New York @ Cleveland

[Mr. J]

*made by Knicks Analyst

Knicks 16-16

Cavaliers 19-12

<font size="3">
Date: 1/8/05
<font color="Red">Time 1:30</font><font size="2">(This is an early game. Take note of that. I wouldn?t want anyone missing out on the action because of the time!

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<font color="Red">TV: ABC</font> <font size="2">(Also take note that this game is not on MSG! I wouldn't want people missing out on the action because of that either!

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<font size="4">Season Stats</font>

Previous Games:
Knicks: 102-94L @ Heat
Cavaliers: 101-85W vs. Hawks

Knicks
Record: 16-16 (.500)
Standings: First, Atlantic 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference
At Home: 9-2
On Road: 6-8

PPG: 97.1 Opp PPG: 98.4
FG%: .448 Opp FG%: .462
RPG: 41.5 Opp RPG: 42.2

Cavaliers:
Record: 19-12 (.613)
Standings: First, Central 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference
At Home: 12-3
On Road: 9-7

PPG: 96.9 Opp PPG: 93.5
FG%: .454 Opp FG%: .441
RPG: 41.8 Opp RPG: 39.0

<font size="2">*Bold Indicates Leads the Team. Allan Houston is not included.</font>
<font size="4">
<font color="DarkOrange">Knicks</font></font>
PG: Stephon Marbury
39.0mpg 21.0ppg 3.0rpg 8.5apg FG%:43.8 3P%:35.5 FT%:84.4 SPG:1.46 BPG:0.03 TO:3.22

SG: Allan Houston
24.4mpg 10.9ppg 1.0rpg 2.1apg FG%:43.7 3P%:43.2 FT%:88.5 SPG:0.36 BPG:0.14 TO:1.21

SF: Tim Thomas
27.4mpg 10.4ppg 3.6rpg 1.1apg FG%:40.5 3P%:37.5 FT%:80.9 SPG:0.59 BPG:0.38 TO:2.50

PF: Kurt Thomas
36.1mpg 11.1ppg 10.1rpg 1.8apg FG%:48.7 FT%:77.4 SPG:1.09 BPG:0.88 TO:1.22

C: Nazr Mohammed
30.6mpg 12.9ppg 9.4rpg 0.4apg FG%:53.3 FT%:73.8 SPG:1.19 BPG:1.22 TO:1.34

<font size="3">Bench:</font>
Jerome Williams 15.2mpg 4.8ppg 3.4rpg 0.5apg

Trevor Ariza 14.3mpg 4.3ppg 2.4rpg 1.4apg

Moochie Norris 10.9mpg 2.1ppg 1.2rpg 1.0apg

Vin Baker 7.3mpg 1.4ppg 1.5rpg 0.2apg

Bruno Sundov 4.0mpg 1.8ppg 1.3rpg 0.3apg

<font size="4">
<font color="DarkRed">Cavaliers</font></font>
PG: Jeff McInnis
38.3mpg 15.6ppg 2.3rpg 5.7apg FG%:45.3 3P%:42.4 FT%:80.5 SPG:0.81 BPG:0.03 TO:1.94

SG: LeBron James
40.8mpg 24.3ppg 7.0rpg 7.2apg FG%:49.0 3P%:34.9 FT%:75.5 SPG:2.42 BPG:0.84 TO:3.13

SF: Ira Newble
22.8mpg 5.8ppg 2.4rpg 1.0apg FG%:457.7 3P%:11.1 FT%:81.6 SPG:0.48 BPG:0.13 TO:0.71

PF: Drew Gooden
31.7mpg 14.0ppg 10.2rpg 1.6apg FG%:51.7 FT%:82.4 SPG:0.97 BPG:1.76 TO:2.08

C: Zydrunas Ilguaskas
33.5mpg 16.6ppg 7.6rpg 1.5apg FG%:45.2 FT%:83.1 SPG:0.74 BPG:1.77 TO:2.42

<font size="3">Bench</font>
Lucious Harris 17.7mpg 5.0ppg 2.5rpg 0.8apg

Robert Traylor 16.5mpg 4.9ppg 4.0rpg 1.0apg

Anderson Varejao 11.5mpg 4.3ppg 3.6rpg 0.3apg

Eric Snow 20.5mpg 3.6ppg 1.6rpg 3.3apg

Desagna Diop 11.1mpg 0.9ppg 2.7rpg 0.3apg

Aleksander Pavlovic 14.5mpg 3.6ppg 0.8rpg 0.1apg

<font size="4">
<font color="Red">Injuries:</font></font>
<font color="DarkOrange">NYK:</font> Penny Hardaway, Jamison Brewer, Jamal Crawford
<font color="DarkRed">CLE:</font> Dajuan Wagner, Luke Jackson, Scott Williams

<font size="4">
<font color="Green">Matchups:</font></font>

vs.

PG: Yet another PG that Marbury has to watch out for because of their prowess from beyond the arc. Stephon Marbury will be matched up against Jeff McInnis who was brought in to help LeBron James become more of a scorer and take the PG role off of him. Marbury needs to bring back that defense that he played against Miami, and bring it here where we need him. With LeBron James in the game it can be quite easy to forget about role players like McInnis who shoot a blistering 42% from 3. Marbury has to penetrate and score to keep the Knicks in the game and has a PG he needs to keep the Knicks in it whenever they regain continuity.

vs.

SG: I heard that he was a good defender but, I really think it will be no problem for Allan Houston. The question is will he take advantage of his opportunities. Many times I see Allan Houston sometimes being reluctant shoot. For us to be extremely effective he will have to take advantages of such matchups.

vs.

SF: Tim Thomas will be matched up against King James who is scary. He is 19 and almost leads his team in everything and is not far off from league highs either. What I really do not want happening is LeBron James putting highlights on the Knicks. I really don?t want to see any dunking, crossovers or anything but, then again this kid is good. Last time the Knicks had him on smash as he shot only 33% and only had 13 points. Ariza will be needed but, James can abuse him in the post as well so, I think JYD will be needed a lot in this game. He can match James? quickness and muscle. What can we expect from Tiny Tim? Nothing much. He could play half decent defense and make things a little tougher for LeBron but, he probably wont. The real matchup is when Lenny Wilkens makes his first substitution for the 3 spot!

vs.

PF: Kurt Thomas will be playing Drew Gooden who killed the Knicks in their last meeting. In addition to shooting the lights out (even from 3) he also cleaned up the boards from missed shots and was the catalyst in the 3rd quarter rally that the Cavs made. Kurt Thomas should contain him this time. Also he should also keep him out of the paint and make him pay with the midrange jumper. His defense against such a young and explosive big man is going to be costly for the Knicks however, JYD should keep him in line before something serious happens.

vs.

C: Nazr Mohammed against Zydrunaus Ilguaskas. These two are competing against eachother in the All-Star bolloting. Ilguaskas the 7?3 Lithuanian is by far the more popular player however, Nazr Mohammed has been playing better thus far in my opinion. But, this is not the all-star game so let me get back on track here. Nazr Mohammed had a decent game with 11 and 9 but, Ilguaskas had 21. Nazr Mohammed might have a little trouble against the 5 inch defecit but, they do match up evenly. Nazr is the better rebounder and let?s not forget is 3rd in the league in FG%. Also Nazr?s athleticism might cause some problems for Ilguaskas. This will be a good thing if we can get him into some early foul trouble. Z this season, is averaging 4 fouls per game and a lack of his presence can give Nazr even more room to do his thing in the paint. Also we are aware of Nazr?s early foul trouble so he is a victim of it too. Sometimes he gives silly frusturation fouls which the Knicks can ill afford with their 10 man rotation. Good matchup at the C spot nonetheless.

<font size="3"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Bench Summary</font></font>

The Knicks are a bit shorthanded with Sweetney and Penny Hardaway out of the lineup. Because of this, the Knicks bench and starters will have to put in extra effort against this Cavalier team especially playing at Gund tomorrow. JYD I think will be needed the most because of his hustle but, also his versatility. He can guard both forward positions and with LeBron James matched up against Tim Thomas, you can?t expect too many positives taking place?at least for us! Also Moochie Norris? defense will be needed against Jeff McInnis if Marbury starts to slack off.


<font size="3"><font color="DarkRed">Cavaliers Bench Summary:</font></font>
Cleaveland has a decent bench with the acquisitions of Eric Snow and Lucious Harris. I think the Knicks bench is better because there is more of a balance. I feel as if the Knicks have to worry about the Cavaliers starters much more than their bench. But, their bench is capable of giving the starters sufficient rest so they can play fresh again. The Cavaliers bench is something not to be taken advantage of either.

<font size="4"><font color="Green">Key Matchup:</font></font>
The Key Matchup is at the PG position.
Marbury

" target="_blank">http://www.nba.com/media/knicks/marbury2_170_040106.jpg"></a> vs.

" target="_blank">http://www.nba.com/media/act_jeff_mcinnis.jpg"></a>McInnis
It was really close between Z and Nazr and these two but, I went with them because of their presence. Stephon Marbury is trying to keep his word about that best PG in the league thing while McInnis is trying to get yet another win for Cleveland. Marbury?s penetration is key for the Knicks success while McInnis? 3 point shooting and leadership is key for the Cavaliers.


<font size="4">My Prediction:</font>
After 3 straight losses for the Knicks, they are indeed trying to break that streak. They had Cleveland in a dangerous position in which they were threatening to take the 2nd place position in the east. After those 3 losses New York is at .500 and are too close to falling behind it. The Cavaliers are a good team but, many of their wins as of late have been against the likes of the Hawks, the Bobcats, and the Hornets. The Knicks even with the acquisition of Crawford can still give Cleveland a legit challenge. Last game we were up by many points. We lost our lead and got it back and we got a convincing win over them . However, this was at the garden and we are playing the Cavaliers at the Gund Arena. But, I think the Knicks will win the game. They have too much to lose to if they get defeated. I am going with a 98-90 win over Cleveland.

 

[Ming637]

Alright, since the Sixers lost to the T-wolves, they are back 1.0 games which means we can afford a loss tommorow although, I do want a win against the Cavs, since they swept the series against us last year.

 

[KnicksUK]

Excuse my ignorance but who is JYD? Jerome Williams?

Great preview though, must have taken ages! Looking forward to the match

 

[Mr. J]

JYD is Jerome Williams. It stands for Junk Yard Dog. My bad I'm just so used to doing that and TT stands for Tim Thomas. You'll get used to the way I write in due time

Not too long once I got used to the format. With the amount of free time I have with my new school schedule I am able to really contribute to stuff like this. I wish I was able to share some with you guys! The only day where I am really kind of busy is on Sunday. Other than that you can almost always find me here.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry I've been away for so long, I was sick.

Nice preview, Mrj18. Look for LeBron to put in a lot baskets, as he shot poorly earlier on this season against us, he'll put out a real competitive edge. Houston better be deadly today if we want a chance to win, and Marbury better get ready for a surprise coming from McInnis, he can't let him get hot. I think you know where I'm getting at with Marbury's poor defense.
I don't see us coming away with a win today, not after the disheartening loss to Miami and now it appears, that despite his improvements statistically, that Kurt Thomas has been going through a thick mental slump. I don't really see any fire in Kurt's eyes, I hope he can get back to form.

Quick prediction:
Cleveland: 95
Knicks: 87

 

[50]

Great Preview mrj18. I really think that they Cavs will pull a W in this one. LBJ will get a double double and will just light it up from the three.
Watch out for my man Jeff too. He will get about 20 points and 7 or 8 assits.
Quickie:
Cavs-95
Knicks-89

 

[Mr. J]

The Cavaliers are quite a home team but, I think that the Knicks have more to fight for. With Philadelphia and Boston moving up and plus those 3 losses for them are giving them more of a will to win. This game normally might not be in the Knicks favor had these circumstances not occured.

 

[Nylex]

My prediction:

Cavs 97
Knicks 89

 

[KnicksUK]

Knicks will win.

Someones gotta be optimistic here!!

I have a feeling Marbury will have another BIG game.

 

[KnicksUK]

Not going great. 22-11. They're grabbing pretty much all the boards and we're missing a lot of shots. Not a good combo.

 

[Nylex]

Houston leading the way with 7 points though. TT out and Ariza in

.

 

[Mr. J]

That reverse was sick. I knew James was going to put on highlights but I didn't know like this

.

 

[KnicksUK]

Something has to be done trade-wise. When we lose this game (losing by 23pts already) that will be 4 straight.

I'm VERY disappointed.

 

[Nylex]

Remember we've got injury problems too (Crawford, Sweetney and Penny), but yeah, I agree, a trade would be good.

 

[BigBlueFan]

Last I looked it was 65-35 Cavs...Pavolic is finally showing us his game...

 

[Knicks Analyst]

We are down the 31 at the half. Tim Thomas has played 11 minutes and has 4 turnovers. Knicks are shooting 33% from the field and Cleveland over 70%, and the Cavs are over 80% from the arc.

Well, I would be saying a lot more, but there are children who visit JBB and I don't think their parents would appreciate the vocabulary I would use if I was to go on.

 

[NJNetz]

the knicks r getting killed and its only halftime. enuff said

 

[Mr. J]

Halftime

<font size="7">Halftime</font>
Knicks 36

I hope we perform a Bucks rally. The Knicks always make rallies but, this one is by 30 what should we expect? I just hope we perform a Bucks run. I have some suggestions. Lenny Wilkens why don't you balance the roster from some defensive players to some offensive players. When he brings out the defensive lineup they cant score and when he brings out the offensive lineup, they cant defend. What is this balance it out you clown! Keep Houston out of this. The guy is playing no defense at all. None whatsoever nada zero zilch, zip whatever you want to call it he is not playing any defense. Now let's see if Marbury will truly be that great PG he is and be tha catalyst of the run. I want to see a lineup similar to Marbury, Ariza, JYD, Kurt Thomas, and Nazr. Also let me see what Sundov can do a little bit. Even if they lose (along with my money) at least don't get blown out. Let's see what's good with the second half.

 

[Nylex]

Hehe, Knicks Analyst

. 2nd half has started just now.

 

[N4S]

Can someone pinch me? Does that friggin score say 86-57? Holy *&%#!

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Need4Sheed:</div><div class="quote_post">Can someone pinch me? Does that friggin score say 86-57? Holy *&%#!</div>
No it doesn't. What are you talking about?

Any way the Knicks started off better but, they still need to preserve their runs. Allan Houston is shooting misreably on the floor. The 4th didn't start yet but how much do you want to bet instead of Wilkens trying to make a legit 4th quarter run, he will go with Norris JYD and all of our defensive options with no one who can get us back into it instead he keeps the imbalance.

 

[Bobcats]

This is exactly what I was talking about in LeBron's negative thread. Almost all of his points come off dunks/layups. Still a great player though.

 

[KnicksUK]

TT - nice amount of points but 23 mins and ONE rebound. ONE!!!

 

[N4S]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">No it doesn't. What are you talking about?

Any way the Knicks started off better but, they still need to preserve their runs. Allan Houston is shooting misreably on the floor. The 4th didn't start yet but how much do you want to bet instead of Wilkens trying to make a legit 4th quarter run, he will go with Norris JYD and all of our defensive options with no one who can get us back into it instead he keeps the imbalance.</div>


Sorry, but the score with that at one point in the game. And know the Knicks are tied with the hot 76ers for 1st in the ATL div.

 

[sneballa7]

That was a terrible game. Marbury was 3-6. Why did he only take 6 shots. He did have 12 assists though.

 

[TnNeG]

tell me that the knicks lost...(didn't see the game)

 

[Tribute to H2O]

I know I'm late but I had to cool off. That was one of the worst performances I've ever seeen by the Knicks. No ifs and or buts about it. I cant even put the blame on one person. EVERYONE the blame. My God. I actually woke myself up on a Saturday morning to watch that stuff! Very disappointing. But I cleared my mind and saw what went wrong.

We have no back up shooting guard. That's one. Houston was clearly having a hard time moving out there. I dont know if it's a mental thing or just a little sore or what. I doubt it's serious but he was having a hard time moving around. He did fine in the first quarter but he shouldnt have been playing that much in the second but we have noone else. Crawford is out and Penny's been banished by Isiah. Besides it wasnt his man doing the damage. When the second unit comes in we have noone capable of scoring. That's an issue with the rotation and our bench. Sweetney who's our only low post threat and great rebounder is out as is our back up shooting guards. We stopped attacking the basket which made things easier for everybody. Our transition defense was terrible and we seemed a few steps behind every play.

The key problem is that were getting no production from our small forward position. Only Houston and Marbury are effective scorers on the team right now. Houston had a bad game which will happen since he's returning from a serious injury and Marbury cant do it all alone. If we could get something from our small forward position then we wouldnt have to worry about Houston having a bad game or be upset with the lack of offensive production off the bench. Maybe we should consider that Wally trade if we can get a defensive big man out of it.

But please guys, let's put it in perspective. The Cavaliers are a good team. When were healthy we can beat them but were not healthy. We are sorely undermanned and when you're playing a rival team with key players out this will happen especially when that team plays as well as they do at home. Teams go through this sort of funk. Despite the fact that we were crushed it's still just one game and only counts as one loss and were not even halfway through the season. So let's keep it together. As long as we dont let the Atlantic get away from us we'll be able to retake the lead when all of our guys come back and hopefully secure homecourt advantage. So let's relax. If we get all stressed out over a game in which we werent healthy against a team that's nearly as good as us when were healthy someone's going to have a nervous breakdown.

 

[02civic]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">
But please guys, let's put it in perspective. The Cavaliers are a good team. When were healthy we can beat them but were not healthy. We are sorely undermanned and when you're playing a rival team with key players out this will happen especially when that team plays as well as they do at home. Teams go through this sort of funk. Despite the fact that we were crushed it's still just one game and only counts as one loss and were not even halfway through the season. So let's keep it together. As long as we dont let the Atlantic get away from us we'll be able to retake the lead when all of our guys come back and hopefully secure homecourt advantage. So let's relax. If we get all stressed out over a game in which we werent healthy against a team that's nearly as good as us when were healthy someone's going to have a nervous breakdown.</div>

* On what planet are the Cavs only "nearly as good as" the Knicks?
You speak as if its common knowledge

and i'm not to sure of the logic. blaming a massive blowout loss of 30+ points, which happened because of a lack of defense, on an injury to 1 key player (who plays no defence), a 15 min per game player, and a bench player that didnt get any minutes when healthy and even still, plays no defence.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">

more Mrj/Tribute BS. Come on man...blaming a friggin BLOWOUT of massive proportions, which happened because of a lack of defence, on injuries to 1 key player (who plays no defence), another 15min player, and penny (who plays no defence). From this point on a wont argue another thing you say because i'm quite sure you have no brain.



* On what planet are the Cavs only "nearly as good as" the Knicks? *

Only on this forum do fans of thier team so openly disrespect and brush off every win by an opposing team of approx. equal abilities. On this forum do i read the most arogant pieces of propoganda. Shameless really.</div>

Ah 02civic you're late. I thought I'd be hearing from you yesterday what happened? I assume you have a problem with the part I said that's in bold. I do remember beating the Cavaliers without Houston so there is some truth in what I said. How did I disrespect the Cavaliers? Did I say they could never beat us? No. I just said we could beat them when were healthy. I dont think there's anything wrong with that. So really what is your problem? Mad because the Knicks are no longer in the cellar of the Atlantic along with the Raptors?
If I think that the Cavs are nearly as good as us I'll say it. That's my opinion. If you dont like it then stop reading my posts. It's that simple. The only team that I have ever really disrespected on this forum are the Raptors and truth to be told they deserve it.

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post"> From this point on a wont argue another thing you say because i'm quite sure you have no brain.</div>

That's some real funny stuff there, that whole "you have no brain thing". Although I dont see what that was for since I've never tried to insult you. But hey do whatever makes you happy. I'm glad you wont argue with me anymore I was really getting tired of reading your nonsense as well. Hope you and your Raptors do well in the lottery. Cheers.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">* On what planet are the Cavs only "nearly as good as" the Knicks?
You speak as if its common knowledge

and i'm not to sure of the logic. blaming a massive blowout loss of 30+ points, which happened because of a lack of defense, on an injury to 1 key player (who plays no defence), a 15 min per game player, and a bench player that didnt get any minutes when healthy and even still, plays no defence.</div>
I am sorry to bring up this old thread, but I feel led to respond. I am going to have to disagree with you 02civic. The Knicks suffered a horrible blowout but, our injuries are a key part. It should have not been a blowout but, we do have to look at injuries as well. Crawford is a 20ppg kind of guy, Sweetney and Hardaway are solid contributors off the bench as well as decent defenders. All 3 are key players. This is something you will have to witness only by watching more than a couple of Knicks games.

The Cavs might have a better record but, I still consider them on the same level. You can disagree but, if you choose Cleveland over NYK, you will have to admit not by much at all. Both of them are decent matches for each other and what happened on Starurdy is another thing that we suffer through. Whenever start off badly sometimes they just stop playing basketball. We have seen it a handful of times. Does this mean the Knicks are far less superior? No it does not.