Knicks vs. Kings: Recap

Ugly. The best word I can think of to describe this Knicks performance is ugly. From start to finish it was clear the Knicks were doomed for an off night. In most cases, when someone is having an off night there is someone there to pick them up. This was not the case tonight. This 93-83 loss to one of the worst teams in the league was an example of a ‘trap’ game. With the Knicks coming back home after a 4-game roadtrip, the team looked flat. There was just no energy and they played down to their competition. You could tell every shot the Knicks took was off right from the start. The Knicks also became frustrated with the officiating and began to force the play. Amar’e Stoudemire’s struggles from the field continued tonight with him shooting 6-22. Wilson Chandler and Ray Felton played their worst games of the season, combinin for only 15 points. The difference in the game was the big 4th quarter by Beno Udrih , who finished with a game high 29 points. Carl Landry added 15 points, and Samuel Dalembert had 6 timely blocked shots. The Knicks shot 31% from the field and 32% from 3-point range.

Knicks vs. Suns:Recap

Just as the Heat did to the Cavs when LeBron returned home, the Knicks blew out the Suns in their own building. The only difference was in receptions as Amar’e received a very welcoming ovation. The cheers for Amar’e quickly came to boos for the Suns around the third quarter as the Knicks pulled away. The Suns agenda was pretty clear, they wanted to take advantage of the height advantages their guard has by posting up. Defensively they wanted to keep the ball out of Stoudemire’s hands but fronting him in the post and bringing double and triple teams when he caught the ball. As amped as Amar’e was before the game saying he wanted to “dominate”, he did a great job moving the ball to open shooters. The other Knicks were up to the challenge, knocking down 17 3-balls in the 121-96 rout of the Suns. The big quarter was the third when the Knicks outscored the Suns by 12 points and were able to rest their starters the 4th quarter. Shawne Williams got the start in the 3rd quarter for Toney Douglas who was in foul trouble and continued his great play. Amar’e ended his homecoming with 23 points (19 in the first half) and added 9 boards. Rookie Landry Fields continued to impress tallying another double-double (14 points,10 boards). It was Raymond Felton who stole the show tonight recording his first career triple- double. The Knicks point guard got the better of Steve Nash with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Great job by the Knicks getting Amar’e a W in his return home. It is unfortunate the Suns just didn’t show up. You know its a blow out when Roger Mason, Andy Rautins, and Anthony Randolph are in the game for most of the 4th quarter. Russian Rookie Timofey Mozgov was ejected for throwing a badass elbow to the face to Robin Lopez. Bring on the fucking Lakers and Kobe Bryant.

Knick plan to resign Will-the-Thrill.

Wilson Chandler has emerged as a star for the New York Knicks. If you have been following the Knicks for the last few years, you would have seen this coming. In the Knicks’ system Wilson is a match-up problem for any power foward or small forward. If he is guarded by a small forward he will simply shoot over you, if he is guarded by a power forward he will take the ball to the hole. It is about time he is getting the notoriety he deserves. Knicks General Manager, Donnie Walsh, has said he will re-sign Chandler because he is a “helluva player”. Who can disagree with that? As long as he leaves enough money to get our boy Melo, I’m right with Donnie. If the Knicks can add a defensive minded center, watch the fuck out Miami and Boston. The problem is, the play of Will is going to make it harder and harder to afford him. We will see what happens in time.

Season Stats:

Wilson Chandler: 17.9 points per game, 6.5 boards, 1.8 assists.

Knicks vs. Suns: Preview

Tonight the Knicks start a west coast swing in Phoenix. This game marks the return of Amar’e Stoudemire to the place he was drafted and where he spent his first 8 NBA seasons. It should be a very emotional game for Amar’e and it will be interesting to see how the fans welcome him. I’d expect many cheers for Amar’e, who did great things for the Suns organization. Also, expect Amar’e to have a big night in his homecoming. The big match-up tonight will be at point guard, with the Knicks Raymond Felton and the Suns Steve Nash. Nash is averaging this normal double-double this year, scoring 16.9 points a game and 10.5 assists. Felton has had a break out season playing along side Stoudemire, scoring 18.2 points per game and 8.7 dimes a game. This should prove to be a great battle between to of the leagues premier point guards. Look for more minutes tonight for Billy Walker and Shawne Williams in the absence of Gallo. These 2 franchises seem to be going in different directions with the Knicks at 20-14 for the season, while the Suns are struggling at 14-19.  This should be a very high scoring, up and down game without much defense. I like the Knicks tonight, 120-110.

Congratulations to Landry Fields!

Knicks rookie shooting guard Landry Fields was named Eastern Conference rookie of the month for the second time this year. The Knicks drafted Fields with the 39th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. The rookie from Stanford has won over many skeptics, including myself, with his hustle and basketball smarts. After winning the Knicks’ starting shooting guard spot, Landry has not looked back. He has been rumored in many trade talks in a deal for Carmelo Anthony, but GM Donny Walsh loves the kid and is reluctant to part ways with him. Lets be serious Landry is no Jordan Hill. Big ups to the Knicks on this find and to Landry Fields for winning over the hearts of many Knicks fans. This is something very difficult to achieve, ask Isiah Thomas or Stephon Marbury.

Landry Fields this month: 8.8 points, 1.23 steals, and 7.9 rebounds.

Knicks vs. Spurs: Recap

Knicks Forward Wilson Chandler.

With the Knicks coming off a nice home win over the Indiana Pacers, they set their sites on the San Antonio Spurs.  The Spurs have been the kings of the West with a record of 29-4.  The surging Kings were on a 14-1 winning streak when they entered Madison Square Garden. With injury of forward Danilo Gallinari, the Knicks were left searching for someone to fill his void. Tonight that man was Wilson Chandler. Chandler, the much underrated Knick played argueably his best game of the season posting a season-high 31 points and adding 9 rebounds. Amar’e Stoudemire took it to his long time nemesis, Tim Duncan, pouring in 28 points, 6 assists, and 9 rebounds. Point guard Raymond Felton picked up some of the slack without Gallinari, dropping 28 points along with 7 dimes. Rookie Landry Fields added 13 points, while Toney Douglas and Shawne Williams added 9 a piece off the bench. Look for Shawne Williams and Ronny Turiaf to play extended minutes for the 2-3 weeks that Danilo Gallinari is out. Overall a great night for Knicks fans and the Knicks organization. This is a big stride for the team, proving that they can not only compete with the top level teams in the league, but beat them as well. It was heartbreaking watching the Knicks play up to the Heat and Magic but not be able to pull out a win. This team impresses more and more every time out. Basketball is back at the Mecca!

-Chris