Mr. J
Triple Up
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<div align="center">
^made by Knicks Analyst
vs.
Knicks 26-35 / Heat 49-16</div>
<font size="3">
Date: 3/15/05
Time 7:30 (Eastern Time)
TV: MSG, FSN-SEA, NBALP</font>
<font size="4">Season Stats</font>
Previous Games:
Knicks: 90-80L vs. Seatlle
Heat: 110-71W vs. Milwaukee
Knicks:
Record: 26-34 (.426)
Standings: Fourth, Atlantic
At Home: 19-13
On Road: 7-22
PPG: 96.6 Opp PPG: 99.1
FG%: .449 Opp FG%: .464
RPG: 40.8 Opp RPG: 42.0
Heat:
Record: 49-16 (.754)
Standings: First, Southeast
At Home: 28- 5
At Road: 21-11
PPG: 102.4 Opp PPG: 95.2
FG%: .488 Opp FG%: .427
RPG: 43.2 Opp RPG: 40.7
*BOLD* indicates leads team in particular stat.
Maurice Taylor and Malik Rose?s stats are when they became New York Knicks
<font size="4">
<font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Starters</font></font>
PG: Stephon Marbury
39.8pg 21.0ppg 3.0rpg 8.3apg
Jamal Crawford
36.3mpg 17.5ppg 2.8rpg 3.9apg
SF: Tim Thomas
27.2mpg 11.6ppg 3.5rpg 1.4apg
PF: Mike Sweetney
18.4ppg 8.3ppg 5.2rpg 0.6apg
C: Kurt Thomas
36.6mpg 11.8ppg 10.1rpg 2.0apg
<font color="Blue"><font size="3">Knicks Bench:</font></font>
Penny Hardaway
24.7mpg 7.6ppg 2.4rpg 2.1apg
Trevor Ariza
17.7mpg 6.1ppg 2.9rpg 1.2apg
Maurice Taylor
11.7mpg 5.5ppg 1.8rpg 0.5apg
Malik Rose
17.2mpg 5.5ppg 3.8rpg 0.5apg
Jerome Williams
15.8mpg 4.6ppg 3.6rpg 0.6apg
Jermaine Jackson
7.0mpg 1.8ppg 1.3rpg 0.3apg
Bruno Sundov
4.7mpg 1.6ppg 0.9rpg 0.1apg
Complete Knicks Stats
Alonzo Mourning?s stats are when he became a Miami Heat
<font size="4"><font color="Red">Heat Starters</font></font>
PG: Dwyane Wade
38.7mpg 23.8ppg 5.3rpg 7.1apg
SG: Damon Jones
31.5mpg 11.5ppg 2.8rpg 4.3apg
SF: Eddie Jones
35.7mpg 12.9ppg 5.1rpg 2.6apg
PF: Udonis Haslem
33.1mpg 11.3ppg 9.2rpg 1.4apg
C: Shaquille O?Neal
34.1ppg 22.5ppg 10.3rpg 2.9apg
<font size="3">Heat Bench</font>
Rasual Butler
18.4mpg 6.2ppg 2.3pg 1.0apg
Christian Laettner
15.6mpg 5.6ppg 2.8rpg 0.8apg
Keyon Dooling
15.1mpg 4.7ppg 1.2pg 1.7apg
Shandon Anderson
17.7mpg 4.3ppg 3.0pg 1.1apg
Michael Doleac
14.0mpg 4.0ppg 3.1pg 0.6apg
Alonzo Mourning
4.7mpg 2.8ppg 2.5pg 0.2apg
Steve Smith
1.0ppg 0.0ppg 0.0pg 0.0apg
Complete Heat Stats
<font size="4"><font color="Red">Injuries:</font></font>
<font color="DarkOrange">NYK:</font>
and
Allan Houston and Jackie Butler
<font color="Red">MIA:</font>
and
Qyntel Woods / Dorrel Wright / Wang Zhizhi
<font size="4">
<font color="Green">Matchups:</font></font>
vs.
PG: We have Stephon Marbury against one Dwyane Wade from the University of Marquette. In addition to Dwyane Wade being one of my favorite players in the league, he is also scaring me. His numbers are scary for his second year, but I?m talking about what he?s doing in this matchup. Look for Wade to post up, and to make frequent drives to the basket especially with no one commanding the respect as a shot blocker. What I don?t want to happen is for him to put on highlights in my house. That is unacceptable. He is also a very good defender and Marbury has to be aware inasmuch as he is in his second year, Wade doesn?t play like it. Wade has also improved his shot drastically from last year. Despite this, the trifectas he shoots are at 23%. He has only attempted 21and made 5, which obviously meaning a majority of his game doesn?t consist of 3?s, nor shooting. Wade attempts 9.7 free throws a game due to his consistent drives to the basket. Marbury?s defense needs to be <strike>good</strike> great on Wade. Now guarding such a potent weapon on offense such as Wade is a big task so, it will be unfair to expect nor ask for him to shut down Dwyane, however a defensive effort is to be or at least should be expected by Marbury. Due to the sillyness of Time Warner, I was unable to catch the game on TV, but I did hear it on the radio. I heard quite a few times, ?And Antonio Daniels scores another EASY layup.? If Daniels was easy to slice through this token defense Marbury is offering, imagine what Wade can do! Marbury needs to put a body on Wade at all times. That time when Marbury forgets about him, is the time Wade yams it for a put back slam. The worst part of Marbury through out his career has been his defense. The man just simply plays none although he has the talent to be a good defender. Marbury?s defense is worse than my computer!!! If Marbury truly wants to win this game, he?ll know that there?s more to basketball than simply putting points on the board.
vs.
SG: Last time Damon Jones came to MSG, he was lighting it up from 3. He is a good shooter, but that wasn?t the main reason why he lit it up. Because of the defense that was being played. We can?t blame Jamal because he wasn?t playing that game. We need defense to win this game and whether or not Jamal Crawford decides to play defense will really determine our future...that is unless he scores 50 points. Wade penetrates, Shaq posts up and Damon shoots. That is a perfect threesome (no homo). The Knicks can?t allow Jones to get open looks. Anyone who shoots treys at 41.6% needs to be taken care of defensively. Again, I didn?t see the game yesterday but according to the boxscore, Jamal had Allen on lock down, while also locking himself down as well. Allen shot 35% from the field and 25% from 3 point range. If Crawford did that, then a less prolific scorer and a shooter less accurate than Allen should be something he can do again. I thought I would never have to say this, but - what Jamal needs to do is score. The last couple of games he has been struggling significantly from the field. I don?t know why but he just is. We need all the help we can get against the Heat and our second option on offense needs to be ready to go today. Jamal also shoots 36% from behind the arc so that needs to be good today and provide us with the spark we need. Again, Crawford needs to take smart shots. Every position is always valuable, but it makes it much more valuable when you?re playing against potential NBA champions. Also what I?ve been pleased of recently is the dimes Jamal is throwing around lately. As a natural PG not being able to dominate the ball as much is hard, but he is still scoring and passing rather well. If he continues to be smarter in the shots he takes and thinks make the extra pass instead of passing, it will be another factor in whether we win can win or not.
vs.
SF: Tim Thomas has been playing better as of late. Now some people might respond to that by saying??Well could it have gotten any worse???? To that I respond?I have no idea. For what it?s worth Tim Thomas has resurrected his percentage to 44%. That is very good considering how he started the season. I do believe a good chunk of the season has been hovering around the high 30?s. He is also amongst the leaders in 3P%. He shoots 41.3%!! That?s pretty good according to league standards so imagine his standards. Tim Thomas last game had one of his best games of the season. Playing hurt, he had 13 points on 4-7 shooting, including the game tying trey to getting the MSG crowd on their feet and giving the Knicks energy to lose in overtime. He also had 5 rebounds and 7 assists only surmounted by Marbury with 8 assists. If double T has a similar performance to what he had last meeting, we will be set at the 3 position. Now to his opponent Eddie Jones who is having somewhat of a disappointing season. Teammates of Shaq thrive off of his mere presence. While players such as Dwyane Wade, Damon Jones, and Udonis Haslem are having career years, the 33 year old swing man from the University of Temple, is having the worst year of his 10 year career. Despite this, Jones is capable of exploding at anytime. This means Tim needs to play Jones extra hard and not allow his confidence level to rise up. I mean Tim has 4 inches and 40 more pounds on Jones I think he is capable of adding some stress on Jones, it?s just a matter of what Tim will do. I guess that depends on which way the wind blows, huh? Hopefully at the very least, Tim has a good offensive game. Keeping Jones from becoming a force is what we need. Wade and Shaq are enough so taking out role players is a must if the Knicks have any intentions on wining this game.
vs.
PF: Possibly the most improved player in the league against a potential NBA star. Sweetney really needs to stay out of foul trouble. It has been a problem. If Sweetney plays big minutes he will produce. He just might be one of the most efficient players who play under 20 minutes. In just 18.4 minutes, he gives you 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds a game. He has many pounds on Haslem so he needs to pose a threat there. Him posting up will give us much needed space on the floor. With Crawford?s shooting inconsistent, we don?t really have a perimeter threat with us except Allan Houston who is out. Kurt Thomas is a very good perimeter threat, but more than likely, he will be on the other side of the court meaning the only way Sweetney will be able to swing it to Kurt, is throwing a dangerous cross court pass that can easily get intercepted and create easy fast break opportunities. This means Sweetney?s role is even more important. He needs to pass out of double teams well, and he also needs to get to the line, rebound, give us space and simply do his thing. I was reading in the Daily News today, Sweetney might have some minutes playing against Shaq. Sweetney has the size but his height might be an issue. He is obviously a tougher match for Mike than Udonis Haslem. Haslem is very athletic and hopefully some of his explosiveness doesn?t give Mike some trouble or more importantly, any fouls.
vs.
C: It is Mr. Consistency against Shaquille O?Neal a.k.a. Shaq a.k.a. Big Diesel, a.k.a. the most dominant center in the league. Kurt has perhaps one of the most toughest opponents on him. He is playing Shaquille O?Neal the most dominant center in all of basketball. He is also a future hall of famer so Kurt Thomas really needs to have a good game. While Kurt Thomas is a great post defender, he is not used to playing centers that carry around with 300 pounds of fury. He is big and that is a reason why he is effective, but Shaq has very good footwork. Kurt Thomas has an extremely important role today. Kurt Thomas has to have that midrange jumpshot working today. His range extends to about 18 feet and further when he?s heating up. Once Shaq leaves his comfort zone?the paint, it will open it up for Marbury to penetrate and dish to: Tim Thomas or Jamal Crawford for an open 3, and Sweetney for some space in the post. So I guess you can say in a way, Kurt Thomas? performance will effect the whole team. He needs to take advantage of the open looks he?ll get. He needs to hit his shots. His defense and rebounding will be needed as well. Also as a captain, I expect him to bring out the best of the Knicks. Kurt just needs to play his usual self and keep Shaq out the paint, and do the best he can. Last meeting, Nazr Mohammed had Shaq on smash!! He had 16 points and shot 5-16 from the field. If the Knicks can get someone to step up similarly to what Mohammed did last meeting and take out the diesel, we can definitely get a win tonight. It?s about effort, smarts, and even some luck.
<font size="3"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Bench Summary</font></font>
We need our bench the most than any other team. Every single person is valuable. Malik Rose has played Shaq on numerous occasions and other bigs in the west. He is very experienced. He even played him in the playoffs! The experience right there is priceless. The only thing is the Spurs had a deep defensive team as opposed to the Knicks shallow, lackadaisical and inconsistent defense. We need Malik to give Shaq a hard time and exude the experience wining two rings. Maurice Taylor needs to continue being the force in the post. He needs to give us space, draw doubles and simply open the floor. He also needs to rebound, draw fouls and play with effort. Ariza needs to provide us with defense?pick off the lazy pass, maybe block a shot or alter a couple and give us some offense here and there...make free throws score on the break etc. The Heat will leave him open for some easy midrange jumpshot opportunities. So Ariza needs to take advantage of that. Jerome needs to give us the same energy and hustle he always does. Last game against the Sonics, Jerome did just that. His energy will give us momentum, and easy opportunities. Penny needs to play smart make his jumpers and think about the extra pass as well. Jermaine gives us defense, and even Bruno needs to hit jumpers and move Shaq out of the paint. If Bruno hits 3?s, Shaq will have to front him. We need a concerted effort from everyone on the Knicks today every single player needs to play well tonight.
<font size="3"><font color="Red">Heat Bench Summary:</font></font>
The Heat have a very good bench and one of the reasons why the rivalry lasts between them. The only players from the original Knick/Heat rivalries are: Allan Houston, Kurt Thomas, Alonzo Mourning and Eddie Jones. The thing that makes it more interesting are the former Knicks on their roster. Doleac and Anderson who had a very big role for the Knicks, are now gone. I?m sure we can expect good games from them and especially from Anderson who was let go. Yes we gave him money to leave. Smart? I don?t think so, but we can?t talk about the past now, we have an important game ahead of us. The Heat bench has a great shot blocker in Alonzo Mourning, Laettner and Rasual just simply playing their roles and who can forget about Keyon Dooling? These guys are loaded. The Knicks need to try and make the bench more of a non-factor because handling Wade, Shaq, and perimeter threats in the Jones?, are enough trouble.
<div align="center"><font size="4"><font color="Green">Key Matchup:</font></font>
TEAM LEADERS
STARBURY
vs.
FLASH
What a confrontation! Marbury and Wade is definitely a contender for matchup of the year. The two franchise players are in search of a win. The only difference is one of them needs the win more than the other one. Can you guess which one it is? Anyway, as if seeing two very talent players isn?t exciting enough, expect to see some highlight reels. Both posses some of the leagues best crossovers, some feline quickness, and both don the #3. Expect one of the leagues best offensive outings. If they are taken out of the game, both squads lose their two leading scorers. What makes it more interesting is that they are two ?tweeners? instead of real floor generals so expect more scoring and in a dramatic fashion. I have a strong feeling that whoever has the better game, their respective team will win.</div>
<font size="4">My Prediction:</font>
The Knicks are just coming off a disappointing loss to the Sonics on Sunday. The game was very winnable, they just didn?t take advantage of their opportunities. While the Knicks are an underrated home team, they are playing one of the NBA?s best teams. I mean this team is good. Again, this is a bias fan speaking so of course I am going to take my Knicks, but I also have another reason. Last game, the Knicks took the Heat down to the wire and sent the game into overtime. They could have won, but again close it out. I really think with everyone pumped up about the game and Herb Williams really stressing this game especially if it is a possible first round opponent, we will win it. Me being a Knicks an makes me pick them with a score of 96-94. But someone looking outside of the box a fan of neither team is making me choose the Heat 106-93. I think by halftime I might be able to make a sure prediction, but then again this is the Heat. The Nets were in the game at halftime on Saturday and we witnessed what happened. I predict a very interesting and fun game to watch I?ll tell you that much!
<font color="Red"><font size="4">Don?t Forget:</font></font>
<font size="3">THIS GAME IS AT 7:30 PM EASTERN TIME!!! AND IS ON 1050 AM ESPN RADIO</font>
^made by Knicks Analyst
Knicks 26-35 / Heat 49-16</div>
<font size="3">
Date: 3/15/05
Time 7:30 (Eastern Time)
TV: MSG, FSN-SEA, NBALP</font>
<font size="4">Season Stats</font>
Previous Games:
Knicks: 90-80L vs. Seatlle
Heat: 110-71W vs. Milwaukee
Knicks:
Record: 26-34 (.426)
Standings: Fourth, Atlantic
At Home: 19-13
On Road: 7-22
PPG: 96.6 Opp PPG: 99.1
FG%: .449 Opp FG%: .464
RPG: 40.8 Opp RPG: 42.0
Heat:
Record: 49-16 (.754)
Standings: First, Southeast
At Home: 28- 5
At Road: 21-11
PPG: 102.4 Opp PPG: 95.2
FG%: .488 Opp FG%: .427
RPG: 43.2 Opp RPG: 40.7
*BOLD* indicates leads team in particular stat.
Maurice Taylor and Malik Rose?s stats are when they became New York Knicks
<font size="4">
<font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Starters</font></font>
PG: Stephon Marbury
39.8pg 21.0ppg 3.0rpg 8.3apg
Jamal Crawford
36.3mpg 17.5ppg 2.8rpg 3.9apg
SF: Tim Thomas
27.2mpg 11.6ppg 3.5rpg 1.4apg
PF: Mike Sweetney
18.4ppg 8.3ppg 5.2rpg 0.6apg
C: Kurt Thomas
36.6mpg 11.8ppg 10.1rpg 2.0apg
<font color="Blue"><font size="3">Knicks Bench:</font></font>
Penny Hardaway
24.7mpg 7.6ppg 2.4rpg 2.1apg
Trevor Ariza
17.7mpg 6.1ppg 2.9rpg 1.2apg
Maurice Taylor
11.7mpg 5.5ppg 1.8rpg 0.5apg
Malik Rose
17.2mpg 5.5ppg 3.8rpg 0.5apg
Jerome Williams
15.8mpg 4.6ppg 3.6rpg 0.6apg
Jermaine Jackson
7.0mpg 1.8ppg 1.3rpg 0.3apg
Bruno Sundov
4.7mpg 1.6ppg 0.9rpg 0.1apg
Complete Knicks Stats
Alonzo Mourning?s stats are when he became a Miami Heat
<font size="4"><font color="Red">Heat Starters</font></font>
PG: Dwyane Wade
38.7mpg 23.8ppg 5.3rpg 7.1apg
SG: Damon Jones
31.5mpg 11.5ppg 2.8rpg 4.3apg
SF: Eddie Jones
35.7mpg 12.9ppg 5.1rpg 2.6apg
PF: Udonis Haslem
33.1mpg 11.3ppg 9.2rpg 1.4apg
C: Shaquille O?Neal
34.1ppg 22.5ppg 10.3rpg 2.9apg
<font size="3">Heat Bench</font>
Rasual Butler
18.4mpg 6.2ppg 2.3pg 1.0apg
Christian Laettner
15.6mpg 5.6ppg 2.8rpg 0.8apg
Keyon Dooling
15.1mpg 4.7ppg 1.2pg 1.7apg
Shandon Anderson
17.7mpg 4.3ppg 3.0pg 1.1apg
Michael Doleac
14.0mpg 4.0ppg 3.1pg 0.6apg
Alonzo Mourning
4.7mpg 2.8ppg 2.5pg 0.2apg
Steve Smith
1.0ppg 0.0ppg 0.0pg 0.0apg
Complete Heat Stats
<font size="4"><font color="Red">Injuries:</font></font>
<font color="DarkOrange">NYK:</font>
Allan Houston and Jackie Butler
<font color="Red">MIA:</font>
Qyntel Woods / Dorrel Wright / Wang Zhizhi
<font size="4">
<font color="Green">Matchups:</font></font>
PG: We have Stephon Marbury against one Dwyane Wade from the University of Marquette. In addition to Dwyane Wade being one of my favorite players in the league, he is also scaring me. His numbers are scary for his second year, but I?m talking about what he?s doing in this matchup. Look for Wade to post up, and to make frequent drives to the basket especially with no one commanding the respect as a shot blocker. What I don?t want to happen is for him to put on highlights in my house. That is unacceptable. He is also a very good defender and Marbury has to be aware inasmuch as he is in his second year, Wade doesn?t play like it. Wade has also improved his shot drastically from last year. Despite this, the trifectas he shoots are at 23%. He has only attempted 21and made 5, which obviously meaning a majority of his game doesn?t consist of 3?s, nor shooting. Wade attempts 9.7 free throws a game due to his consistent drives to the basket. Marbury?s defense needs to be <strike>good</strike> great on Wade. Now guarding such a potent weapon on offense such as Wade is a big task so, it will be unfair to expect nor ask for him to shut down Dwyane, however a defensive effort is to be or at least should be expected by Marbury. Due to the sillyness of Time Warner, I was unable to catch the game on TV, but I did hear it on the radio. I heard quite a few times, ?And Antonio Daniels scores another EASY layup.? If Daniels was easy to slice through this token defense Marbury is offering, imagine what Wade can do! Marbury needs to put a body on Wade at all times. That time when Marbury forgets about him, is the time Wade yams it for a put back slam. The worst part of Marbury through out his career has been his defense. The man just simply plays none although he has the talent to be a good defender. Marbury?s defense is worse than my computer!!! If Marbury truly wants to win this game, he?ll know that there?s more to basketball than simply putting points on the board.
SG: Last time Damon Jones came to MSG, he was lighting it up from 3. He is a good shooter, but that wasn?t the main reason why he lit it up. Because of the defense that was being played. We can?t blame Jamal because he wasn?t playing that game. We need defense to win this game and whether or not Jamal Crawford decides to play defense will really determine our future...that is unless he scores 50 points. Wade penetrates, Shaq posts up and Damon shoots. That is a perfect threesome (no homo). The Knicks can?t allow Jones to get open looks. Anyone who shoots treys at 41.6% needs to be taken care of defensively. Again, I didn?t see the game yesterday but according to the boxscore, Jamal had Allen on lock down, while also locking himself down as well. Allen shot 35% from the field and 25% from 3 point range. If Crawford did that, then a less prolific scorer and a shooter less accurate than Allen should be something he can do again. I thought I would never have to say this, but - what Jamal needs to do is score. The last couple of games he has been struggling significantly from the field. I don?t know why but he just is. We need all the help we can get against the Heat and our second option on offense needs to be ready to go today. Jamal also shoots 36% from behind the arc so that needs to be good today and provide us with the spark we need. Again, Crawford needs to take smart shots. Every position is always valuable, but it makes it much more valuable when you?re playing against potential NBA champions. Also what I?ve been pleased of recently is the dimes Jamal is throwing around lately. As a natural PG not being able to dominate the ball as much is hard, but he is still scoring and passing rather well. If he continues to be smarter in the shots he takes and thinks make the extra pass instead of passing, it will be another factor in whether we win can win or not.
SF: Tim Thomas has been playing better as of late. Now some people might respond to that by saying??Well could it have gotten any worse???? To that I respond?I have no idea. For what it?s worth Tim Thomas has resurrected his percentage to 44%. That is very good considering how he started the season. I do believe a good chunk of the season has been hovering around the high 30?s. He is also amongst the leaders in 3P%. He shoots 41.3%!! That?s pretty good according to league standards so imagine his standards. Tim Thomas last game had one of his best games of the season. Playing hurt, he had 13 points on 4-7 shooting, including the game tying trey to getting the MSG crowd on their feet and giving the Knicks energy to lose in overtime. He also had 5 rebounds and 7 assists only surmounted by Marbury with 8 assists. If double T has a similar performance to what he had last meeting, we will be set at the 3 position. Now to his opponent Eddie Jones who is having somewhat of a disappointing season. Teammates of Shaq thrive off of his mere presence. While players such as Dwyane Wade, Damon Jones, and Udonis Haslem are having career years, the 33 year old swing man from the University of Temple, is having the worst year of his 10 year career. Despite this, Jones is capable of exploding at anytime. This means Tim needs to play Jones extra hard and not allow his confidence level to rise up. I mean Tim has 4 inches and 40 more pounds on Jones I think he is capable of adding some stress on Jones, it?s just a matter of what Tim will do. I guess that depends on which way the wind blows, huh? Hopefully at the very least, Tim has a good offensive game. Keeping Jones from becoming a force is what we need. Wade and Shaq are enough so taking out role players is a must if the Knicks have any intentions on wining this game.
PF: Possibly the most improved player in the league against a potential NBA star. Sweetney really needs to stay out of foul trouble. It has been a problem. If Sweetney plays big minutes he will produce. He just might be one of the most efficient players who play under 20 minutes. In just 18.4 minutes, he gives you 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds a game. He has many pounds on Haslem so he needs to pose a threat there. Him posting up will give us much needed space on the floor. With Crawford?s shooting inconsistent, we don?t really have a perimeter threat with us except Allan Houston who is out. Kurt Thomas is a very good perimeter threat, but more than likely, he will be on the other side of the court meaning the only way Sweetney will be able to swing it to Kurt, is throwing a dangerous cross court pass that can easily get intercepted and create easy fast break opportunities. This means Sweetney?s role is even more important. He needs to pass out of double teams well, and he also needs to get to the line, rebound, give us space and simply do his thing. I was reading in the Daily News today, Sweetney might have some minutes playing against Shaq. Sweetney has the size but his height might be an issue. He is obviously a tougher match for Mike than Udonis Haslem. Haslem is very athletic and hopefully some of his explosiveness doesn?t give Mike some trouble or more importantly, any fouls.
C: It is Mr. Consistency against Shaquille O?Neal a.k.a. Shaq a.k.a. Big Diesel, a.k.a. the most dominant center in the league. Kurt has perhaps one of the most toughest opponents on him. He is playing Shaquille O?Neal the most dominant center in all of basketball. He is also a future hall of famer so Kurt Thomas really needs to have a good game. While Kurt Thomas is a great post defender, he is not used to playing centers that carry around with 300 pounds of fury. He is big and that is a reason why he is effective, but Shaq has very good footwork. Kurt Thomas has an extremely important role today. Kurt Thomas has to have that midrange jumpshot working today. His range extends to about 18 feet and further when he?s heating up. Once Shaq leaves his comfort zone?the paint, it will open it up for Marbury to penetrate and dish to: Tim Thomas or Jamal Crawford for an open 3, and Sweetney for some space in the post. So I guess you can say in a way, Kurt Thomas? performance will effect the whole team. He needs to take advantage of the open looks he?ll get. He needs to hit his shots. His defense and rebounding will be needed as well. Also as a captain, I expect him to bring out the best of the Knicks. Kurt just needs to play his usual self and keep Shaq out the paint, and do the best he can. Last meeting, Nazr Mohammed had Shaq on smash!! He had 16 points and shot 5-16 from the field. If the Knicks can get someone to step up similarly to what Mohammed did last meeting and take out the diesel, we can definitely get a win tonight. It?s about effort, smarts, and even some luck.
<font size="3"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Bench Summary</font></font>
We need our bench the most than any other team. Every single person is valuable. Malik Rose has played Shaq on numerous occasions and other bigs in the west. He is very experienced. He even played him in the playoffs! The experience right there is priceless. The only thing is the Spurs had a deep defensive team as opposed to the Knicks shallow, lackadaisical and inconsistent defense. We need Malik to give Shaq a hard time and exude the experience wining two rings. Maurice Taylor needs to continue being the force in the post. He needs to give us space, draw doubles and simply open the floor. He also needs to rebound, draw fouls and play with effort. Ariza needs to provide us with defense?pick off the lazy pass, maybe block a shot or alter a couple and give us some offense here and there...make free throws score on the break etc. The Heat will leave him open for some easy midrange jumpshot opportunities. So Ariza needs to take advantage of that. Jerome needs to give us the same energy and hustle he always does. Last game against the Sonics, Jerome did just that. His energy will give us momentum, and easy opportunities. Penny needs to play smart make his jumpers and think about the extra pass as well. Jermaine gives us defense, and even Bruno needs to hit jumpers and move Shaq out of the paint. If Bruno hits 3?s, Shaq will have to front him. We need a concerted effort from everyone on the Knicks today every single player needs to play well tonight.
<font size="3"><font color="Red">Heat Bench Summary:</font></font>
The Heat have a very good bench and one of the reasons why the rivalry lasts between them. The only players from the original Knick/Heat rivalries are: Allan Houston, Kurt Thomas, Alonzo Mourning and Eddie Jones. The thing that makes it more interesting are the former Knicks on their roster. Doleac and Anderson who had a very big role for the Knicks, are now gone. I?m sure we can expect good games from them and especially from Anderson who was let go. Yes we gave him money to leave. Smart? I don?t think so, but we can?t talk about the past now, we have an important game ahead of us. The Heat bench has a great shot blocker in Alonzo Mourning, Laettner and Rasual just simply playing their roles and who can forget about Keyon Dooling? These guys are loaded. The Knicks need to try and make the bench more of a non-factor because handling Wade, Shaq, and perimeter threats in the Jones?, are enough trouble.
<div align="center"><font size="4"><font color="Green">Key Matchup:</font></font>
TEAM LEADERS
STARBURY
What a confrontation! Marbury and Wade is definitely a contender for matchup of the year. The two franchise players are in search of a win. The only difference is one of them needs the win more than the other one. Can you guess which one it is? Anyway, as if seeing two very talent players isn?t exciting enough, expect to see some highlight reels. Both posses some of the leagues best crossovers, some feline quickness, and both don the #3. Expect one of the leagues best offensive outings. If they are taken out of the game, both squads lose their two leading scorers. What makes it more interesting is that they are two ?tweeners? instead of real floor generals so expect more scoring and in a dramatic fashion. I have a strong feeling that whoever has the better game, their respective team will win.</div>
<font size="4">My Prediction:</font>
The Knicks are just coming off a disappointing loss to the Sonics on Sunday. The game was very winnable, they just didn?t take advantage of their opportunities. While the Knicks are an underrated home team, they are playing one of the NBA?s best teams. I mean this team is good. Again, this is a bias fan speaking so of course I am going to take my Knicks, but I also have another reason. Last game, the Knicks took the Heat down to the wire and sent the game into overtime. They could have won, but again close it out. I really think with everyone pumped up about the game and Herb Williams really stressing this game especially if it is a possible first round opponent, we will win it. Me being a Knicks an makes me pick them with a score of 96-94. But someone looking outside of the box a fan of neither team is making me choose the Heat 106-93. I think by halftime I might be able to make a sure prediction, but then again this is the Heat. The Nets were in the game at halftime on Saturday and we witnessed what happened. I predict a very interesting and fun game to watch I?ll tell you that much!
<font color="Red"><font size="4">Don?t Forget:</font></font>
<font size="3">THIS GAME IS AT 7:30 PM EASTERN TIME!!! AND IS ON 1050 AM ESPN RADIO</font>
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