Nyk@mia

[Mr. J]

Since no one did a game thread I made a quick one for us. So far, it is Miami 50 and New York 39. We made a run at the end thanks to Allan Houston. I must say I am pleased at the defensive intensity that New York had so far tonight. Marbury, and Houston especially picked it up. Houston was playing very well against Wade, and so was Marbury. They really decided to change their attitude. The only thing that is really worring me is Shaq. Now with Sweetney gone, we do not have another big body to cover Shaq. Sweetney can match Shaq's size and quickness. A height disadvantage would be the only factor. If we can contain Shaq and make things difficult for him, I am sure we can come out with a victory. The KNicks just need to remember defense and smart basketball. Also I would like to see Houston more involved with the offense. He is hitting shots I just think he can use more opportunities. His shooting brought us back in the game. If he can bring that same game or better yesterday we will be less pressured. Let's see what the second half has in store for us. We are playing an elite team and a win against them will definitely say something about us. This is also a possible playoff series matchup so, the Knicks will have to learn from their experiences tonight here against the Heat.

 

[KnicksUK]

I'd like to think we could come back and win this but away from home and down at halftime with Shaq on form.......it doesn't look great. Doesn't help giving away needless turnovers for travelling that could easily be avoided.

Go Knicks

 

[Mr. J]

The Knicks could have won this one. They killed themselves at the line, and also I think Lenny Wilkens went with that 4th quarter lineup a bit too long...figures. The Knicks competed really hard and I am pleased to see it was not a blowout by I was very dissapointed. We made a strong run but, again to no avail. One of the things that I was really disgusted over was the fouls. Was just me or was that another horrible officiating crew. I really think this season, the officials have gotten pretty bad. I don't remember when they were ever this bad. Geez! The Knicks need to take advantage more of all of their opportunities more because down the stretch they end up crucial to their chances. Even being short handed we were very much able to snag a victory. Hardaway, Sweetney, and Crawford sure would have helped though. I think we would have won had everyone been okay. "I guess that's just how the cookie crumbles." right Tribute?

 

[Tribute to H2O]

Well that was one of the most depressing losses of the season. I'm not even mad. That was an excruciatingly painful game to watch. There was nothing we could do. Shaq was as unstoppable and irresistable as a glacier. I'm pleased with the amount of fight we put up. I didnt like us going to TT so much. We got too distracted with that and made some costly turnovers as a result. Houston didnt get as much play time in the fourth as he should have had. He was doing a great job on the defensive end and hitting his shots. If we had hit our freethrows the game might bave been different. I expected to see Bruno Sundov in the game because his long range would have definetely been helpful against Shaq. The paint would have been opened to Marbury. The refereeing was dubious as well. It seems we cant breathe on the Heat players without them calling a foul. This is the only team that truly scares me in the East. We have no real answer for them. If we can make it to the Conference Finals...the Heat will be there waiting to eliminate us. We have to find some kryptonite for Superman. If we'd been healthy the game may have been different. Crawford could have provided us with a nice explosion off the bench(you all do know Crawford is coming off the bench now?). Sweetney helped us on those rebounds which seemed to be the difference maker. But it wasnt meant to be. Your right mrj18 that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. But next time we'll be ready for them and healthy too.

By the way, did it hurt anyone else to see Shandon Anderson, the man we paid 20 million dollars not to play for us(I say it everytime but I still dont get it), score on us? I know it pained me.

 

[Mr. J]

Get TT out of NY. Again a usual 3-9 effort. Allan Houston was playing well but, Lenny took him out again for no reason. Even though he was working for us. Can you really tell this guy is such a veteran and everything? Atleast I can't.

I wish we had kryptonite for Shaq. His real Kryptonite is team work. SA, and Detroit showed us why. The Knicks have not reached that level on a night in and night out basis. But, as you said it was like we were helpless. We just couldn't do anything. I also expected Sundov to get some burn as well. I am not too depressed because we did not have Crawford or Penny or Sweetney so this game would have been even more winnable. Ariza played well for us as well. When he just plays that solid defense and scores a bit, we will be good. This guy reminds me of a bit lesser version of LeBron James. They have the complete package except Ariza does not have the muscles and stuff. Watchout for this guy in 4 years. We will be pretty unstoppable with a great all around player. Once Sweetney gets more time, as well and Crawford is just keep getting better, we will be a force to be reckoned with. Untill that I guess we have to be patient.

 

[Diesel]

Now that's what I call dominant
Our Shaq diseal completely dismantled your team

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ace2k2:</div><div class="quote_post">Now that's what I call dominant
Our Shaq diseal completely dismantled your team

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Yeah he did. No Knick fan can front about it. It doesn't feel too bad because Shaq usually does that. It's not like he's a scrub or something. If Wang Zhi Zhi did that to us then I would feel pretty bad!

Good game

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Get TT out of NY. Again a usual 3-9 effort. Allan Houston was playing well but, Lenny took him out again for no reason. Even though he was working for us. Can you really tell this guy is such a veteran and everything? Atleast I can't.

I wish we had kryptonite for Shaq. His real Kryptonite is team work. SA, and Detroit showed us why. The Knicks have not reached that level on a night in and night out basis. But, as you said it was like we were helpless. We just couldn't do anything. I also expected Sundov to get some burn as well. I am not too depressed because we did not have Crawford or Penny or Sweetney so this game would have been even more winnable. Ariza played well for us as well. When he just plays that solid defense and scores a bit, we will be good. This guy reminds me of a bit lesser version of LeBron James. They have the complete package except Ariza does not have the muscles and stuff. Watchout for this guy in 4 years. We will be pretty unstoppable with a great all around player. Once Sweetney gets more time, as well and Crawford is just keep getting better, we will be a force to be reckoned with. Untill that I guess we have to be patient.</div>

TT played that badly??? I didnt even notice. I dont like Lenny's rotation. It makes no sense. He takes out Houston and puts in Ariza while TT still does nothing. From what people have been saying I gathered that Lenny will soon be fired and replaced by a decent coach. Shaq has no kryptonite. Niether green or red(green kills him, red makes him normal). There was nothing we could do defensively to stop him. If we doubled their shooters would have killed us. We're lucky Jones was off tonight it could have been alot worse.

My personal take on it...the only way to beat the Heat is to outscore them. Forget defense. For the Knicks I'd say to use Bruno for the pick and roll so he can step back and shoot the open three, get out into transition, work to find the open man, get the ball to Houston, exploit any and all mismatches. Single coverage on Shaq. Take advantage of every moment Shaq is out of the game. Maybe bring in the best defenders we have to offer when he on the bench to really lock down on the players on the floor. No double teams on Shaq or open threes for the perimeter players. If we make Shaq run and play defense and score all the points while taking everyone else out of the rhythm of the game Shaq should eventually get less and less effective. If the offense is doing well enough one final run should give the Knicks the win. That's what I think has to be done. But it's all just ideas and I'm not exactly an expert or a coach but then again niether is Lenny.

Ariza actually reminds me of Shandon Anderson when he first started playing. Same kind of game. Remember Shandon used to be pretty good. I like the future as well. Ariza, Sweetney, Crawford....a very bright future indeed. Bruno is a young guy as well. Twenty four years old I think. If he could get more physical he could be a good back up. The future is looking good. But I want to win now. So lets bounce back and win the next few games.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">TT played that badly??? I didnt even notice. I dont like Lenny's rotation. It makes no sense. He takes out Houston and puts in Ariza while TT still does nothing. From what people have been saying I gathered that Lenny will soon be fired and replaced by a decent coach. Shaq has no kryptonite. Niether green or red(green kills him, red makes him normal). There was nothing we could do defensively to stop him. If we doubled their shooters would have killed us. We're lucky Jones was off tonight it could have been alot worse. </div>
Well, it gets to the point that we are used to seeing Thomas play badly. I remember he had a nice block but, that's about it. He silently had a bad night. I would not have minded Ariza to continue playing because he was playing outstanding defense. Maybe not indivually stopping him but, a good team effort can beat him.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">My personal take on it...the only way to beat the Heat is to outscore them. Forget defense. For the Knicks I'd say to use Bruno for the pick and roll so he can step back and shoot the open three, get out into transition, work to find the open man, get the ball to Houston, exploit any and all mismatches. Single coverage on Shaq. Take advantage of every moment Shaq is out of the game. Maybe bring in the best defenders we have to offer. No double teams on Shaq or open threes for the perimeter players. If we make Shaq run and play defense and score all the points while taking everyone else out of the rhythm of the game Shaq should eventually get less and less effective. If the offense is doing well enough one final run should give the Knicks the win. That's what I think has to be done. But it's all just ideas and I'm not exactly an expert or a coach but niether is Lenny.</div>
That is a big question. We will have to revisit it if we play them in the playoffs. I wouldn't want Shaq to score at will in the paint dropping big numbers on us. We should make it hard on him. But, if we double, we have both of the Jones, open. Real tough one. I think I'll sleep on that one tonight

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<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">
Ariza actually reminds me of Shandon Anderson when he first started playing. Same kind of game. Remember Shandon used to be pretty good. I like the future as well. Ariza, Sweetney, Crawford....a very bright future indeed. Bruno is a young guy as well. Twenty four years old I think. If he could get more physical he could be a good back up. The future is looking good. But I want to win now. So lets bounce back and win the next few games.

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I don't remember how Anderson played back in Utah. (I was a young cat back then) however, I have seen a couple of clips of him and Eisley in the finals though. I do think Ariza has much more of an upside than Anderson. Atleast I hope he does. In the near future, I see Ariza with averages of 20ppg 8rpg, 5apg, 2spg, and 1bpg. I hope my expectations are not too high. I just see too much potential in him.

 

[VinKanaddy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah he did. No Knick fan can front about it. It doesn't feel too bad because Shaq usually does that. It's not like he's a scrub or something. If Wang Zhi Zhi did that to us then I would feel pretty bad!

Good game

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Wang Zhi Zhi means big h00ters

Sucks for him to have a name like that... Anyway I'm surprised you guys didn't mention anything about Dwayne Wade. As much as Shaq dominates, Wade attack can be just as threatening as Shaq attack.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting VinKanaddy:</div><div class="quote_post">Wang Zhi Zhi means big h00ters

Sucks for him to have a name like that... Anyway I'm surprised you guys didn't mention anything about Dwayne Wade. As much as Shaq dominates, Wade attack can be just as threatening as Shaq attack.</div>

I dont know about your last statement. Shaq just put on his cape and went to work. Flash only did well because everyone was focusing on Superman. Dont get me wrong Wade is a good player and he did put up some good numbers but compared to the impact Shaq had, he was just a nuisance. No offense to him but we could have handled Wade and won the game. But we couldnt have hoped to stop Shaq Diesel