Knicks vs. Nets -- 10/13/06

[Mr. J]

<div align="center">

vs.

<font color="darkorange">New York Knicks (0-0)</font> vs. <font color="navy">New Jersey Nets (0-0)</font>
Date: October 13, 2006
Time: 7:30 P.M. Eastern
Place: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY</div>

[div=50%]
<font color="navy"><font size="3">Nets Starting Lineup</font></font>

<div align="center">

<font size="1">(J. Kidd, V. Carter, R. Jefferson, J. Collins, N. Krstic)</font></div>

<font color="Navy">2005-06 Nets Season Stats</font>
Leading Scorer: Vince Carter - 24.2 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Jason Kidd - 7.3 RPG
Leading Assist Man: Jason Kidd - 8.4 APG

Points Per Game: 93.79 (24th)
Field Goal Percentage: 44% (27th)
3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 33% (28th)
Rebounds Per Game: 40.98 (17th)
Assists Per Game: 22.97 (4th)

<font size="3">Backcourt</font>

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jason_kidd.jpg[/imgl]<font color="navy">Jason Kidd</font>
PPG: 13.3, RPG: 7.3, APG: 8.4
The game?s ideal point guard and playmaker comes into this match up having twelve seasons under his belt. At age 33, the media is depicting Kidd as a less important factor to the Nets? success. Still, Kidd has yet to show any signs of declining and if recent history serves as any indication, he should continue being the Nets? best player on the floor (yes, better than Vince Carter).

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/vince_carter.jpg[/imgl]<font color="navy">Vince Carter </font>
PPG: 24.2, RPG: 5.8 APG: 4.3
As possibly Vince Carter?s last season, it will be crucial for the Nets to kick the season off on a winning note to keep their leading scorer, entertainer, and showstopper. With a knack for embarrassing the Knicks, look for Carter, playing amongst thousands in Madison Square Garden, to keep the New York City crowd entertained with his high-flying aerial theatrics.

<font size="3">Frontcourt</font>

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/richard_jefferson.jpg[/imgl]<font color="navy">Richard Jefferson</font>
PPG: 19.5, RPG: 6.8, APG: 3.8
The third member of the Nets? ?big three?, Jefferson has added more muscle to his frame and is ready for another strenuous season. As RJ fills in the lanes, the Nets? running game is up there with the best of them, including the Suns. With an ever improving jumper added to his offensive arsenal and solid court vision, Jefferson is a dangerous addition to the starting lineup.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/nenad_krstic.jpg[/imgl]<font color="navy">Nenad Krstic </font>
PPG: 13.5, RPG: 6.4, APG: 1.1
Now in his third season in the league, Krstic looks to become even more of a factor for the Nets. Still a bit on the soft side, Krstic has shown many flashes of aggressive play, including my favorite: the dunk on Dwyane Wade. With a soft outside touch and solid skills in the high post, Krstic has the ability to draw out shot blockers and increase penetration for the Nets.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jason_collins.jpg[/imgl]<font color="navy">Jason Collins</font>
PPG: 3.6, RPG: 4.8, APG: 1.0
While he doesn?t have the sexiest game on the Nets, Collins is a player who does most of the dirty work (you have to when you?re 7 feet and shoot under 40%!). Collins is a good post defender and possesses a solid jumper from fifteen feet and in, but his main flaw is his foul-prone play. With the Nets thin upfront, they will need all the minutes they can get from Collins.
[/div]
<font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Starting Lineups:</font></div></font>

<div align="center">

<font size="1">(S. Marbury, S. Francis, J. Jeffries, C. Frye, E. Curry)</font></div>

<font color="DarkOrange">2005-06 Knicks Season Stats</font>
Leading Scorer: Stephon Marbury - 16.3 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Eddy Curry - 6.0 RPG
Leading Assist Man: Stephon Marbury - 6.4 APG

Points Per Game: 95.63 ( 20th)
Field Goal Percentage: 45.5% (13th)
3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 36.2% (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 41.39 (13th)
Assists Per Game: 17.9 (30th)


<font size="3">Backcourt</font>

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/stephon_marbury.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkorange">Stephon Marbury </font>
PPG: 16.3, RPG:, APG: 6.4, FG: 45.1%
After months of talk the Knicks? captain, comes into this preseason anxious. Although Marbury likely won?t log any more than 25 minutes, every minute from start to finish should be taken seriously by Marbury who is looking to shed the plethora of labels placed on him, especially the ?loser? one, which has lingered on till this day. As usual, Steph?s job is to break down the defense and create opportunities for his teammates. If his fellow teammates struggle to put points on the board, it will be necessary for Marbury to take the scoring load, something I?m sure he wouldn?t mind doing.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/steve_francis.jpg[/imgl]<font color="darkorange">Steve Francis </font>
PPG: 14.4, RPG: 4.1, APG: 4.9
Similarly to his backcourt mate, Francis has many labels to shed, many heads to turn, and many doubters to disprove. The main issue concerning Francis is his role on the team. An isolation 1-on-1 scorer, Francis has the tendency to sacrifice ball movement for ill-advised, low percentage shots. However, according to multiple reports, Francis has experienced an epiphany and is now solely dedicated to the wellbeing of the team. As the adage states: seeing is believing and Francis will have to prove himself ?Franchise? worthy.

<font size="3">Frontcourt</font>

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jared_jeffries.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange"> Jared Jeffries</font>
PPG: 6.4, RPG: 4.9, APG: 1.9
The Knicks? $30 million investment will have to be their utility man today. At 6?11?, a lanky Jeffries has many skills which will make him useful. For starters, he a sound defender, a solid rebounder, and has decent ball handling and passing skills. This will create mismatches for not only opposing small forwards, but any other position which Jeffries plays.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/eddy_curry.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Eddy Curry</font>
PPG: 13.6, RPG: 6.0, APG: 0.8
After an offseason where Curry has reportedly taken his game to the next level, tonight is the time to start off the season right. With Isiah making Curry a focal part of the offense this year, Curry, with five seasons under his belt, will need to step up and become the force in the post he brought in here for. The Knicks have sacrificed too much of their future for excuses.

[imgl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/channing_frye.jpg[/imgl]<font color="orange">Channing Frye</font>
PPG: 12.3, RPG: 5.8, APG: 0.8
As one of the Knicks few bright spots last season, Frye has bulked up to 260 pounds and is ready for more time on the block. His bread and butter is still the midrange jumper, but with the added muscle, Frye now has another resort just in case the jumper isn't falling.


<font size="3">Keys to the Game</font><ul>[*]<font color="Darkorange">Feed the Post</font> ? With Curry in the post, the Knicks should look to exploit the Nets? bigs? tendency to foul. In addition, giving Curry confidence with a few easy baskets will prove to be beneficial for everyone as they get open looks from double teams from the post. Of course that is contingent upon whether or not Curry has learned to properly pass out of the post. [*]<font color="darkorange">Cut Down On Turnovers</font> ? Ranking first last season in turnovers per game, the Knicks can illafford to give the Nets ? primarily a fast break team ? opportunities to score in transition from lazy or telegraphed passes. Taking care of the ball will be crucial. [*]<font color="darkorange">Defense</font> ? Another flaw from the disaster known as the Knicks last season was their defense, or lack thereof. Carter and Jefferson will especially have to be stopped by simply contesting their shots and making scoring opportunities difficult. All of them see the court very well so double teaming will have to be done in moderation and defensive rotations need to be quick. [*]<font color="Navy">Shut Down Interior</font> ? The Knicks offense is based on getting inside the paint and attacking. With Marbury and Francis both on the same team you can expect plenty of penetration from two great 1-on-1 scorers. Locking it down on the inside will force them to resort to another game plan. [*]<font color="Navy">Ball Movement</font> ? This is already a staple of Nets basketball, but ball movement will force the Knicks to be on the top of their game defensively. A team full of already subpar defenders will likely be unable to consistently play solid defense for a full 48 minutes Forcing the opposition to do something they?re not good at is key.[*]<font color="Navy">Stay Foul-free</font> ? The Nets frontcourt has the tendency to frequently be in foul trouble. When he?s not traveling or sloppily running over the opposition, Curry, 6?11, 285 pounds, can draw fouls rather easily, so it will be important for the Nets big men to stay foul free and not give the Knicks easy opportunities at the charity stripe.[/list]
<font size="3">Other Notes</font><ul>[*]Last year the Knicks defeated the Nets in their preseason opener.
[*]The Nets swept the Knicks last year during the regular season.[/list]

<font size="3">Prediction:</font> The first game after a long offseason, the Knicks come out strong in the Garden and defeat the Nets 100-94.

 

[Legacy]

Nice preview MrJ! Do you really think that the Knicks are gonna beat the Nets?

 

[hustler]

I actually see the knicks coming out through this one, despite their horrible season last year. I think today, the knicks will finally develope some chemistry throughout the team.

 

[Mr. J]

^The game is on Friday, I'm just preparing early

 

[kidd4ever]

There is no way they are going to beat the nets because there is no one who can stop Carter or jefferson or even Krstic's shot believe it or not.

 

[kidd4ever]

What channel??????

 

[Ming637]

<div class="quote_poster">kidd4ever Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What channel??????</div>

MSG. Nice preview, btw. This preseason is going to be important for the Knicks if they want to start out the season on the right note. They need to establish the chemistry that'll allow them to score obviously and to be aware on defense and not let easy points go by.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">kidd4ever Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">There is no way they are going to beat the nets because there is no one who can stop Carter or jefferson or even Krstic's shot believe it or not.</div>
It's preseason; anyone can beat anyone. I just feel kicking off the season by playing at home with so little expectations, there will be a little more emotion from the players.

 

[LBJ2006MVP]

I'd say it's put up or shut up for Marbury and Francis or do or die. Prove that we still got game.This game will show us how did we improve this summer. Predictions 95-78 Knicks win it.

 

[Platehpus]

Very, very interested in seeing some of the lineups Isiah uses tonight. The final score means nothing, so I'm not predicting anything.

 

[Mr. J]

^Platehpus, what's going on, homie?

 

[Mr. J]

We look okay... well, better than last season. Still a bit sloppy with the foul and turnovers, but we're showing good chemistry I think.

 

[marcelonbraga]

Does anyone know any way to listen to the game via internet because I?m from Argentina and here i can`t see MSG and i`cant listen in the nba page. Thanks

 

[nv793]

i hope they win

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">marcelonbraga Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Does anyone know any way to listen to the game via internet because I?m from Argentina and here i can`t see MSG and i`cant listen in the nba page. Thanks</div>
Try NBA.com. They usually have streaming for free during preseason.

 

[hustler]

The knicks won.

 

[Mr. J]

Quick notes:

Guards:
- Marbury was totally offensive minded with little intent to pass up the rock. He was very affective getting to the rack and getting to the line. I guess he was playing shooting guard because Francis was totally uninterested in shooting.

Last year he would have had at least 5 attempts by the first quarter, but he had 5 attempts in the entire game. I was very impressed with his court awareness though. He kept his head up and found the open man most of the time, but the receiver didn't always convert the basket, which is why he only had 4 assists.

Crawford and Robinson had great chemistry and found each other a lot with open looks, though Crawford was struggling from the field. He still looked much more explosive though.

Mardy Collins played good defense against the guys who won't make the Nets' roster... hardly something to get excited about. I've been rather unimpressed with him to be honest.

Forwards:
Q-Rich looked great. He didn't only settle for the outside jumper. He attacked the basket, crashed the boards, and shot the midrange jumper beautifully. He needs to continue this as the season progresses.

Jared Jeffries was good. He's not particularly good outside of the paint, but I like his defense and rebounding. Playing smart and not doing anything he's incapable of doing, Jeffries was a solid (though expensive) pickup.

Frye also looked great. His bread butter is still the midrange jumper, but he mixed it up nicely in the post. He showed solid footwork with that move on Krstic. Also with the added bulk, Frye's rebounding has been more consistent.

Balkman was great too. He played his usual good defense, though he got burnt a couple of times. Nevertheless, he was impressive, especially his ballhandling (where did that come from?). Playing point guard and bringing the ball up the floor, Balkman hasn't been shy about his offense like in the summer league. He even hit that three from the corner. I see Isiah's logic in choosing him.

Lee left off where he ended last season. He showed off his versatility with nice passes, taking players off the dribble and as usually Lee was aggressive on the boards. His defense impressed me as well, with his lateral quickness and his quick hands.

Center:
Since he was our only center, (sorry Paul Miller doesn't count), I'll discuss my displeasure with Curry. I hope that was a bad game, because he looked terrible. His defense was terrible as he let Marcus Williams penetrate with ease and he always lowers his shoulder or just boulders into players, creating an offensive foul. All the hoopla over the summer was media nonsense - he's the same old Curry with no real improvements to his game. Granted, this is just one preseason game, but the fact his basketball IQ is so low, I'm not too thrilled with him.

Nets:
- Marcus Williams is a stud. He made a couple of rookie mistakes, but that is to be expected. He had no problem breaking down Marbury and getting into the paint or making slick passes to the open man. He executes pretty well on pick and roll opportunities and has a good "feel" for the game, almost like an NBA veteran. Clyde was talking about how he played like Mark Jackson and how fitting would it be if we had him? I won't be surprised if Frank puts Williams and Kidd on the floor at the same time during some stretches of the game.

- Jay Williams was terrible and I doubt he'll make an NBA team. He held the ball too much and wasted valuable time on the shot clock while making terrible decisions, resulting in his 5 turnovers. He can't shoot either, so what is he good for?

- Wright is a solid man to man defender, but considering his high expectations, I wanted to see more from him, especially since he had the perfect opportunity.

-Illic looked completely lost on the court, almost as if he's never played the game of basketball in his life. I think he has bust written all over him.

-Walsh was a monster on the board and showed good point guard skills. I should probably make the team.