What in the world is going on with the New York Knicks? First, a loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings at home, and now another loss to a team they beat convincingly not too long ago with the Phoenix Suns. There was absolutely no defense in this game, just two teams running up and down the court to see who could score the most points in 48 minutes. Because they are basically the same team when we are talking about style of play, the difference in this game (and other Knicks losses) would have to be rebounding. The Knicks were out-rebounded 48-38, a stat that could easily translate into a Knick win, if they were the winner of this statistical category. But this issue will not be rectified any time soon because of Coach Mike D'antoni's philosophy where he feels a smaller, but quicker line up will end in triumph. He has been known to have said that there are only 8 teams in the NBA currently that he needs or considers putting a true center in his line up.
I think he is half right on this. His smaller line ups have been known to put up points in a hurry and can be a problem to opposing defenses, but on the other end of the court, his smaller line ups are massacred, allowing for ease baskets in the paint and of course, more offensive and defensive rebounds for the opposing squad. What is needed is a balance combination of size and speed in order for the Knicks to properly compete against elites like the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics.
Right now, Mike's dreams of a center a that has size to clog the middle up and grab 10+ boards per game, speed and stamina to run the floor, and at least a solid 15 foot jump shot to be able to effective spread the floor. There are only a few guys out there available who fit these requirements, and Mike obviously doesn't think Timofey Mozgov or Anthony Randolph (or Eddy Curry) can help right now. There are fans out there that complain about the Knicks not driving to the hoop enough. But when your team averages the most points scored per game, offense is not the issue. Old school Knicks fans know this as most of the Knicks games in the Ewing era were low scoring games, but the Knicks pulled out wins with stops. Pure, good old fashion defense. C'mon Knicks! Lets get some stops!
Phoenix
- +/-:
- Team net points while player in game
- TO:
- Turnovers
- PF:
- Personal Fouls
- BS:
- Blocked Shots
- BA:
- Blocks Against
Game Info
- Technical Fouls:
- Phoenix - C. Frye 1
- New York - A. Stoudemire 1, B. Walker 1
- Arena:
- Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Attendance:
- 19,763
- Officials:
- Joe Crawford, Marat Kogut, Leon Wood
- Duration:
- 2:21
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