Lakers@Knicks
DVJ has been waiting for this… Put Jeffries on Kobe. Isiah will probably put Q on Kobe, then Fred–bet you everything but the kitchen sink. Kobe will be Kobe, of course, but Fred is too short to guard anyone over 6′5″, and he’s been guarding Kevin Durant and all kinds of tall players this year.
Word is Bynum has improved.
Tipoff is at noon…
We’re not alone!
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team in disarray.
A 105-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night was their 10th in 13 games, and was met with a chorus of boos from fans of the defending Eastern Conference champions.
The latest loss, in which the Cavaliers never led and trailed by 28 points in the third quarter, was so bad LeBron James left the arena without talking to reporters.
It was also another frustrating night for Cleveland coach Mike Brown, who has been pleading with his team to play with more intensity.
”In the first and third quarters we came out with no energy at all,” he said.
The Cavaliers outscored the Warriors 29-14 in the fourth to make the outcome respectable. Even so, they looked nothing like the team that won 50 games last season, caught a hot streak during the playoffs and rolled to the NBA Finals.
”Last year I thought we played with more energy and more passion,” Brown said. ”Right now, at times we’ve come out flat and dug ourselves a hole.”
”At the end of the day,” forward Drew Gooden said, ”the score didn’t show we competed.”
James, the NBA’s leading scorer, led the Cavaliers with 25 points.”
Sound familiar?There’s still time to fix this if the work is put in!LGK
Did anybody see that Skiles got fired?
DVJ. Wow.
Marry X Mas Bulls fans.
Isiah next?
I never doubted we will fix this! This year!
Livesinjersey,
the Ghost of Christmas present just visted me! I normally don’t like to see guys hurt,
but the future holds ACL tears, Ankle fractures and many injuries to he Celtic big three.
Starting 12:01 Jan 1, 2008. The Ghost who just left BTW was an ARTEST LOOK ALIKE!
I also saw Scott Skiles as Zeke’s asistant Coach after the Bulls Hire Herb Willams! lol
I never understood why teams fire coaches.
Do they really think they can get somebody better?
I guess they are just tanking the season now huh?
Well there goes one prediction I got right. I do believe I said last year that his act would run thin real fast. He is a horrible coach. You can’t treat men like boys. It was sealed when Wallace showed him that he had little respect when he intentionally wore his headband against the club’s stupid rules. Speaking of stupid theories and rules. Ainge got so freakin’ lucky. So freakin’ lucky. Lucky he sucked at baseball. Lucky he played with DJ, LB, KM and the Chief. Lucky that McHale is a Celtic for life. Lucky, Lucky, Lucky. He should be kissing that parquet every night, because he should be out too.
Peaceman, I’m not wishing ill on anyone, but you crack me up.
The number that does not lie is Jamal has been in the league longer then any player that has not appeared in a playoff game. In my belief
this is not a coincidence. The 40% fg, and 31% on 3pters, do not lie. The wild shots, and matador defense cannot be quantified
but an untrained eye can see the consequences. Jamal is a 3rd guard at best, but will continue tostart due to relationship w/ Zeke.
Now States, how in the world are you going to type that Marbury’s numbers are a reflection of who he played with from one side of your keyboard and then STATE that Jamal’s record indicates only his individual performance. What’s happening to you man. I’m telling you that all this losing is turning our minds to mush. And you expect better of me? C’mon.
P.S. Do you think that record would have stood if Jamal, Lee and QRich had not gotten hurt next year. I’m starting to believe that somebody is bullshitting me and posing as Statesman. Hey, Statesman are we facing trademark infringement or idnetity theft here?
The number that does not lie is Jamal has been in the league longer then any player that has not appeared in a playoff game. In my belief
this is not a coincidence. The 40% fg, and 31% on 3pters, do not lie. The wild shots, and matador defense cannot be quantified
but an untrained eye can see the consequences. Jamal is a 3rd guard at best, but will continue tostart due to relationship w/ Zeke.
Now States, how in the world are you going to type that Marbury’s numbers are a reflection of who he played with from one side of your keyboard and then STATE that Jamal’s record indicates only his individual performance from the other side of your keyboard? What’s happening to you man? I’m telling you that all this losing is turning our minds to mush. And you expect better of me? C’mon.
P.S. Do you think that record would have stood if Jamal, Lee and QRich had not gotten hurt last year? I’m starting to believe that somebody is bullshitting me and posing as Statesman. Hey, Statesman are we facing trademark infringement or identity theft here?
I don’t know about you guys but I think that Zeke owes a personal Mea Culpa to his players.
These are the following reasons:
1) His stuborness and overextended loyalties to the players he’s placed in the starting 5 from the beginning of the year up until now has greatly contributed to the frustrating results on the court.
2) Because he should want to mend bridges with his players in the lockeroom, especially if there is any substance to the speculation that he has “lost” the locker room.
While Zeke has been cautious to call out his players, partly due to JD’s media policy, but perhaps also in part as not to lose or further lose the locker room, he has done so twice so far. The first time being the “no heart” tirade. The second chance being the admission that the starting five he has been putting out is not working. We all have heard that Thomas “may have” lost the locker room, and his incidents with Q, Marbury, and Curry being may support that contention. If so then a public Mea Culpa to his team would be a good chance to show his players the importance of being accountable for one’s own actions.
3. A sincere apology would take some of the sting off of what is sure to be a delicate subject of benching many of the players who are sure to suffer bruised egos from no longer being in the starting line up.
4. The apology would likewise put into context the coach’s underutilization of players, who appear to have regressed- Balkman etc, and perhaps help them understand that they may still have a vital role to play in any Knick turn around.
The team needs someone to lead by example. A heart felt mea culpa, perhaps even a public one, would set a tone for everyone in the organization being held accountable for thier actions or lack thereof.
Steph attempts to play defense and other then the small/quick guards, he does a good job. His ability to drive, puts the Knicks in
the penalty, and allows for easy points from the free throw line. He is a better shooter and ball-handler then
Crawful. Steph’s value to the team has risen over the last 2 weeks. To attribute the blow outs w/o Steph, to Steph is as ridiculous as blaming
the fans for Curry’s poor play. The team lacks heart. Is Steph ever star-struck and intimidated early on, as Jamal was against Kobe?
As far as Curry and Jamal working something special that also is BS. Certaintly there is a comfort zone, but after a few games
last year when Jamal went down Curry adjusted and finished the season strong w/o Crawful.
Curry’s poor play is because his azz is not in shape. He believed his own hype from last season. and did not spend time in the gym.
The fans booing should never affect a ballplayer’s production. Do you attribute the road record to the Knicks being unable to
play because opponents fans boo? PLEASE!! The fans can help you but they should never hurt you. The only individuals that are affected
by the fans are the refs. This is where I believe the garden crowd does a disservice to the team. Refs are intimidated (not ballers),
by home crowds, but if the garden is constantly booing, the team never gets the home court call.
I do believe this was the point Isiah was trying to make before the media distortion.
O’k, so we are at about 90% agreement there. Maybe you are State’s. The only thing I disagree with is the increased value of Steph. We have no disagreement about his skills. None. We clearly disagree about the impact of his mental-emotional state (mentality) on this team. You have conveniently ignored that topic which I submit diminishes the positive impact of his skill significantly as evidenced by our record with him on the floor. I have supported playing Marbury in the starting lineup until the evidence was clear that he is not the one. I hope he can regain or re-fuel himself mentally. But as far as I am concerned, Zeke does not have time to wait for that process to be completed.
Hey bruised Orange and Blue, I am not one for public apologies but you have hit the essence of the problem on the head as far as I am concerned. He should feel as though he has let his players down.
African, do you remember the e-mail from Frank Isola where he told us that he wrote for a tabloid which is why we got tabloid journalism. Well check out the comments from his british boss in the article posted by Syd at #184 about a tabloid taking sides. His boss makes it clear that the Daily News is a tabloid not a newspaper. The distinction is that the tabloid gets involved in civil life and in creating and shaping the news all in the name of Brit fun. So this is the garbage that New Yorkers are finding acceptable. I loved the importation of the Beatles and their exportation of Simon on American idol, but this is a case of international cross-contamination. Journalism in America is officially altered for the worse.
MODI & Lives
– and anyone in this debate I didn’t include.
Listen the way I see it is that Crawford’s drives result in midrange jumpers that:
when on help spark rallies or even lead us to wins;
when off bury us and contribute to our double digit deficits.
Why do I say that?
Well it’s b/c it appears to me that when Crawfords shot is not on and Crawford is orchestrating, the team tends to become a jump shooting team that goes away from the drive and dishes, and or drives that result in visits to the foul line.
That is where Marbury, who is more of a take it to the basket player, helps the team.
Mind you, I’m not saying the Marbury in the mental and emotional funk of recent vintage, I’m saying the Marbury of the previous year.
Thus it seems to me when were under Crawfords control and not hitting, Marbury would be the better elixir since he, at his sanenest, would not settle for jumpers and instead attack the basket, draw defenders and provide us with higher percentage shots.
Can they both be on the floor together. I tend to agree with the current here that says NO.
Can and should they be used interchangeably depending on the progression of the game. Of course.
That of course assums we are dealing with a healthy Marbury. If not then he will cause more harm to the Knicks.
To those who tout the Marbury must go, or not play position. The two reasons why I currently agree with your side of the debate are because:
1) he has not shown that he is a team player.
the whole Phoenix incident pretty much establised that position.
As a counterpoint to that lack of team orientation, see Zach Randolph’s, reply to the question of possibly not starting, in today’s NY Times.
He said the following:
“I’m a team player, I want to win. So if that’s what coach wants to do, I’m going to accept it, I’m not going to pout.”
Add to that the point that Zach has worked on becoming a better, although still inconsistent, passer off the post.
2) Marbury’s off the court issues may have made the drive and dish, or drive and draw Marbury a shell of himself.
Here is the situation which really calls for us to distinguish between Marbury the player and Marbury the human being.
As a person we all should hope for his full mental and emotional recovery, and pray, or what will you, that his wounds heal.
But as basketball fans, Knicks fans there is a common feeling that Marbury in his current state, when coupled with his showing of a lack of a team mindset, would currently hurt the team more than help the team.
Last point.
Note how Kobe met up with Crawford at the end of the game to exchange words with him.
Priceless.
Crawford is the closest thing we have to a leader.
Next would be Z-Bo if you check his words above about possibly sitting.
Yes, I am still optimistic. Only because Zeke promises change. I expect a victories against Chicago and Sacramento. Orlando is a bit tricky since Zeke may be sitting Curry. Hey, is Morris still on this team. I want to see Chandler play. That’s a big boy. Let him guard some of these SFs. O’kay, I think I’m done for the day except for reading Modi’s new joint. Otherwise I gotta go on the roof and open the chimney and leave the pooper scooper for Santa’s inconsiderate reindeer. Last year those antlered rats clogged up my gutters with their mess.
Best Wishes, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
Thank you guys for being such blessings this year. Peace.
Bruised Orange and Blue, you put it better than all the figures in NBA.com and 82games and me together could. I subscribe to #214 100%. In fact, the late play that may have hurt us against LA a little more than the errant in-bound play was the last three pointer Craw took which he should have drove in for a higher percentage three point play. But of course, if he had hit the shot, I would be singing his praises for taking it. But Marbury in the last minutes would have gotten to the basket — whether the refs would have called it right remains to be seen, especially since they ignored many of the calls Zach and Curry should have had earlier in the game.
Lives @ 212
Exactly my sentiments.
The team that all of us saw as having so much potential and possibilities is a league laughing stock.
Players who if properly coached, and honed, could improve the team inmensly have all fallen by the wayside to the mechanitions of a Stubborn Taurus’ incitance on the strategy of trying to break and opponents hadn with his face, I mean play players whose heart and hustle is in direct disproportion to the comparable salary they share with their better paid teamates.
The zietgiest of the Knicks should currently be about personal accountability, and it must start with Zeke.
Lives did you note the article Syd hyperlinked about Marbury and Curry not being the answer, which talks about the shift in the nba from a three gaurd lineup to a lineup of small foward type players.
Do you think Zeke is trying to break the opponents fist with his lip or hear?
LMAO!
Merry Christmas lives
Merry Christmas to all the Defender family.
Night!
@ Black and Blue (Formally known as Orange and Blue)
“Note how Kobe met up with Crawford at the end of the game to exchange words with him.
Priceless.
Crawford is the closest thing we have to a leader.”
I stated virtually the thing about Crawford. See post #94.
I also agree with that Taurus observation. Being one myself, I can identify the traits. However, his loyalty and stubborn nature are extreme, and they’re definitely to the detriment of this team.
I stand pat in my belief that this thing can be turned around with some tweaking, but I really feel that in the long run, a change in leadership is in order.
Hopefully the Holidays will bring us some cheer.
Happy Holidays Defenders!!!
The only thing Kobe said to Crawford was
“ÿou know your ass is gone if I want to come here”
Jamal said
ÿes sir, I know”
Kobe said
“not take your ass to the locker room and get my shower hot, I think I’ll shower in the Knicks
locker room just to prepare for what’s to come”
Happy Holidays to everybody!!!!!
Ha!!
Good one DVJ….
In your dreams bruh!!!!
‘Lives’,
He who fights
and runs away
‘Lives’ to fight
Another day
Happy Holidays to You. ‘Lives’ I will attempt to address your questions and jabs,(I giveth, so I can receiveth). I only ask that
you keep an open mind and if I makes sense, then you accept. Regarding your statement, ‘Don’t BS a BSer’. I do not know
you on a personal level, but I will accept your SELF-EVALUATION.
Predictions & what they have to do w/ Marbury. I was comparing your insights and analysis before the season, w/ your
insights on Steph’s value to the team. My conclusion is that on the SURFACE your reasoning APPEARS rational,
but deeper analysis would lead to a different conclusion.
Record w/ Steph. As you correctly stated the team is 5-13 w/Steph. What you did not write was that the team’s MOST IMPRESSIVE
wins were w/ Steph not only STARTING, but also BALLING. The win against Denver, Steph had 21pts & 9 assist, the Utah win 28pts, 6 assist.
In the 5 wins Step averaged 19.5pts and 6.4 assist. In these games Steph was the ENGINE that moved the CAR. My conclusion is that
when Zeke allows Steph to play his game the team benefits. Having Steph to slow down his game and FEED an out of shape, offensive
foul prone Curry has been detrimental to the team and Steph in the 13 losses. ‘Lives’ has the team beaten an opponent w/
a WINNING RECORD W/O STEPH? And why are you impressed w/ 3 wins against 2 UNATHLETIC TEAMS? (one win w/o the team’s star). This is
how figures can be misleading.
Regarding the Plus/Minus IRRELEVANCE: Works in Hockey but not Basketball. ‘Lives’, in hockey, Lines play together entirely.
A center plays w/ the same left & right winger. The lines shift in and out of the game at the same time. During a game it is rare
to exchange a center on one line w/ a center from another line. You would not exchange wingers on lines either. This allows for an
accurate measurement for goals scored vs. goals against, while the line is on the ice. In basketball you may sub 1 player at a time,
or as many as 5 at a time. You can improve your plus/minus stat, relative to your teammates w/o being on the court or when the
other team clears the bench. Case in point, the Knicks played Detroit on 11/21. W/ 2:55 left in the game, the score 94-76 favoring Detroit.
Detroit cleared their bench. Crawful remained in the game, and N8, replaced Steph. The Knicks were able to make up 6 points and lost by 12.
Steph plus/minus did not change, while Crawful’s improved as the Knicks cut the deficit against the Pistons’s scrubs. This
was probably introduced for “FANTASY BASKETBALL”. Ask some of the DEFENDERS, they participate in that foolishness.
‘Lives’, you wrote, ‘Crawful has proven he can lead & start. My question is to whom has he proven this?
Crawful can unite this team. My question is what has he been waiting for?
Chris Rock in todays NYT is on point when he states, ‘Jamal Crawful has never been on a team that has won 40 games. This is
not a coincidence. His STREET-BALL game is entertaining but not productive. He helps w/ comebacks, but he is the cause for comebacks.
Crawful is a starting guard on a losing team. For you to include him w/ Kobe, Wade, and Kidd, borders on intellectual dishonesty.
If you want to win he should never start. If you start Crawful & N8, you are startinga 3rd & 4th guard.
BTW, N8 in the last 2 games combined, N8 has taken 29 shots and has 2 assist. Just what you want from your guard.
Comments. Someone made a statement about Jonnie-come-latelys, as an indirect shot. STATESMAN understands that
LEPERS CHANGE THEIR COLORS and that it is best to ignore them. You will never know what you are dealing with.
ORANGE & BLACK, can turn into BLUE & BROWN. Be leery of LEPERS!!
DEE-FENDERS,
Merry Christmas,
Peace & Blessings to you and your love ones.
Bronxboy
I recall you previously mentioning Crawford as being the closest thing we have to the truth.
If he were more consistent then I guesse he would be the truth.
With all that said, he keeps chopping wood, and doesn’t back down under pressure.
I just whish he’d drive to the hoop more often when his shot is not falling b/c if he did then we wouldn’t be going down by double digits as often.
DVJ
Just to indulge the Biggest Kobe stalker, and groupie this side of the Missippi Rive, LMAO, I’ll ask you to write an open letter to Kobe Bryant on why he should ask to be traded to NY to play for the Knicks.
It should be entitled
AN OPEN LETTER TO KOBE
Subtitle
Top Ten Reasons why Kobe Bryant Should Come to NY!
Of course one of the reasons can’t allude to your incesant stalking of the mamba.
That might just turn him off.
Statesman:
Was this a not so indirect shot at me?
If so what would compell you to open fire on me?
“STATESMAN understands that LEPERS CHANGE THEIR COLORS and that it is best to ignore them. You will never know what you are dealing with. ORANGE & BLACK, can turn into BLUE & BROWN. Be leery of LEPERS!!”
Well as you so eloquently put it:
“Peace and Blessings.”
Orange & Blue,
That was an intended as a joke. Sorry I left out the (LOL).
Peace & Blessings
What’s up fellas, I tend to agree with statesman in that we should study the Knicks WINS not losses and I definitely cosign his last post.
O &B, thanks for post 214, you bring up a very important issue and are right to separate the difference between Marbury this year and last. If Marbury is not whole, is not himself, and is not ready then I wholeheartedly agree with you that things won’t work. However, I think that the other discussion has to do with skills to play the point and run an offense. And in that area i see Marbury as the man, particularly when it comes to creating fouls and dishes by driving to the hoop.
I must say i don’t think that we have played to marbury’s strengths the last three years starting with LB. He creates contact, gets to the line, draws a double team and then dishes. Up until three years ago he did average 8 assists. I don’t want to start the whole Marbury-career debate again, but I just see him as underutilized when he keeps dumping it down low and remaining passive. Last year when he was on the floor with added responsibilities, he stepped up in the second half of the year. Why not give him those responsibilities from the start by taking a couple of scorers out of the starting five?
Finally an intangible word like leadership has its limits. Malik Rose is a leader but can’t jump higher than one inch. Derrick Fisher is as big a leader as anyone in the league, but is limited. Even if jamal does have the right attitude, says all the right things, and is great in the lockerroom, those qualities will not make his game suitable for the position that they call “point guard”. Just cuz MLK and Ghandi can rally the masses doen’t mean that they had a killer crossover…