Knicks over 76ers 96-88 (Split thread)

[Ming637]

I didn't see the game, but I was looking at the espn gamecast. The Knicks dominated with the blocked shots and steals. The only problem we need to change are the 3-pointers, only 3-15 from downtown. Jamal Crawford led the knicks in scoring with 22, Starbury with 13 points and 12 assists. Let's take a look at the Knicks comparison. Ariza scored 14 points and 8 boards with 21 minutes off the bench while tim Thomas only scored 7 points with 25 minutes. I strongly recommenend the Knicks starting Ariza over TT.

Great win for us.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

Well, I would analyze the game right now, but I'm too busy celebrating the first win!

I'll write a quick recap of my thoughts tommorow.

 

[Henacy]

Yeah it was a good win for the Knicks after putting up such a stinker over the weekend it was good to see them bounce back and give a good performance at the garden. Steph did an excellent job of setting the table for guys. And Crawford had a good floor game as well. Lets see what he brings to the table next game vs the Clippers. We know JC can have these type of games the key is can he do it consistently.

Anyway I still dont think Ariza should start. He has a nice flow going as he comes off the bench no need to speed up his process, if you dont have to. Tim Thomas is inconsistent we know that. But right now this team goes as Stephon Marbury & Jamal Crawford goes. So I think the Knicks can still win even on the nights where TT is struggling, especially with the contributions of Ariza off the bench.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

^ Wow Henacy, tommorow I'm going to have to really disagree with you! This argument will be one for the ages!

 

[Mr. J]

Tim should start. Ariza provides a nice spark off the bench for the Knicks. When the Knicks are playing lazy and lacksidaisical Ariza can wake them up and start a couple of dunks and fastbreak points.

Overall though it was a pretty good game. The Knicks had 20+ turnovers which was the real problem. Mohammed had the best game I think with 18 points. Offensively and deffensive he was solid. The Knicks are loaded with weapons so look for major decreases in ppg especially by Marbury. He might average something like 15pts and 12apg just because of his willingness to pass and the weapons surrounding him.

On a final note Tim Thomas really needs to step it up here. I'm sure Tim Thomas will adjust sooner or later. I just need to see improvements now. His lack of offense out of the starting SF spot can really hurt the Knicks down the stretch especially since they don't really have a shooter on the floor. Only if Minny will trade us Wally for this guy. I highly doubt it especially since he's played this badly. Oh well. I guess we have no choice but to bear with him.

 

[Beat]

I dont think Ariza could handle a starting role. If he was to get big minutes often opponents would destroy him. In order for him to start he would have to really work on his dribble and jumpshot. But he did have a great game and is a great player to bring in off the bench when you want to score some quick buckets.... or sell some tickets.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

I still dont get this TT should start over Ariza stuff. It doesnt make any sense. The numbers are right there. TT has absolutely nothing on Ariza. Not a single thing. TT is simply a lousy player. Henacy I believe said that if Ariza starts teams will start thinking of ways to deal with him. Well teams are already doing that since Ariza is alot more productive than TT. TT gives us nothing. How many different ways does this have to be said??? Nothing, nada, zero, zip, zilch. That is unacceptable for someone who makes as much money as he makes. TT will adjust??? He's already adjusted. This is what were going to be stuck with. He wont step it up. He's not capable. If Ariza shouldnt start then Penny should. TT is a nonfactor out there. If he suddenly walked off the court in the middle of the game you wouldnt notice. Sit him down on the bench and hope he does disappears like he so often does during the game.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I still dont get this TT should start over Ariza stuff. It doesnt make any sense. The numbers are right there. TT has absolutely nothing on Ariza. Not a single thing. TT is simply a lousy player. Henacy I believe said that if Ariza starts teams will start thinking of ways to deal with him. Well teams are already doing that since Ariza is alot more productive than TT. TT gives us nothing. How many different ways does this have to be said??? Nothing, nada, zero, zip, zilch. That is unacceptable for someone who makes as much money as he makes. TT will adjust??? He's already adjusted. This is what were going to be stuck with. He wont step it up. He's not capable. If Ariza shouldnt start then Penny should. TT is a nonfactor out there. If he suddenly walked off the court in the middle of the game you wouldnt notice. Sit him down on the bench and hope he does disappears like he so often does during the game.</div>You are 100% correct. TT belongs on that bench.

 

[Mr. J]

Whether Tim is non-factor or not Ariza is still a valuable spark off the bench for us. Ariza's lack of a jumpshot is another reason why he can't start. He also doesn't have any muscle so he will provide easy post ups for other SF's. Although Tim's offensive game wasn't good he did play pretty decent defense. Tim Thomas has played what Clyde would call eratic but to take his spot to Ariza you'll see his true weaknesses come out.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

^ Did you watch the game? 25 minutes for TT, TT grabbed NO rebounds. (TT is 4 inches or 5 taller than the average SF) (also 4 out of his first 5 attempted passes were tipped---That's <font color="Red">bad</font>.)
Ariza grabbed 8! A few were offensive as well, this in 20 minutes to go along with some assists and 2 steals and 14 points.

There is much more to it than that but that is just a tiny shred of proof that TT deserves to rot on the bench.

For me details about why TT deserves this, be ready to check out my anti-TT article, a JBB Exclusive, to be released later this month!

 

[Mr. J]

Tim Thomas did have a horrible game but the way Mohammed and Kurt Thomas were rebounding he didn't really need to. Ariza is not strong enough at 200 pounds (although he is less) to play other starting SF. He needs to hit the weight room :weightroo . The Knicks played Wally, Pierce and will play Maggette. Wally and Pierce would have killed Ariza and Maggete will kill Ariza on the physical end. If TT is half as bad as you guys say he is he won't be able to provide a needed spark off the bench like Ariza. Ariza wakes us up and makes us run. He is valuable to us just not starting. No disrespect to his game but he's not ready to start yet.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

^Ok, we are just locked on this issue for now. That will probably change with the release of my article, however.

 

[Beat]

Ariza had a great game but he came off the bench , we do not know if he can start and still play with the same intensity. Think about. Have you seen him dribble up court? He has to look at the ball whille drbbling and thats not a good thing at all. He has no dibble and would get ripped if he started. Althought u might not think,HE WON'T be the same player that we see right now if he started and i think Isiah and and Wilkins knows that. Even if they do find away to get rid of Tim Thomas, Ariza still shouldnt start hes not experienced enough. Lets be real hes not a Dwyane Wade or Lebron so let him come of the bench where he belongs. If anything Penny Hardaway should be starting but it seems to me like hes gone soft as did Allan Houston and Tim Thomas.

 

[Buckets]

Bobby Escobar maybe right, I didnt notice that he would stare at the ball when he dribbles but I'll watch for that on the next knicks game I see. I would give him the starting nod of Tim Thomas as of now but if Tim Thomas stops playing like crap then I would keep Ariza coming off of the bench. Right now I think that either Ariza or Penny Hardaway should start.