Mr. J
Triple Up
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<div align="center">
@
<font color="DarkOrange">New York Knicks</font> (0-0) @ <font color="Green">Boston Celtics</font> (0-0)</div>
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Time: 7:30 PM, Eastern Time
TV: MSG, FSNE, NBA League Pass
Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio, WRKO 680 AM
2004-05 Stats:
New York Knicks
Record: 33-49 (.401)
Standings: Fourth, Atlantic
At Home: 22-19
On Road: 11-30
PPG: 97.3<font size="1"><font color="White">.....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 99.7
FG%: 45.1<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 46.5
RPG: 41.0<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 41.7
Boston Celtics
Record: 45-37 (.549)
Standings: First, Atlantic
At Home: 27-14
On Road: 18-23
PPG: 101.3<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 100.4
FG%: 46.8<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 44.4
RPG: 40.8<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 42.3
<font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Starting Lineup</font></font>
</div>
<font size="1">All statistics are from 2004-05 season; rookie stats are from preseason.</font>
<font size="1">Bold indicates leader in particular stat.</font>
<font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Starters:</font></font>
C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">..</font></font> Eddy Curry: 16.1 PPG l 5.4 RPG l 0.6 APG l
PF: Antonio Davis: 7.0 PPG l 5.9 RPG l 0.6 APG
SF: Quentin Richardson <font size="1">(questionable)</font>: 14.9 PPG l 6.1 RPG 2.0 APG
SG: Stephon Marbury: PPG: 21.7 RPG: 3.0 APG: 8.1
PG: Jamal Crawford: PPG: 17.5 l RPG: 2.9 l APG: 4.3
<font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench:</font></font>
Guards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/nate_robinson.jpg[/IMGl] G Nate Robinson
5?9?
180 lbs.
10.7 PPG
4.3 RPG
3.1 APG
Forwards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/trevor_ariza.jpg[/IMGl] F Trevor Ariza
6?8?
210 lbs.
5.9 PPG
3.0 RPG
1.1 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/matt_barnes.jpg[/IMGl] F Matt Barnes
6?7?
226 lbs.
3.8 PPG
3.1 RPG
1.3 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/malik_rose.jpg[/IMGl] F Malik Rose
6?7?
255 lbs.
8.3 PPG
4.4 RPG
0.7 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/david_lee.jpg[/IMGl] F David Lee
6?9?
249 lbs.
6.7 PPG
4.5 RPG
1.2 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/channing_frye.jpg[/IMGl] F/C Channing Frye
6?11?
248 lbs.
10.4 PPG
4.3 RPG
0.9 APG
Centers:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jerome_james.jpg[/IMGl] Jerome James
7?1?
275 lbs.
4.9 PPG
3.0 RPG
0.2 APG
<font size="1">Click here for complete Knick stats</font>
<font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="Green">Celtics Starting Lineup</font></font>
</div>
<font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Starters:</font></font>
PG: Orien Greene: PPG: 2.8 l RPG: 1.8 l APG: 3.0
SG: Paul Pierce: PPG: 21.6 l RPG: 6.6 l APG: 4.2
SF: Ricky Davis: 16.0 PPG l RPG: 3.0 1 3.0 APG
PF: Raef LaFrentz 11.1 PPG l 6.9 RPG l 1.2 APG
C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">?</font></font> Mark Blount: 9.4 PPG l 4.8 RPG l 0.6 APG
<font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Bench:</font></font>
Guards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/delonte_west.jpg[/IMGl] G Delonte West
6?4?
180 lbs.
4.5 PPG
1.7 RPG
1.4 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/dan_dickau.jpg[/IMGl] G Dan Dickau
6?0?
190 lbs.
12.5 PPG
2.5 RPG
4.9 APG
Forwards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/ryan_gomes.jpg[/IMGl] F Ryan Gomes
6?7?
250 lbs.
7.9 PPG
4.9 RPG
0.8 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/al_jefferson.jpg[/IMGl] F Al Jefferson
6?10?
265 lbs.
6.7 PPG
4.4 RPG
0.3 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/justin_reed.jpg[/IMGl] F Justin Reed
6?8?
240 lbs.
1.8 PPG
0.7 RPG
0.4 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brian_scalabrine.jpg[/IMGl] F Brian Scalabrine
6?9?
235 lbs.
6.3 PPG
4.5 RPG
1.6 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kendrick_perkins.jpg[/IMGl] C Kendrick Perkins
6?10?
280 lbs.
2.5 PPG
2.9 RPG
0.4 APG
<font size="1">Click here for complete Celtic stats</font>
<div align="center"><font size="3"><font color="red">Inactive List:</font></font></div>
<font color="DARKORANGE">NYK:</font>
G/F Penny Hardaway
F Maurice Taylor
C Jackie Butler
<font color="GREEN">BOS:</font>
G Marcus Banks: Stress fracture of the left tibia, (ruled out)
G Tony Allen
G/F Gerald Green
<div align="center"><font color="darkgreen"><font size="3">Match-ups:</font></font>
Point Guard
vs.
Jamal Crawford vs. Orien Greene</div>
The point guard position is set for the Celtics and the Knicks; Jamal Crawford and Orien Greene will be starting. At first glance, this match-up might appear to be a piece of cake for Crawford, but take a closer look. With the exception of the top few picks in the draft, rookies tend not to start right off the bat, especially rookies on playoff teams who get picked as the 53rd overall selection. Doc Rivers wouldn?t start this kid over Delonte West and Dan Dickau for nothing. Greene obviously has talent which shouldn?t be overlooked by Crawford who has been entrusted to take care of the point guard duties by Larry Brown. In order to stay as a starter (and on the Knicks roster), Crawford needs to continue his ways from the preseason where he displayed improved awareness on the defensive end, much better shot selection, and a willingness to look for his teammates first. In this match-up, Crawford should look to thrive off of any of Greene?s rookie mistakes and use his experience to win this match-up.
<div align="center">Shooting Guard
vs.
Stephon Marbury vs. Paul Pierce</div>
Depending on Brown?s judgment, there might be some defensive switches by Crawford and Marbury, but on offense Pierce and Marbury will be going head-to-head. With Marbury now having the green light to score, expect him to take full advantage of it. His double-teaming presence should open up things for Curry to take advantage in the paint. Despite Pierce?s prowess as a defender, he won?t be able to stop Marbury, however, it goes the other way as well. No matter if it?s Crawford or Marbury guarding him, Pierce will always have his height and strength disadvantage to use on Marbury and Crawford. We?ll see what happens. I guarantee no fan will be disappointed, though!
<div align="center">Small Forward
vs.
Quentin Richardson vs. Ricky Davis</div>
This is looking to be a match-up in favor of the Celtics. Both are similar in talent, however, with Richardson weighed down with a strained hamstring, to go along with his already slow feet, how can he expect to chase around an energetic Ricky Davis who is eager to kick off the season at home? Davis should and will exploit Richardson?s injury which will more than likely result in a substitution of Trevor Ariza or Matt Barnes, two athletic wingmen who think defense first.
<div align="center">Power Forward
vs.
Antonio Davis vs. Raef LaFrentz</div>
Davis is a good defender, but this could turnout to be a nightmare match-up for him. At age 37, Davis isn?t at any age to chase around 6?11? power forwards on the perimeter. A better match-up for LaFrentz would be Malik Rose or David Lee. Anyone who guards him will have to remember his deathly touch from the perimeter. LaFrentz over his career shoots 36.3% from behind the arc, so clearly he must be guarded at all times.
<div align="center">Center
vs.
Eddy Curry vs. Mark Blount</div>
It should be an interesting match-up at center with Eddy Curry and Mark Blount facing each other. These two centers played very well in preseason, but now the true test is coming up ? the regular season. In Curry?s seven preseason games, he was simply unstoppable and his 67.5% from the field is evidence enough. His defense has been subpar, but as the preseason continued, it dramatically improved, as did his rebounding. Going against Mark Blount, one of the less gifted defensively players, Curry should try to dominate, however, without fouling. If Curry can play good defense, stay foul-free, and rebound the ball on a consistent basis, he has the potential to be a top center in the league for many years to come. Let?s hope he starts now on opening night.
<font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench Summary:</font>
The Knicks? depth on their roster goes all the way down to their 15th man. Energy players such as Ariza, Robinson, Barnes, and Lee can give the Knicks a lift off the bench. They can also send out veterans like Taylor, Rose, or overpaid and sometimes useful players in Hardaway and James. It?s the perfect mix of youth and age and with Brown at the helm, the bench can be used to its fullest potential.
<font color="green">Celtics Bench Summary:</font>
Tony Allen, Dan Dickau, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, and Delonte West are a few names off the Celtics bench. These players, just like the ones on the Knicks, create youthful off the bench when the starters are getting a breather. The Celtics don?t have many veterans coming off the bench, so they will depend heavily on their youngsters.
<font color="darkorange">Keys to the Game for New York:</font>
Cut Down on Turnovers: In preseason, the Knicks were second in turnovers per game. If they have any hopes of stealing this game from Boston, they need to cut back on their turnovers and take better care of the ball. Usually, turnovers lead to easy fast break opportunities and considering the Knicks transition defense still isn?t where it needs to be, they?re need going to have to cut back on turnovers.
Keep Up The D: The Knicks held their opponents to just a 91 points (23rd in the NBA), 43% from the field, (21st in the NBA), and killed their opponents on the boards an 8.42 board difference between them and their opponents (the most in the NBA by far). The Knicks need to keep up their defensive ways, especially against Boston, the preseasons 11th best team in FG%.
Stay Out Of Foul Trouble: If preseason was any indication, the Knicks are going to need to stop the hacking. Curry, who dominated offensively and held his own defensively, could have stayed in games longer, but his knack for creating offensive fouls and sometimes picking up silly fouls cut him back. The same thing goes for Frye and James. Our best shot blockers will have to be prepared today because the Knicks perimeter defense isn?t regular season tested yet.
Prediction: It?s the first regular season game for the Knicks in about 7 months. With Brown around, expect the Knicks to kick off there season opener strong. Whether they win or lose, the Knicks will play with effort?at least I hope they do. I?ll say the Knicks win this game 95-90 on opening night against the C?s. It?s a really close call, though. These teams seem evenly matched.
<font color="DarkOrange">New York Knicks</font> (0-0) @ <font color="Green">Boston Celtics</font> (0-0)</div>
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Time: 7:30 PM, Eastern Time
TV: MSG, FSNE, NBA League Pass
Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio, WRKO 680 AM
2004-05 Stats:
New York Knicks
Record: 33-49 (.401)
Standings: Fourth, Atlantic
At Home: 22-19
On Road: 11-30
PPG: 97.3<font size="1"><font color="White">.....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 99.7
FG%: 45.1<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 46.5
RPG: 41.0<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 41.7
Boston Celtics
Record: 45-37 (.549)
Standings: First, Atlantic
At Home: 27-14
On Road: 18-23
PPG: 101.3<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 100.4
FG%: 46.8<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 44.4
RPG: 40.8<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 42.3
<font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Starting Lineup</font></font>
<font size="1">All statistics are from 2004-05 season; rookie stats are from preseason.</font>
<font size="1">Bold indicates leader in particular stat.</font>
<font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Starters:</font></font>
C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">..</font></font> Eddy Curry: 16.1 PPG l 5.4 RPG l 0.6 APG l
PF: Antonio Davis: 7.0 PPG l 5.9 RPG l 0.6 APG
SF: Quentin Richardson <font size="1">(questionable)</font>: 14.9 PPG l 6.1 RPG 2.0 APG
SG: Stephon Marbury: PPG: 21.7 RPG: 3.0 APG: 8.1
PG: Jamal Crawford: PPG: 17.5 l RPG: 2.9 l APG: 4.3
<font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench:</font></font>
Guards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/nate_robinson.jpg[/IMGl] G Nate Robinson
5?9?
180 lbs.
10.7 PPG
4.3 RPG
3.1 APG
Forwards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/trevor_ariza.jpg[/IMGl] F Trevor Ariza
6?8?
210 lbs.
5.9 PPG
3.0 RPG
1.1 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/matt_barnes.jpg[/IMGl] F Matt Barnes
6?7?
226 lbs.
3.8 PPG
3.1 RPG
1.3 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/malik_rose.jpg[/IMGl] F Malik Rose
6?7?
255 lbs.
8.3 PPG
4.4 RPG
0.7 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/david_lee.jpg[/IMGl] F David Lee
6?9?
249 lbs.
6.7 PPG
4.5 RPG
1.2 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/channing_frye.jpg[/IMGl] F/C Channing Frye
6?11?
248 lbs.
10.4 PPG
4.3 RPG
0.9 APG
Centers:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jerome_james.jpg[/IMGl] Jerome James
7?1?
275 lbs.
4.9 PPG
3.0 RPG
0.2 APG
<font size="1">Click here for complete Knick stats</font>
<font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="Green">Celtics Starting Lineup</font></font>
<font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Starters:</font></font>
PG: Orien Greene: PPG: 2.8 l RPG: 1.8 l APG: 3.0
SG: Paul Pierce: PPG: 21.6 l RPG: 6.6 l APG: 4.2
SF: Ricky Davis: 16.0 PPG l RPG: 3.0 1 3.0 APG
PF: Raef LaFrentz 11.1 PPG l 6.9 RPG l 1.2 APG
C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">?</font></font> Mark Blount: 9.4 PPG l 4.8 RPG l 0.6 APG
<font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Bench:</font></font>
Guards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/delonte_west.jpg[/IMGl] G Delonte West
6?4?
180 lbs.
4.5 PPG
1.7 RPG
1.4 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/dan_dickau.jpg[/IMGl] G Dan Dickau
6?0?
190 lbs.
12.5 PPG
2.5 RPG
4.9 APG
Forwards:
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/ryan_gomes.jpg[/IMGl] F Ryan Gomes
6?7?
250 lbs.
7.9 PPG
4.9 RPG
0.8 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/al_jefferson.jpg[/IMGl] F Al Jefferson
6?10?
265 lbs.
6.7 PPG
4.4 RPG
0.3 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/justin_reed.jpg[/IMGl] F Justin Reed
6?8?
240 lbs.
1.8 PPG
0.7 RPG
0.4 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brian_scalabrine.jpg[/IMGl] F Brian Scalabrine
6?9?
235 lbs.
6.3 PPG
4.5 RPG
1.6 APG
[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kendrick_perkins.jpg[/IMGl] C Kendrick Perkins
6?10?
280 lbs.
2.5 PPG
2.9 RPG
0.4 APG
<font size="1">Click here for complete Celtic stats</font>
<div align="center"><font size="3"><font color="red">Inactive List:</font></font></div>
<font color="DARKORANGE">NYK:</font>
G/F Penny Hardaway
F Maurice Taylor
C Jackie Butler
<font color="GREEN">BOS:</font>
G Marcus Banks: Stress fracture of the left tibia, (ruled out)
G Tony Allen
G/F Gerald Green
<div align="center"><font color="darkgreen"><font size="3">Match-ups:</font></font>
Point Guard
Jamal Crawford vs. Orien Greene</div>
The point guard position is set for the Celtics and the Knicks; Jamal Crawford and Orien Greene will be starting. At first glance, this match-up might appear to be a piece of cake for Crawford, but take a closer look. With the exception of the top few picks in the draft, rookies tend not to start right off the bat, especially rookies on playoff teams who get picked as the 53rd overall selection. Doc Rivers wouldn?t start this kid over Delonte West and Dan Dickau for nothing. Greene obviously has talent which shouldn?t be overlooked by Crawford who has been entrusted to take care of the point guard duties by Larry Brown. In order to stay as a starter (and on the Knicks roster), Crawford needs to continue his ways from the preseason where he displayed improved awareness on the defensive end, much better shot selection, and a willingness to look for his teammates first. In this match-up, Crawford should look to thrive off of any of Greene?s rookie mistakes and use his experience to win this match-up.
<div align="center">Shooting Guard
Stephon Marbury vs. Paul Pierce</div>
Depending on Brown?s judgment, there might be some defensive switches by Crawford and Marbury, but on offense Pierce and Marbury will be going head-to-head. With Marbury now having the green light to score, expect him to take full advantage of it. His double-teaming presence should open up things for Curry to take advantage in the paint. Despite Pierce?s prowess as a defender, he won?t be able to stop Marbury, however, it goes the other way as well. No matter if it?s Crawford or Marbury guarding him, Pierce will always have his height and strength disadvantage to use on Marbury and Crawford. We?ll see what happens. I guarantee no fan will be disappointed, though!
<div align="center">Small Forward
Quentin Richardson vs. Ricky Davis</div>
This is looking to be a match-up in favor of the Celtics. Both are similar in talent, however, with Richardson weighed down with a strained hamstring, to go along with his already slow feet, how can he expect to chase around an energetic Ricky Davis who is eager to kick off the season at home? Davis should and will exploit Richardson?s injury which will more than likely result in a substitution of Trevor Ariza or Matt Barnes, two athletic wingmen who think defense first.
<div align="center">Power Forward
Antonio Davis vs. Raef LaFrentz</div>
Davis is a good defender, but this could turnout to be a nightmare match-up for him. At age 37, Davis isn?t at any age to chase around 6?11? power forwards on the perimeter. A better match-up for LaFrentz would be Malik Rose or David Lee. Anyone who guards him will have to remember his deathly touch from the perimeter. LaFrentz over his career shoots 36.3% from behind the arc, so clearly he must be guarded at all times.
<div align="center">Center
Eddy Curry vs. Mark Blount</div>
It should be an interesting match-up at center with Eddy Curry and Mark Blount facing each other. These two centers played very well in preseason, but now the true test is coming up ? the regular season. In Curry?s seven preseason games, he was simply unstoppable and his 67.5% from the field is evidence enough. His defense has been subpar, but as the preseason continued, it dramatically improved, as did his rebounding. Going against Mark Blount, one of the less gifted defensively players, Curry should try to dominate, however, without fouling. If Curry can play good defense, stay foul-free, and rebound the ball on a consistent basis, he has the potential to be a top center in the league for many years to come. Let?s hope he starts now on opening night.
<font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench Summary:</font>
The Knicks? depth on their roster goes all the way down to their 15th man. Energy players such as Ariza, Robinson, Barnes, and Lee can give the Knicks a lift off the bench. They can also send out veterans like Taylor, Rose, or overpaid and sometimes useful players in Hardaway and James. It?s the perfect mix of youth and age and with Brown at the helm, the bench can be used to its fullest potential.
<font color="green">Celtics Bench Summary:</font>
Tony Allen, Dan Dickau, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, and Delonte West are a few names off the Celtics bench. These players, just like the ones on the Knicks, create youthful off the bench when the starters are getting a breather. The Celtics don?t have many veterans coming off the bench, so they will depend heavily on their youngsters.
Cut Down on Turnovers: In preseason, the Knicks were second in turnovers per game. If they have any hopes of stealing this game from Boston, they need to cut back on their turnovers and take better care of the ball. Usually, turnovers lead to easy fast break opportunities and considering the Knicks transition defense still isn?t where it needs to be, they?re need going to have to cut back on turnovers.
Keep Up The D: The Knicks held their opponents to just a 91 points (23rd in the NBA), 43% from the field, (21st in the NBA), and killed their opponents on the boards an 8.42 board difference between them and their opponents (the most in the NBA by far). The Knicks need to keep up their defensive ways, especially against Boston, the preseasons 11th best team in FG%.
Stay Out Of Foul Trouble: If preseason was any indication, the Knicks are going to need to stop the hacking. Curry, who dominated offensively and held his own defensively, could have stayed in games longer, but his knack for creating offensive fouls and sometimes picking up silly fouls cut him back. The same thing goes for Frye and James. Our best shot blockers will have to be prepared today because the Knicks perimeter defense isn?t regular season tested yet.
Prediction: It?s the first regular season game for the Knicks in about 7 months. With Brown around, expect the Knicks to kick off there season opener strong. Whether they win or lose, the Knicks will play with effort?at least I hope they do. I?ll say the Knicks win this game 95-90 on opening night against the C?s. It?s a really close call, though. These teams seem evenly matched.
