I’ve never really been a fan of the Knicks’ alternate green jerseys, but in the spirit of Christmas, I guess I can live with the fact that it was supposed to be a red and green theme when they took on the Bulls on the 25th. But even before that game, I like how they handled Kevin Durant and company. That mini 3-game skid was an aberration. They’re still for real.
Housekeeping:
Record: 18 – 12
Streak: W2
2nd in the Atlantic Division
4th in the Eastern Conference (yes, as in home court advantage)
Team Leaders:
Points: Amar’e Stoudemire, 26.2
Rebounds: Amar’e Stoudemire, 9.3
Assists: Raymond Felton, 9.2
Steals: Raymond Felton, 2.0
Blocks: Amar’e Stoudemire, 2.2
Wednesday, December 22 vs. Oklahoma City. Final score: Knicks 112 – Thunder 98
Coming off the heartbreaking loss to the Celtics a week and a half ago, the Knicks followed that up with embarrassing losses to LeHeat and then the Cavs. That 3-game losing streak came right after their 8-game winning streak which was part of a 14 of 15 stretch. So it brought the Knicks faithful back to Earth quickly. The Knicks’ hot start was criticized because of their early season schedule which included many wins against teams under .500. This portion of the schedule was really supposed to test them, so losses to Boston and Miami hurt.
But then they had Oklahoma City and Chicago last week; two playoff bound teams. This would really show what they were made of. I have to admit, I wasn’t optimistic for the Thunder game. I thought the Cavs loss would linger. Luckily it didn’t. The Knicks actually led by as many as 22 and the game never really seemed in doubt once they pulled away. The Thunder were at full strength so this was an encouraging win. Kevin Durant’s 26 and Russell Westbrook’s 23 didn’t really matter.
The Knicks dominated this game but I didn’t like the fact that they were destroyed on the offensive glass, 22 – 7. It seemed like OKC always had second chances. It also seemed like the Knicks were playing stellar defense (finally holding an opponent to under 100) so it didn’t matter.
Saturday, Christmas Day vs. Chicago. Final score: Knicks 103 – Bulls 95
The Knicks embarrassed the Bulls in Chicago back in November. They put on an absolute clinic in that one, where they scored 70 in the first half. I actually think that was their best outing of the season. The Bulls were without Joakim Noah, but I don’t think that would’ve mattered. As I was told by a die hard Bulls fan after the game: “the better team won.” They sure did. The Bulls were playing catch up all game. Too bad the Knicks wouldn’t let them gain any ground. Amar’e asserts himself early every single game, which a true leader is supposed to do. Raymond Felton has been nothing short of amazing this year and absolutely needs to be in L.A. during All-Star weekend.
The Bulls are way too dependent on Derrick Rose, who is second in the league in shots taken. But I’ll let them figure that one out. And for a guy who allegedly doesn’t play any D, Amar’e had 6 blocks, by the way.
General Thoughts
I don’t know what took Mike D’Antoni so long to place Timofey Mozgov at the end of the bench. After starting for most the season, I was beginning to question my own basketball acumen because I just wasn’t seeing what would entice D’Antoni to keep playing him, let alone start him. Then Knicks play by play man, Mike Breen, would also continuously rave about Mozgov. I’m glad I wasn’t crazy. I guess it just took them a while to see it my way.
The Knicks are first (yes, first) in scoring in the entire league and 11th in assists, so offense isn’t a problem. The issue is that they give up the 4th most points in the league.
This week, the Knicks have the Heat and the much improved Magic who are now in the discussion of the best team in the East, with their recent trades. LeBron just had a triple-double in when these two met recently and they haven’t played the Magic yet this year. This must be the road version of “Dream Week.” To be taken for real, they must beat both of them. 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
