NY@DAL Preview

[Mr. J]

NY: 101 Dal: 103 F

3-4 @

7-2

<font size="4">Date: 11/19/2004
Time: 8:30
TV: MSG (8:00 Cannon Business Solutions Knicks Gamenight)</font>

<font size="4">Previous Games:
New York Knicks: 93-92W @ Houston 11/18/04
Dallas Mavericks: 107-101L vs. Phoenix 11/16/04 </font>

<font color="Navy"><font size="4">Probable Starting Lineups:</font></font>

<font size="4"><font color="DarkOrange"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks:</font></font></font>
PG: Stephon Marbury
SG: Jamal Crawford
SF: Tim Thomas
PF: Kurt Thomas
C: Nazr Mohammed

<font size="4"><font color="Blue">Mavericks:</font></font>
PG: Devin Harris
SG: Marquis Daniels
SF: Josh Howard
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Calvin Booth

<font size="4"><font color="Red">Injuries:</font></font>
NY: Allan Houston
Dal: Michael Finley, Erick Dampier, Jason Terry

<font size="4"><font color="Green">Matchups:</font></font>
PG: Expect Stephon Marbury to take advantage of having a rookie on him. However, despite Harris being a rookie he is still a solid defender as he is almost averaging 1.89 steals per game.

SG: Although both Crawford and Daniels have very solid offensive games, Crawford has his hands more full. This all rookie second team selection is a strong and athletic versatile player that has an array of offensive moves and plays good defense. I hope Crawford doesn't get abused in the post.

SF: Well I think this matchup is self explainatory. TT needs to step up his overall game. Lenny said he "doesn't have time to wait around for Tim." Howard can get to the basket so TT needs to force him to take jumpshots which is his weakest skill.

PF: This will be the toughest matchup of all. Kurt Thomas will have to be running around the whole court because of Dirk Nowitzki's jumpshot. Kurt is still a great defender so he will be up for the task. Also expect some extended minutes from JYD.

C: Although Dampier isn't playing, the Knicks aren't quite home free. Booth is a good shot blocker so Mohammed will have to deal with this. Personally I think if Mohammed can play well against Yao he can against Booth.

<font size="4"><font color="Blue">Key Matchup:</font></font>
The Key Matchup has to be at the powerforward position where Dirk Nowitzki and Kurt Thomas square off. Despite Kurt Thomas being a great defender he will have his hands full against a primier PF. Dirk Nowtzki's jumpshot and ability to put the ball on the floor will give Kurt Thomas one of his biggest challenges that he will have to face all season. One the other hand Nowitzki's lack of deffensive aggresiveness can give Kurt Thomas his midrange jumpshots that he hits so well.

<font size="4">My Prediction:</font>
The Knicks buzzer-beater 3 from Crawford will spark some major confidence and momentum for this Knicks squad. I'm predicting a 110-102 win over Dallas. The absence of Terry and Dampier will also prove costly as the Knicks bench will overcome Dallas'. BTW, this is my first preview I hope it isn't too bad. I've been taking notes on what I've seen from everyone else.

 

[Beat]

Good job . It looks official . I think the Knicks will win 100 to 95

 

[Knicks Analyst]

It's a pretty good preview, nice job. My first was this past one against Houston.

But I think that we'll lose by quite a bit, I don't see how we match-up well.

Dallas: 109 New York: 95

 

[Henacy]

Good job, MJ18, I know this is your 1st preview. And I think it was a job well done.

About the game, The Mavs are a totally different breed of team compared to the Rockets last night. The Knicks defense will definately be tested to night. I think containing Jerry Stackhouse off the bench is a major key because he is their 2nd option after Dirk. I think that the Knicks can still be competive if they let Dirk get his average numbers but if they let Terry & Stackhouse put up # along side Dirk then they are in serious trouble.

The Knicks need a strong team rebounding game to keep Dirk & Dampier off the backboards. They are one of the better rebounding comibations in the league. Honestly the Mavs overall as a team are pretty darn good rebounding team, especially on the offensive boards. So the Knicks definately got to work on the defensive boards. And not allow the Mavs to get 2nd & 3rd opportunites to score on the same possession by working the offensive boads like they like too.

Its important on offense the Knicks guards attack the hoop every trip down the floor. Crawford and Steph settle for way to many jump shots considering their is no backcourt in the league that can guard them off the dribble. Steph & Crawford need to attack off the dribble & force Dirk & Dampier to have to rotate over with weak side help. Maybe the Knicks can get the Mavs big bodies in foul trouble like that.

Anyway, this is a hard matchup for the Knicks, I honestly dont think they have enuff defense to contain a team like Dallas very few teams do. So if they dont get 20 a pieace from Crawford & Marbury, I dont see how they can pull out this game. Also they need something from Tim Thomas tonight.

 

[jbbPrimetime]

Like I said prior I think the New York Knicks finish 1-2, I just cannot see how they are going to slow down Dirk and Co.
I mean the New York Knicks struggle on the defensive side of the ball, how can they stop a team which is good at scoring?
I can't see a win here, unless they can score as well the Mavericks?

New York Knicks 90
Dallas Mavericks 113

 

[Mr. J]

Thanks for the compliments guys, I'll start making more previews since I got such great feedback

.

The Knicks need to play strong defense if they ever want to even as much just slow Dallas' offense down because there is no way they can shut Dallas down. Although Dallas' offense might cause us problems the major reason why we have some hope is because Finley, Terry and Dampier are all out. Nowitzki, and Stackhouse are the players that we have to worry the most about. Daniels does have to be contained but, isn't that much of a threat compared to the two. I see NYK very capable of winning due to these valuable injuries. Also because the paint isn't as strong with Dampier Sweetney can have a much easier time doing damage downlow.

 

[Henacy]

I just noticed Dampier and Terry were out. Hmm..that definately puts the game in a different prespective. But It still will take a strong defensive effort of NY. And a consistent performance form Crawford & Steph thru out the night. And good shot selection from the Knicks will be key.

 

[jbbDavid]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Thanks for the compliments guys, I'll start making more previews since I got such great feedback

.
</div>
<u>PM me 2 days before each preview you write so we can stay on track, ok?</u>

Because me and Yming2k4 write them as well.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Thanks for the compliments guys, I'll start making more previews since I got such great feedback

.
</div>
<font size="4">PM me 3 days before every single preview you write so we can set a schedule.</font>

We have to balance it out between you and me and Yming2k4.

 

[Mr. J]

Well we lost... It was a good effort by the Knicks at the end. I was very pleased to see that run but, the W is the most important. Did you guys see some of the Pacers Pistons game? That was unbelievable. I couldn't even turn to the Knicks game for a coupple of moments. That's how shocked I was.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

The officiating in the late 3rd quarter made me sick.

That was what cost us the game. That and the coaching.

 

[Ming637]

Man, tough loss for us as Jamal Crawford missed that shot. Dallas: 103 Knicks: 101. Knicks play the Cavs on sunday. I'll do the preview tommorow.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">That was what cost us the game. That and the coaching.</div>

I only read the play by play online and I noticed Penny Hardaway was bad out there missing a bunch of shots and getting into foul trouble.

 

[Mr. J]

I do know Steph is trying to be more team oriented but, did anyone besides me think that he over did it a bit? I mean passing out of a shot having the hot hand to give TT the last shot was kind of crazy.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post"><font size="4">PM me 3 days before every single preview you write so we can set a schedule.</font>

We have to balance it out between you and me and Yming2k4.</div>

Mind squeezing me in there? I would like to try...

I cant be the only one here angry. This game was ours. I could taste it. Then a series of blunders on the part of the players and Lenny Wilkens put us away. Not the Mavericks. I cant believe I'm going to go to bed angry. I cant help but feel that if we had Houston we probably would have won this game...Oh well a loss is a loss. Nothing more that can be done about it. By I dont know if it came out already but one of my sources(yes I have sources)tells me that Houston is going to come off the injured list sometime next week. Probably only to practice but who knows?

 

[Knicks Analyst]

Tribute- Sure you can! PM me in advance. It'd be great if you and mrj18 could PM me yor AIM screennames so you, me, YMing, and mrj18 could set up a schedule.


as for Penny. It wasn't his night, I threw a lamp at the ground in anger because of his poor shooting, then I remembered last night.....that stopped.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

*Tommorow I'll make a preview-assignment thread and I'll sticky it.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Mind squeezing me in there? I would like to try...

I cant be the only one here angry. This game was ours. I could taste it. Then a series of blunders on the part of the players and Lenny Wilkens put us away. Not the Mavericks. I cant believe I'm going to go to bed angry. I cant help but feel that if we had Houston we probably would have won this game...Oh well a loss is a loss. Nothing more that can be done about it. By I dont know if it came out already but one of my sources(yes I have sources)tells me that Houston is going to come off the injured list sometime next week. Probably only to practice but who knows?</div>

If we had Houston it wouldn't be too fair because Finley, Terry, and Dampier were all injured from Dallas' roster.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I do know Steph is trying to be more team oriented but, did anyone besides me think that he over did it a bit? I mean passing out of a shot having the hot hand to give TT the last shot was kind of crazy.</div>

He's trying to find a medium. I think it's good he's trying to pass more. With all the scorers we have he'll have to think of passing a bit more. Give him some time. As for giving it to TT...as much as dislike him...he was wide open and to be honest I wasnt too mad about him taking the last shot. Before you all start thinking that TT is growing on me I liked that shot because TT has been shooting so badly that I thought the odds were he'd get lucky and make it. Alas I was wrong. Tomorrow I was thinking about making a thread simply to get some scapegoats for this loss.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">He's trying to find a medium. I think it's good he's trying to pass more. With all the scorers we have he'll have to think of passing a bit more. Give him sometime. As for giving it to TT...as much as dislike him...he was wide open and to be honest I wasnt too about him taking the last shot. Before you all start thinking that TT is growing on me I liked that shot bcz TT has been shooting so badly that I thought the odds were he'd get lucky and make it. Alas I was wrong. Tomorrow I was thinking about making a thread simply to get some scapegoats for this loss.</div>

I thought he should have taken the shot because in addition to being opened he had the hot hand and as we all know Marbury usually steps up in during plays like this. I hope we kill the Cavs on Sunday though. That's the only way that I'll get that loss out my system. Or maybe not. I still didn't get that 2OT loss at Philadelphia last year out of me.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I thought he should have taken the shot because in addition to being opened he had the hot hand and as we all know Marbury usually steps up in during plays like this. I hope we kill the Cavs on Sunday though. That's the only way that I'll get that loss out my system. Or maybe not. I still didn't get that 2OT loss at Philadelphia last year out of me.</div>

Well I would have preferred if Marbury shot it too. We have to butcher them. For me to feel good we have to dominate the next few games or beat a serious Western power. Until then I will have nightmares about this game. That double overtime loss was definetely a heartbreaker no doubt about that. We already beat Philly this year so I it doesnt haunt me anymore. If Finley and the rest of those guys played they would have taken shots away from Nowitzki and probably would have missed them too. They couldnt have burned us the way Stackhouse did either. Besides that zone ruined us when we were about to leave the Mavericks behind. If Houston had been playing Nelson wouldnt have even considered it.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Well I would have preferred if Marbury shot it too. We have to butcher them. For me to feel good we have to dominate the next few games or beat a serious Western power. Until then I will have nightmares about this game. That double overtime loss was definetely a heartbreaker no doubt about that. We already beat Philly this year so I it doesnt haunt me anymore. If Finley and the rest of those guys played they would have taken shots away from Nowitzki and probably would have missed them too. They couldnt have burned us the way Stackhouse did either. Besides that zone ruined us when we were about to leave the Mavericks behind. If Houston had been playing Nelson wouldnt have even considered it.</div>

True that. But, it really does show you how far we are from being an elite team. We need to get a solid big man that can lock up the paint. Only if Mohammed could...

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">True that. But, it really does show you how far we are from being an elite team. We need to get a solid big man that can lock up the paint. Only if Mohammed could...</div>

What's the point of a big man if we dont use him? Sweetney may have gotten a good deal of points but we didnt find him in the post. That's what we have to do when nothing else is working. Feed the post. There was noone on their team that could stop him except Bradley and even he's suspect against Sweetney. I am telling you if we fed him we would have won. Eliteness isnt too far off... we did a great job on Nowitzki so we can play good defense against premier powerforwards. Coaching is the problem.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">What's the point of a big man if we dont use him? Sweetney may have gotten a good deal of points but we didnt find him in the post. That's what we have to do when nothing else is working. Feed the post. There was noone on their team that could stop him except Bradley and even he's suspect against Sweetney. I am telling you if we fed him we would have won. Eliteness isnt too far off... we did a great job on Nowitzki so we can play good defense against premier powerforwards. Coaching is the problem.</div>Exactly. If Isiah had locked up Fratello and held himself back from the TT trade, we'd be a <u><font size="4">MUCH </font></u>better team right now.

 

[Ming637]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post">Exactly. If Isiah had locked up Fratello and held himself back from the TT trade, we'd be a <u><font size="4">MUCH </font></u>better team right now.</div>


But we also wouldn't have Nazr Muhommed, if it wasn't for that trade.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">What's the point of a big man if we dont use him? Sweetney may have gotten a good deal of points but we didnt find him in the post. That's what we have to do when nothing else is working. Feed the post. There was noone on their team that could stop him except Bradley and even he's suspect against Sweetney. I am telling you if we fed him we would have won. Eliteness isnt too far off... we did a great job on Nowitzki so we can play good defense against premier powerforwards. Coaching is the problem.</div>
Yeah, Lenny Wilkens will wind up getting fired soon. He still is a step up from Chaney though. JYD did an excellent job on Nowitzki. He is really valuable to us. Also as Knicks Analyst pointed out the officiating was horrible. The Knicks probably didn't wan't to get it to him because if he gets hacked there would have been no call.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ming637:</div><div class="quote_post">But we also wouldn't have Nazr Muhommed, if it wasn't for that trade.</div>
And....that's bad?

The best line-up is undoubtably this:

1-Marbury
2-Crawford
3-Ariza
4-Sweetney
5-K.Thomas


This is my favorite, and Lenny likes it as well. Kurt Thomas has proven that he is strong at the 5.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ming637:</div><div class="quote_post">But we also wouldn't have Nazr Muhommed, if it wasn't for that trade.</div>

We also wouldnt have an overpaid, underskilled center whose name is Nazr Mohammed. I wish him and TT would go back to where they came from. I want Van Horn and Doleac back. Kurt can start at center and Doleac come off the bench. Van Horn is KILLING right now. And were stuck with TT.
Chaney at least knew when to call time outs. I was wondered why he was so quick to call time outs but now I see that he could see these kinds of runs by the opposing team coming. Wilkens is a very small step up. You have to ask yourself is Wilkens a better coach or does he just have a better team than Chaney had? Now we'll never know. Sweetney should have gotten the ball. Even if he's hacked he's strong enough to finish. The officiating I thought at first was funny. I just thought it was because I wanted the Knicks to win. Was the refereeing bad?

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">We also wouldnt have an overpaid, underskilled center whose name is Nazr Mohammed. I wish him and TT would go back to where they came from. I want Van Horn and Doleac back. Kurt can start at center and Doleac come off the bench. Van Horn is KILLING right now. And were stuck with TT.
Chaney at least knew when to call time outs. I was wondered why he was so quick to call time outs but now I see that he could see these kinds of runs by the opposing team coming. Wilkens is a very small step up. You have to ask yourself is Wilkens a better coach or does he just have a better team than Chaney had? Now we'll never know. Sweetney should have gotten the ball. Even if he's hacked he's strong enough to finish. The officiating I thought at first was funny. I just thought it was because I wanted the Knicks to win. Was the refereeing bad?</div>

Couldn't have said it better myself. KVH's spectacular performance thus far simply tosses more firewood onto this open flame. You're 100% correct, Tribute. Great post.


*The refs on the road so far, have made me sick. :thumbsdow

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post">

Couldn't have said it better myself. KVH's spectacular performance thus far simply tosses more firewood onto this open flame. You're 100% correct, Tribute. Great post.


*The refs on the road so far, have made me sick. :thumbsdow</div>

Hey I'm just stating the obvious. No large amount of thinking or analyzing to see that. Van Horn is incredible and TT is on the verge of making me cry. Kurt is better at center than Nazr and Doleac is a great back up center. Oh yeah and were not overpaying for anybody. TT has to be embarassed right now. Him and Van Horn have been exchanged for each other twice and Van Horn always seems to do well wherever he goes and TT has to stink it up.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post"> TT has to be embarassed right now. Him and Van Horn have been exchanged for each other twice and Van Horn always seems to do well wherever he goes and TT has to stink it up.</div>
He's too stupid to really feel embarrased. Van Horn was simply the better player. If Isiah spent more time thinking about that, perhaps we would've made the second round of the playoffs.

Stupid move, Isiah. Stupid move.