I think they have hit their stride. Things seem to be clicking and running smoothly. Guys know their role and are maximizing their potential. Since coming off that 6 game losing streak, the Knicks have looked good, winning 6 of their last 7, including a 5 game win streak that just ended on Saturday.
Housekeeping:
Record: 9 -9 (2 – 5 Home. 7 – 4 Away)
Streak: W1
2nd place in Atlantic Division
7th place in the Eastern Conference
Team Leaders:
Points: Amar’e Stoudemire, 23.4
Rebounds: Amar’e Stoudemire, 8.6
Assists: Raymond Felton, 7.9
Steals: Raymond Felton, 1.9
Blocks: Amar’e Stoudemire, 2.1
Home and Home vs. Bobcats, Nov. 23 and 24. Knicks sweep 110 – 107 and 99 – 95
Heading into this series with Charlotte, I was interested in seeing how Raymond Felton would play against his former team. Guys in the league are always looking to show up their former team in situations like this. He would have 16 and 9 in game 1, then 23 and 13 in game 2. He definitely held his own against a young Charlotte backcourt (Felton is quietly putting together a solid season and should receive some All-Star consideration, as ballots are now officially open). However, in game 1, Ray’s replacement in Charlotte, DJ Augustine had 24 points as it looked like he also had something to prove.
They guy for the Knicks that stepped up in game 1 was Toney Douglas who had 22 points. Amar’e only had 17 because he was in foul trouble most of the evening. The Knicks largest lead was 16 and seemed in control until they let Charlotte back in the game late.
Game 2 had the same type of flow, but only Felton looked to assert himself a bit more in this one. Again, the Knicks had a double digit lead as their largest margin. The Knicks shot 25 3s in both games but their roster is more talented than Charlotte’s so they were able to get away with it. These were two games that the Knicks should’ve won – and did win. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Amar’e six blocks in the second game. He plays more D than he gets credit for.
Saturday, Nov. 27, home vs. Atlanta Hawks. Final Score, Hawks 99 – Knicks 90
This officially ended the Knicks’ 5 game win streak and did so in an ugly way. They only lost by 9 but it really wasn’t that close. Atlanta led by as many as 20 and the Knicks were never ahead. Rather than the Knicks shooting 3s like crazy, the Hawks decided to show that they were capable of doing the same thing. In one of the few times that you’ll see it, the Knicks were outshout from behind the arc 25 – 16. The Hawks were moving the ball well which led to a bunch of wide open looks.
One guy who I mentioned in previous Weekly Knicks Updates is Rony Turiaf. He is the only silver lining in the David Lee deal, but he hurt his knee again in this one. I like what he brings to the table as far as a defensive presence but he needs to be healthy and on the floor.
Amar’e did have 24 and 10, but the Hawks just simply outclassed the Knicks. This game was an unusual 1:30pm start on a Saturday, just a few days after Thanksgiving, but I don’t quite understand how that can be an excuse. Basically, the Knicks were beat by a better team. Not to mention that the Hawks only turned the ball over 6 times. Tough to lose when you take that good care of the ball.
Earlier in the year, former Knicks David Lee and Jordan Hill came to MSG and got their revenge with a win. So did Jamal Crawford, who finished with a team high 21 points off the bench.
Sunday, Nov. 28 at Detroit Pistons. Final Score, Knicks 125 – Pistons 116 in 2OT
This was the second 1:30pm start in as many days for the Knicks, which is unusual for an NBA team. But still, not an excuse for anything. This was also the first overtime game for the Knicks of the season. The Knicks have quietly become a wounded bunch with multiple guys on the bench in street clothes. Therefore, Raymond Felton, Landry Fields (I’ll get to him in a second), Amar’e Stoundemire and Danilo Gallinari all played at least 50 minutes. That’s a lot, especially on a back to back. The good thing is that you couldn’t tell. The Knicks are the 4th youngest team in the league, so conditioning shouldn’t be a factor and Amare’s 37 and 15 backs that up.
Thirty-eight (yes, you heard right) 3s were attempted by the Knicks to only 13 by Detroit. That’s absurd. Tayshaun Prine’s 31 points led the way for Detroit and it was tough watching Tracy McGrady, knowing what he’s become. He’s trying, but it’s sad how much he’s fallen off.
I believe Detroit has a better roster than they get credit for as one of the more under appreciated guys in the league, Rodney Stuckey, added 29. This game was close throughout and I’m not surprised by that because like I said, I think Detroit’s roster is better than advertised. For some reason, this game reminded me of the Knicks/Bobcats David Lee tip-in game from back in 2006 they way it came down to the wire (until the 2nd OT anyhow).
General Thoughts
What scares me about this team is that beat who they should beat and lose against teams that are perceived as better. That may sound like an obvious statement, but you’d like to see them beat a couple of teams that are better than them. So far, they’ve benefited from playing teams like the Clippers, Kings and the like, so far but have lost to the Hawks, and Nuggets, etc. In their defense, they still have only been blown out once this year (to the Bucks).
What I have seen is that Amar’e has become the clear leader. You see it on the court, on the bench and in team huddles. That’s a good sign. Another good sign is rookie Landry Fields. He’s the farthest thing from a household name, but he can surely play. If the season ended today, he should get some All-Rookie 1st team love and has been very consistent, including a 21 and 17 effort earlier in the year.
One thing I’m getting sick of hearing is Knicks announcer, Mike Breen, talk about how good Mozgov is/can be. We must be watching different games.
The Knicks can certainly score, putting up 106.8 a game (4th in the NBA), but surrender 107.2 (3rd from the bottom on the NBA). That recipe equals 9 – 9.
This week they are home against the Nets tomorrow, at the Hornets on Friday and at Toronto on Sunday. I say they go 3 – 1. I’ll fill you in next week.
If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook
