to the starting lineup, and even though they looked rusty at times, their presence was immense for the ball club. New York went on a 19-6 run early in the second quarter, which ended any competitiveness from the game the rest of the afternoon.

John Henson would dunk the ball to start the second quarter, the Knicks would answer with the massive run, sparked by Tim Hardaway Jr, who scored 11 of the 19 points, during the crushing run to the Bucks. Hardaway Jr. got to the rim at will, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk, where he was the recipient of a great team basketball play. On an inbound pass to Pablo Prigioni, he threw a three quarter court pass to Iman Shumpert, who threw the lob to Hardaway Jr. for the jam. Hardaway Jr. would then cap the run with a three, giving the Knicks a 49-31 lead with 5:36 left in the second quarter. Things were going so well for New York that Iman Shumpert somehow banked in a three from the right corner three. (I don’t think he called bank on that shot)

New York held a 60-42 lead at the half, and the second half both teams basically just went through the motions, waiting for the game to end. It was non-competitive in the second half, and garbage time came early. Tim Hardaway Jr. poured in 20 points from the bench, lending a helping hand to Carmelo Anthony who finished the game with 23 points.

Knicks @ Celtics – 3-12-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

New York matched their longest winning streak all season, collecting their fifth straight win Wednesday night defeating Boston 116-92.

An extremely thin frontline, got thinner Wednesday night, as Tyson Chandler did not play due to personal reasons for a second consecutive game, and Amare Stoudemire sat out to recover, who has been playing tremendous basketball both on offense and defense. Without Chandler and Stoudemire, Cole Aldrich stepped into the starting lineup. To the Knicks credit, every player stepped up to the challenge, especially Aldrich and Earl Clark, who saw meaningful minutes due the decimated frontcourt. Aldrich collected a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with three blocks for a +19 +/-. While Earl Clark didn’t have an impressive stat line, his impact overall was felt, stepping into the rotation, giving excellent back up minutes (particularly in the second quarter when Anthony was resting), proven with the best +/- of anyone, +22.

The Knicks scored 68 points in the first half, which were the most points scored in a half by New York. New York put on a three-point shooting clinic in the first half, connecting on 9-of-10 from beyond the arc. Both Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr. connected on three-threes. Anthony started off strong, as per usual, with 13 points in the first quarter. J.R Smith got off to a hot start as well, scoring nine of his 13 points in the first quarter, helping build a 36-24 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Tim Hardaway Jr. provided a huge lift off the bench, scoring 12 of his 22 points in the second quarter. New York was unconscious on offense Wednesday night, scoring at a 60.5% clip in the first half, leading 68-48 at the half. The Celtics defense looked like they were imitating the Knicks’ defense, constantly switching out bigs onto New York’s perimeter players, which forced mismatches in favor of the offense. This is scenario that played out for most of the first half, if the double didn’t come, Anthony easily scored on crossover dribble pull ups, and if the double came, the ball swung around the perimeter for a wide open three. New York handed out 15 assists on Continue reading →

2013/14 Knicks Roster Power Rankings – Week 20

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This week is pretty much the exact opposite of last week.  The Knicks won all four games, lots of players got involved and everyone looks energized.  Oh yeah and Phil Jackson might become president.  Kind of awkward timing for all this considering there is a protest planned for tomorrow.  Lets see how the Knicks look at they race to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive:
       
Rank Player Comments Last weeks Rank
1 Stoudemire, Amar’e The only things Amare did this week was to move into the starting lineup, find his midrange shot again, rebound at a nice clip, block shots and play acceptable defense.  I never expected Amare to every claim the #1 spot, but the Knicks are full of surprises lately. 4
2 Anthony, Carmelo Melo has been getting a lot more assists lately.  It’s amazing what happens when your teammates actually hit shots. 1
3 Chandler, Tyson Chandler missed the Philly game due to personal reasons, but before that had 3 double-doubles. 2
4 Smith, J.R. JR was also a big part of this turnaround, moving into the starting lineup, not taking as many shots and shooting more efficiently.  He’s also been getting a few nice looking assists every game. 14
5 Shumpert, Iman While he hasn’t been lighting up the box score, a look at his +/- numbers shows you the impact he has had on the court this week.  Pretty much the only bench player who’s been productive. 13 Continue reading →

Episode 244 – Phil Jackson for President

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Robert Silverman from Knickerblogger.net joins Jay as we talk about Phil Jackson possibly becoming president of the Knicks, the three game winning streak and what that means for a possible playoff run, how either of these things will effect Melos decision and much more

 Download Episode 244

Knicks vs Jazz – 3-7-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

Utah Jazz losing streak is extended to five games, fall to the New York Knicks Friday night 108-81.

New York again led wire to wire for a second consecutive game, scoring 39 points in the first quarter. The 39 points was the most points scored in any individual quarter by New York in any quarter this season.

Since Amare Stoudemire has been inserted into the starting lineup three games ago, the Knicks have been a +42 in first quarters. Stoudemire has been extremely impressive looking, even on defense!

Stoudemire with 9:05 remaining in the first quarter blocked a Derrick Favors layup attempt, igniting a fast break, leading to a J.R. Smith three. Smith was on fire from distance Friday night, knocking down five three-pointers, finishing the game with 17 points. Amare Stoudemire looked lively, running the floor on the fast break, drawing a foul with 7:14 left in the first quarter, he would convert on both free throws increasing New York’s lead to 16-8. On the very next Knicks’ possession, Stoudemire would Continue reading →

A Letter from James Dolan to Phil Jackson

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Dear Phil Jackson,

I would like to offer you the opportunity to tarnish your legacy by becoming involved with our shitshow of an organization. We would love you to be our coach but happy to have you as GM, team president, our starting PG or just have you sit court side at all our home games. I promise we will overpay you by a ghastly amount that we will have to eat for years to come when this relationship blows up like all things do in Knicksland. If you choose to be our GM, you will have complete control and autonomy to remake the team in any fashion you choose as long as you resign Melo, agree to continue our tradition of treating first round draft picks like Mexican peso and allow me to meddle in every decision you make including what you will eat each day for lunch. We know that you have brought many titles to Jordan led Bulls teams and Kobe/Shaq led Lakers teams and that you will understand with New York that you will have the ultimate opportunity to prove your greatness by taking an Amare/Bargs (we all know Melo has Chicago real estate agents on speed dial) led Knicks team to the promised land. When we do win with you in charge your place will be secured as the greatest basketball mind to ever walk the Earth. Plus, if you agree to join the Knicks in the next 24 hours I will provide you with a personally signed JD & the Straight Shots limited edition box set. Continue reading →

Knicks vs. Timberwolves – 3-6-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

New York finally ended their losing streak, and their hero ironically was Raymond Felton, whom has recently been vilified by New York papers and tabloid for his illegal possession of firearms.  And rightfully so, especially if the allegations of him pointing the gun at his wife are true, but for now, that’s all it is, just allegations, and Felton will have his date in court soon enough. For one night though Felton was the hero.

            Raymond Felton had his best game, possibly all year, but definitely his best game since his arrest. Felton was great at getting into the paint and scoring, as well as facilitating the offense Wednesday night. Felton had the best +/- of any player with a +21 scoring18 points and handing out 8 assists, along with four steals. Felton made crucial plays in the fourth quarter, holding off any potential Minnesota comeback.

            Felton scored seven points and dished out three assist in the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves made a 7-0 to cut the Knicks’ lead into single figure 107-99 with 2:43 remaining in the game. After a quick timeout, Felton would hit a clutch floater to push the Knicks’ lead back up to double digits. Then Felton would put a cap on his fantastic night by hitting a three that essentially sealed the game with 1:08 remaining, making the score 114-101. New York would go on to defeat Minnesota 118-106. Continue reading →

2013/14 Knicks Roster Power Rankings – Week 19

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Four games and four losses since last week.  The Knicks have won 2 games since January.  It’s March.  Earl Clark and Shannon Brown got to play 1 game of meaningful minutes before being relegated to the bench with Murry and Aldrich.  This makes complete sense since the Knicks trio of JR, THJ and Felton started the game out 1-20.  Gotta snap out of that slump at some point!
       
Rank Player Comments Last weeks Rank
1 Anthony, Carmelo As much as I’d love to change up the top spot Melo couldn’t play worse than the rest of these jokers if he drop kicked the ball in the stands every time the ball was passed to him.  Thanks for still trying, sorry about the best year of your career being wasted on this trash team. 1
2 Chandler, Tyson Tyson Chandler averaged 17 rebounds over the last 4 games.  I’m thinking it’s easier to get a lot of rebounds when your backcourt shoots 11%.  Lots of bricks flying around. 2
3 Murry, Toure’ Murry got actual playing time once this week.  He played 24 minutes and had a +/- of -1 in a 23 point blowout.  That’s pretty good.  So of course Woodson benched him the next two games. 4
4 Stoudemire, Amar’e Amare had a terrible game against Miami, posting a +/- of -30 while doing almost nothing else and then sat the next game because he’s almost crippled.  Looks like the rest did him good because he shot over 80% the next two games and looked more like vintage Amare. 8
5 Prigioni, Pablo You can’t play shooting guard and not shoot the ball.  You can’t play PG and not pass the ball.  Stop being so passive, we all know you are better than this. Continue reading →

Episode 243: Not Mathematically Eliminated

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Jay and Will talk about the last four games, top 5 things in NYC that are worse than the Knicks, available free agents this summer, Melos mindset, and much more

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Knicks @ Bulls – 3-2-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

New York continued their losing ways in matinee games.

            New York got throttled by Chicago in a Sunday matinee game. These teams are complete polar opposites. While Chicago’s management tried to tank the season for a projected outstanding 2014 draft class, by trading their leading scorer Luol Deng, the Bulls didn’t sulk. The Bulls refused to give in, and continued to give maximum effort every night, and the results speak for themselves. Chicago is an impressive 20-8 after trading Deng early in January.

           New York on the other hand looks to have talent on paper, but the sums do not add up to the whole. New York does not play with effort, does not play with any passion or urgency. It was another case of that Sunday afternoon, as the Knicks allowed the Bulls to jump out to a 12-1 lead within two and half minutes of tip off. Joakim Noah was destroying New York on hand off screens, creating the breathing room needed for shooters to get a clean shot. Noah created three of these opportunities for his Bulls teammates during the quick outburst to start the game.

            After a quick timeout to try to stop the Bulls’ momentum, the Knicks missed, and Noah grabbed the rebound and went coast to coast for a layup. Not exactly what Mike Woodson drew up (if he draws up any plays in the huddle). Chicago hit the 20 points mark before it was even mid-way through the first quarter, and this is a team that is the worst offensive team in the league at 93.1 points per game. When it was all said and done, the Knicks would allow Chicago to score 37 points in the first quarter.  37 points is the most points scored by the Bulls in any individual quarter all season. Continue reading →