The Knicks Thread....

[Andrew]

I remember a couple of weeks back when the Knicks dropped a couple of games, a few commentators were talking about it being the beginning of the end of their run among the top teams in the league. While I think they've got a long way to go to really prove themselves to be truly viable contenders to come out of the East, I'd still say they are for real. In that respect I'd compare them to the Grizzlies, who appear to be legit but still wouldn't be my pick to come out of the West just yet. Both teams are having great seasons so far, though. Another victory over the Heat, without Melo no less, is huge.

[Jeffx]

I worry about them relying too much on the 3, Andrew. As you know, you don't get those looks come May & June.

[Andrew]

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

[stereoxide]

Hope the Knicks will be the Heat's waterloo this year. Like the 2007 Warriors to the 2007 Mavs.

[NovU]

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

It's funny how our team identity has changed so much over last few months. We went from one of the best defensive team to one of the worst.

This post was deleted by NovU on Sat Dec 08, 2012 7:10 pm.

[Jeffx]

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

It's funny how our team identity has changed so much over last few months. We went from one of the best defensive team to one of the worst.

But it's a long season and every team goes through lulls. I'm pretty sure Miami will get their defensive swagger back eventually.

Big week coming up - Chicago & Denver back-to-back, Brooklyn on Tuesday, then LA on Thursday. Should be fun.

[Andrew]

Very true, it's early days and it's not unreasonable to believe that the Heat will have that figured out come the postseason. All the same, the Knicks are making the most threes per game of any team in the league and doing so at the third best percentage, making it a dangerous weapon for them.

[homicide1550]

Another great win by the Knicks. But I'm really not feeling the way JR Smith has been playing the last few games, he's returning to the "old" JR. He's been spending too much time dribbling the ball outside the three-point line and jacking up way too many tough shots.

Meanwhile, J-Kidd was superb tonight. That pump fake of him, such a savvy move.

[Doobie]

Going to The Barclay's Center tonight!! Excited to see the Knicks and Nets play!!!!

[homicide1550]

What a game! Melo was in beast mode all night long and J-Kidd with that 3-point dagger. Just an awesome game to watch.

[Andrew]

Great shot by Kidd, a cold blooded three to be sure, though he's probably lucky he didn't get called for the offensive foul for seemingly kicking out his leg. If he did, it wasn't as blatant as usual, so you can't be too hard on the officials there. In any event, they made the call, he knocked down the shot and the Knicks got the big win.

[Jeffx]

The basketball IQ of the team goes up when Kidd is on the floor. I want the ball in his hands at what Magic Johnson calls, "winnin' time".

[homicide1550]

Oh man.. Melo took a bad fall, hopefully his leg is okay. He was able to shoot his free throws and then limped into the locker room but I guess that is a good sign rather than him being carried out.

UPDATE: Courtside reports said that it is an ankle sprain and he is doubtful to return tonight.

[NovU]

I guess it wasn't as bad as it looked though. I am quite positive that he'll have to sit out for at least a couple games though, to nurture swelling and all that. Anyways the Knicks are looking very good tonight. But then the opponent is only the Lakers.

[homicide1550]

Knicks lead down to 10. Kidd better take control of the game with no sign of Melo coming back.

[homicide1550]

Tyson Chandler's back taps killed the Lakers' chances of a come back. Another great win by the Knicks!

[Andrew]

Lakers caught a break with Melo going down but they couldn't capitalise. Tremendous first quarter effort to go up 41-27, great poise in the fourth to hang tough and get the win without Melo.

[Jeffx]

Houston's got our number, but a nice comeback win against Brooklyn. Looking forward to that Christmas Day game in LA.

[Andrew]

Bulls and Knicks got a little old school yesterday. Crazy game beginning late in the third quarter.

Elsewhere: Knicks made Amar’e Stoudemire ‘available for free’ this summer, according to report

[Jeffx]

Knicks have been blown out 2 out of the last 3 home games and were out-physicaled by the Bulls. I don't like seeing the head coach and star player losing their cool - what's going to happen if these teams meet in the playoffs?

After watching that tough loss to LA, it seems to me Carmelo doesn't get enough respect from the refs.

[Jeffx]

Knicks have hit a lull. They're getting off to slow starts and slacking on defense.

[Andrew]

Amar'e is also back, so they now have to deal with the issue of how and where he fits in with a team that has (for the most part) been playing well this year.

[homicide1550]

Man after watching the game against the Spurs, Amare has really lost his timing and rhythm. He probably needs another week or two before he can be in game shape but it was really nice to see him playing again.

[Jeffx]

Amar'e is also back, so they now have to deal with the issue of how and where he fits in with a team that has (for the most part) been playing well this year.

Yeah, three times Amar'e was blocked by Splitter. That wouldn't have happened with Amar'e in his prime. But he'll get his timing back eventually.

J.R. Smith hit another big shot last night - definitely playing the best ball of his career. 6th Man of the Year maybe?

[Andrew]

I think he has to at least be a candidate, good numbers for him off the bench so far this year and he's making an impact on a winning team.

[Jeffx]

Carmelo has to stop losing his cool when teams get physical with him. Same crap happened against Chicago.

[benji]

It's because his wife tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios.

[Andrew]

Melo gets hit with a one game suspension. No real surprise there.

[Jeffx]

After a fast start, Knicks have played like crap the past ten games. The defense isn't there, no offense outside of 3-pointers, and they're showing their age with all these injuries.

[Jeffx]

Knicks stopped the bleeding somewhat with a win over New Orleans. I heard Shump might play Thursday in London. They shouldn't rush the kid.

Y'all read that mess about Dolan setting up mikes to record everything Carmelo says on the court and in the huddle? Just when we start feeling good about the Knicks, we're reminded what a nut the owner is.

[Andrew]

Y'all read that mess about Dolan setting up mikes to record everything Carmelo says on the court and in the huddle? Just when we start feeling good about the Knicks, we're reminded what a nut the owner is.

Yeah, saw that on Yahoo! NBA. Like you said, just when the Knicks are giving their fans something to be happy about, he pulls another brain dead move; even if he had good intentions or was doing it to prove a point in defense of Melo, it was a misguided effort at best.

[Andrew]

For what it's worth, it seems Melo isn't upset by it.

[Jeffx]

Knicks are playing at 3pm EST today. Shump will play limited minutes.

Knicks are concerned Rasheed may be done for the year. Wonder if they'd sign Kenyon Martin?

[Andrew]

That wouldn't be a bad move for them.

Good to see Shumpert back in action, decent stat line for 15 minutes on the court. All the guards that went down with knee injuries are gradually making their comeback with Jeremy Lin making it back for the beginning of the season, Ricky Rubio returning last month and now Shumpert back in the Knicks' lineup. Hopefully it's good news for Derrick Rose in the not too distant future; with the Knicks and Bulls having a couple of decent battles so far this season, it'd be nice if they can both get completely healthy and properly renew that rivalry.

[Jeffx]

Man, it was great to see Shump back on the court. Needs to develop a consistent offensive game, but I love the energy he brings. He's our best perimeter defender.

Knicks are back at MSG on MLK Day against the Nets. Brooklyn's on fire right now - should be fun.

[Jeffx]

Damn Knicks - outrebounded 52-37???? No excuse for that.

7-9 over the last 16 games - not good. And I don't like how the current Knicks get flustered by physical teams (Memphis, Chicago & Boston). Speaking of which, Knicks have to send Garnett & Co. a message tomorrow night.

[dei.]

Speaking of which, Knicks have to send Garnett & Co. a message tomorrow night.

and they did.

[Jeffx]

Knicks finally manned-up - ugly game, but they grind out a tough win against the Celtics.

Felton is supposed to play tonight in Philly.

[NovU]

Whom would you want to see start from a bench? Kidd, Iman, Felton? I am guessing JR Smith won't be a 6th man anymore.

[Jeffx]

I'd go with Felton & Shump. Kidd is wearing down already.

WTF is up with the 'matador defense' these cats have been playing lately?

[Jeffx]

Good 5-0 homestand by the Knicks, beating the teams they should beat. Now they play the Wizards and T'Wolves on the road, then the Clippers at home on Sunday. 31-15 so far - nice.

[Jeffx]

Knicks better NOT trade Shumpert for Jared Dudley!

[Jeffx]

Knicks are in trouble. No defense, no effort, no heart, too much relying on three-point shots, and aside from Felton, no one drives to the damn basket. What happened last night in Indy was a disgrace!

Knicks sent Brewer to OKC and signed Kenyon Martin to a 10-day contract.

[Andrew]

Martin is potentially a solid pickup, but getting rid of Brewer does their defense few favours.

[Jeffx]

He was hardly playing Andrew. Don't know why Woodson buried him on the bench.

It's alarming seeing these current Knicks lose their composure when teams get physical with them. Instead of digging in, they melt down and whine after every call. Word gets around fast in the NBA. Knicks are a one-trick pony. Guard the three, push them around, and they'll melt like butter.

[Andrew]

A Charles Oakley type of player wouldn't go astray.

[Jeffx]

As I predicted Andrew, the Knicks reliance on the three has come back to haunt them. Another brutal loss last night in Toronto. The execution down the stretch was horrible - settling for outside shots instead of taking it strong to the basket. Woodson was beside himself.

When the Knicks were 18-5, I kept hearing young dumbass fans saying this squad was as good as the Ewing-era Knicks - please. These cats are soft, losing twice to Toronto, a team 11 games under .500. This is not a championship team.

[NovU]

Raptors are playing a good basketball these days. I think they're desperate. If they go something like 16-10 or 15-11, they will have a good shot at the postseason, especially with Bucks and Phillies in the hunt for that 8th seed who are 2-8 and 5-5 respectively in their last 10.

[Andrew]

On the bright side, even with the recent string of losses they still have a pretty good record and there's plenty of time to pull out of the tailspin...if they can find a way to do so.