The Knicks are playing their fourth game tonight in action against the Bobcats. After a good start in a win over the Bucks, they’ve dropped two in a row. A tough road loss to the Bulls on a Derrick Rose floater was expected. They put up a great fight nearly pulling it out on the back of Carmelo Anthony. But he missed from the outside at the buzzer.
Following an inconsistent effort in a loss to the Wolves, owner Jim Dolan wasn’t happy even ripping the Knicks city dancers. Suddenly, the Teflon owner cares about winning. Who would’ve ever thought? All you ever hear from his MSG announcers is how wonderful the fully renovated Garden is. What we get is plenty of camera shots of celebrity row. To the diehard fan who could care less about such pettiness.
I’ve been a Knicks fan my entire life and would love nothing better than to see them win an NBA title. The Patrick Ewing 90’s teams came close giving us some exciting moments. Just as I mention Ewing, he’s shown on Garden Vision and gets a loud ovation from an appreciative crowd. Number 33 is a top assistant on Charlotte. It’s always nice to see the big fellow. Hopefully, he’ll coach a team soon. He deserves it. Wouldn’t it be poetic if he returned to coach here? I can dream.
Back to reality. The Knicks are 1-2 after the defeat to a Kevin Love led Minnesota. The Wolves are improved and a bad match up boasting Ricky Rubio, who sliced and diced them. What drew Dolan’s ire along with many Knick fans was a lackluster first quarter in which they were outscored 40-19. The boos rained down at the World’s Most Famous Arena. One thing about the Big Apple. If you don’t come to play, you will hear it. To their credit, they fought valiantly. However, a Love three-point play held off the comeback try.
One of the team characteristics is jacking up three-pointers at a high rate. It’s no secret that they’re a perimeter oriented team built around Anthony. Melo can score inside and out. He’s a dynamic scorer capable of carrying them for stretches. There’s no denying his talent. At times, he’s unstoppable. One of my gripes with him is that there are instances where he settles. He’s better than that. Anthony hasn’t been shooting well. If you’re struggling, it’s better to play in the post and go to the hoop. Something he can do with the best. When in the paint, he can draw double teams and find the open man or score. The effort was there defensively pacing the blue and orange with 17 rebounds. That kind of hustle is always appreciated.
There’s a difference between taking a good shot and a bad one. The Knicks are most effective when either Anthony or Ray Felton penetrate. If they get in the lane, it creates opportunities for everyone. Don’t forget they boast Tyson Chandler inside. A beast defensively and terror on the glass. He also can finish in the open floor. Iman Shumpert is an athletic slasher who is a ball hawk. Most would agree that he might be the most important player this season. If he can become a more consistent scorer which includes the ability to knock down open treys, they become more potent. Number one pick Anthony Hardaway, Jr. brings a lot of energy. But sometimes, forces shots. He’s far from alone. The Knicks took too many three’s Sunday. Once they got within striking distance, they didn’t need to force the issue. How they adjust moving forward will determine how successful they are.
The Knicks are competing with the Nets for the Atlantic. It’s no secret Brooklyn has turned up the heat in a budding rivalry adding former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce plus Jason Terry. All have won NBA titles. Their championship pedigree along with new coach Jason Kidd should make them more formidable. They already have a home win over the Heat holding on for dear life despite the absence of Dwyane Wade. Adding those vets to a core that features Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson has many believing they’re better than the Knicks. That remains to be seen.
New York gets J.R. Smith back this Sunday. He’s serving the rest of a drug suspension. The Sixth Man was huge last year helping them win a division title. A streaky scorer similar to popular former Knick John Starks, Smith can be a little crazy. However, that can be good. He brings energy and gives Mike Woodson another option in crunch time. Smith’s theatrics included a couple of electric buzzer beaters. He also plays hard defensively and can rebound and distribute. How will we respond to a tough Spring that saw him ineffective following a one-game suspension? He’s the crazy guy who can either be a real positive or fall apart. They need the first.
There are other questions like how effective will A’mARE Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin be? Woodson is wisely resting them on back to backs. That way they stay fresh for the playoffs. Adding Ron “Metta World Peace” Artest was a good move. Artest is that crazy vet who is part of the city. From Queensbridge where he starred for LaSalle Academy and then St. John’s, he’s finally home. To think they could’ve had him much earlier if not for Frederick Weis. I still can’t believe it. Metta isn’t as big a scorer these days but doesn’t have to be. He brings defensive intensity and can drain open shots. Artest’s intensity should be infectious. As long as he stays under control, New York should benefit.
The one thing that’s interesting is Dolan’s anger. We’re only in Game 4 of 82. Already they’re on notice including new GM Steve Mills. Odd considering how he replaced Glen Grunwald. With the owner, nothing ever makes sense. Just maybe he’s serious this time. The Knicks haven’t had a winner since 1973 when Walt “Clyde” Frazier teamed with Earl “Pearl” Monroe to win the franchise’s second championship since 1970. The Heat are still the overwhelming favorite with the Pacers and Bulls considered their biggest threats. It can change in a long season. We’ll see.
