www.KnicksDefense.com

Guys

Thanks for the play by play.

I wasn’t able to catch last nights game but like fellow bloggers here I know I can count on the defenders to provided the play by play and the outstanding color commentary that only KnicksDefense can provide.

I heard the commentary about how Zach was passing out of the double teams in this game. Zach’s willingness to pass out now seems to be becoming more trend than fad, which is a good thing. I certainly hope he continues to work on his passing and continues to develop chemistry (no homo) with his teamates. I have said before that his ability to draw so much attention can be used to the Knicks favor but what WAS frustrating about the early season Z-Bo was his stubborn insistence on forcing the action when doubled. While, I concede Follymachs point, made in a prior thread, that a little stubborn insistence on the part of Z-Bo will go a long ways towards keeping defenses honest, a team oriented Zach who is dedicated to honing his passing skills to exploit over zealous defenders, and doubles will go a long way towards increasing the Knicks playoff chances.

Too bad the same can’t be said about Curry, I saw the stat lines for the game, and there were no assist from him. Off course since I didn’t see the game, I don’t know if he provided any passes that led to passes which became assist. So I really can’t comment.

What I will say about the Curry v. Randolph debate, is that Z-Bo is showing tangible efforts towards gearing his game towards the team concept that have shown up in the box score. Curry has attempted to block shots, in the games I’ve watched but he seems at times a step slow, and with regards to his rebounding many a time I see Curry either start falling away on defense or just stand there when a shot carums, where if Curry just hustles or competes the rebound is his to have. Too that end Curry’s weight or desire remain clear question marks, and Z-Bo, IMHO, is showing his long term staying power with these Knicks while Curry continues to hurt his own case for why he should see significant minutes.

Again thanks defenders, Lives, Steady, Statesman, ForceMD (Bronx, Harlem, DLT, MODI), KnicksD, JayBee, GeorgeM, Vic Corbit, Cooley High (aka KD Jakes), Anti, Paulnoize, Mike, African, BARF, St. George, and all and any defender I’ve forgotten to mention.

This place is off the hook and KnicksD has done a splendid job creating a place were the true die hard can grab a cup of cofee and throw down Knicks insights, opinion, and commentary with the most passionate and knowledgable group of die hard fans on the globe.

To a band of cyber brothers from other mothers.

Peace out

OBTW

First!

By Black and Blue on Jan 26, 2008 at 6:59 pm

B & B…

Man, it was truly a thing of beauty watching Zach READ and PASS out of those doubles. You can see that not only was he a “willing” passer, but an intelligent passer one well. He probably would’ve had a couple more assists last nite had cats not muffed his passes. Prolly surprised the hell out of em!!!…..lol

I’d venture to say if he continues this trend, the sky is the limit. If we obtain a quality back-up pg for Craw (dang it sounds funny saying that…lol), do a decent job out west (meaning if we can get 2 out of 5), then go on a run of 8 of 10 (which is not out of the realm of possibility), shyt, we’re right there!!

I’m startin’ to sound like my boy Peace!!!!!

@ knicks D…

Didn’t know Memphis played @ 8….thanks for the info, bruh!! That kid Rose is sho-nuff the truth. He’s almost worth tankin’ the season for, but the playoffs are too obtainable to think such a thing.

By Bronxboy in Md on Jan 26, 2008 at 7:17 pm

States:
No beef with you of course. Just veggies, but no kissy kissy either.
I do enjoy reading your posts, except when you’re wrong. (lol). We do agree on most.
This thing is all about differing perspectives. We may all see the same thing, but view it with different perspectives. It’s never a bad thing to disagree. Whenever everyone agrees, or one is afraid to show their dissent, then there’s a problem. It’s the fuel that have us in this undesirable war.

To answer your question; I’ve been blogging for quite some time now, and I’ve had to kick some royal asses. Some folks have had their feelings hurt, and have now come back under a different cloak, embarassed to use the same moniker. All part of the experience.

As Lives would tell you, I’m an avid fan that looks at the game a little differently. My observations may not be main stream, but I usually do have a good reason behind my observations. I don’t post for others to agree, I post as a fan that would like to see this team get better.
The little success we’ve witnessed lately, have a lot to do with Zach, and the poor play we experienced earlier also too, did have a lot to do with Zach. Numbers don’t tell the story, and could be used to make a compelling false story. Zach is super talented, but the knock on him has always been the same. Now that he’s trying to be a willing passer, sky’s the limit.
I’ve said before, Zach does not realize he can dominate the game without even scoring. That’s the difference between him and KG.
If Zeke continues to stroke his ego and manage him well, Zeke can get back this team fully.
We agree on Crawford, but Nate to me is a different story. I believe this guy has just scratched the surface of his talents. I believe he’s about to become a super player, not just for this team, but in the league. Time will tell.

In relation to Curry, what we fail to realize is that Curry has always been bigger than his peers all his life, and have not had to work hard to be successful. Never had the college coachiing, and never responded to General Skiles in Chicago.
Most on here were singing his praises just last year. Did he forget how to play?
Us fans would like our heroes to be perfect, but are we? I say keep the youngster and coach him. He has connected with Zeke, and is very coachable. He posesses what every team in the league desires. That’s the reason Zeke made that move for him in the first place.
I would not trade him.
Much respect.

By African on Jan 26, 2008 at 8:25 pm

congrats on gettting that forum up an runnin, KD. it’s about to get real hot up in this domain.

af, let’s be real for a minute. would you change your mind re the curry vs zach debate if things continue as they are of late (zach passin more, curry being curry)? it’s hardly fun teasin you anymore with things as they are but mebbe that’s where we can leave things. reasonable people can agree on reasonable compromise.

thing about numbers is that over time they tend to verify what you see on the court with your own peepers. if the scorecards say curry ain’t got no assists it’s cuz he really ain’t passin too much. if his FG% isn’t sky high, it’s cuz you don’t see him dominating on the post so much. if there’s no blocks on the scoresheet….well, you catch my drift.

By Charles Follymacher on Jan 26, 2008 at 8:57 pm

KnicksD,

Love the new format!
As far as Damon……he’s 34 and had recent ACL surgery.
I’m not sure he would help because I haven’t seen him play
in a long time! If the price was right, maybe!

By Peaceman on Jan 26, 2008 at 9:01 pm

Bronxboy

I really wished I could have gotten to see those Z-Bo passes you mentioned. I looked on my TV listing for the afternoon Knick’s rewind but I couldn’t find it. No rewind today. I am was very disapointed.

African

“Us fans would like our heroes to be perfect, but are we?”

Truer words have not been spoken here. I think that’s why people like the personable “everyman” athlete.

However, I think since many Knick’s fans cling to the nostalgic memory of hard hustle play of the Knicks of the early through late 90s, it’s very difficult for those fans to forgive/tolerate/ or accept an athlete that doesn’t play hard.

I guesse that’s why although some Knick’s fans may percieve Artest as a headcase, many of those same fans would like to have him wear the Orange and Blue b/c in him they see a hard nose player in the mold of yesteryears Knicks.

“I say keep the youngster and coach him. He has connected with Zeke, and is very coachable. He posesses what every team in the league desires. That’s the reason Zeke made that move for him in the first place.”

I don’t doubt that if Curry put the time in to refine and diversify his game on both ends of the court he would be a real force in the league. Although I think the N.B.A., mandate has shifted from the power post center to the slashing center/foward, fundamentally sound bigs like Duncan and Yao who have a variety of moves off the pivot aren’t effected as much as Shaq and Curry whose game is mostly power to the hoop. To that end if Curry stays on I would like for him to work on his conditioning and to diversify his post game- of course most would also want more rebounding and defensive hustle- I think that would provide him more in the post.

KnicksD

Is this the article you’re referencing regardin Damon Stoudamire’s buy out?

I hear that Mardy got some burn last game and showed his ability to smoothly set up the bigs on the block off the pass. Also heard that he provides the team with a true PG, and sets a steady tempo. I didn’t watch the game but assuming Mardy can continue to provide those deminsions if given burn, would it make much sense to make a play for Stoudamire?

If obtaining Stoudamire still seems sensible, then I wonder if Thomas would petition for the Injury Exception.

What are the ops on the questions posed?

By Black and Blue on Jan 26, 2008 at 9:19 pm

I’ve been checking out the online rumor Mill to see how much legs the Stoudamire buyout story on ESPN has.

Well there was a story yesterday, 1-25-08 about the buyout being imminent.

However, today 1-26-08 another story reports that the buyout talks have stalled.

Also there is a story about the Nets and Bulls having trade talks over foward Andres Nocioni.

By Black and Blue on Jan 26, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Blogzila,
You’ve transformed before our very eyes. Blogzilla meets Pokemon abnd goes through an evolution except you remain Blogzilla. Hope the financials work themselves out. The number of posts here is prima facia evidence that you know and got what’s good. Thanks and keep up the good work. Kissy, Kissy.

KFLL

By Steady on Jan 26, 2008 at 10:18 pm

Defenders,
Just some sick handles Crawford’s got. He broke ankles at least twice last night. Cats guarding him gotta get that extra coat of tape on their ankles when they play against him. Notice that he went on a diet and lost that weight/muscle mass that was affecting his shot from the summer. Why couldn’t Eddy do the same? He just blew up like Puff the Magic Dragon and lookin’ more like Barney in the middle. And we all know the real to real on the actor inside the Barney suit who invented the character.

KFLL

By Steady on Jan 26, 2008 at 10:31 pm

@ Steady,

Re Craw’s sick handles, I didn’t know they did it like that in Seattle, bruh. When I first saw Craw, I gotta admit I “stereotyped” a bit…i just assumed he was from the NY/NJ or other urban area.

Like they used to say in the South Bronx when i was comin’ up….that kid is nice!!!

By Bronxboy in Md on Jan 26, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Post #11…

“Like they used to say in the South Bronx when i was comin’ up….that kid is nice!!!”…

Correction…they used to say…..

“that kid is nice, yo!!!”…..

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

By Bronxboy in Md on Jan 26, 2008 at 10:57 pm

For the record Blogzilla, GREAT ENHANCEMENTS AND I TOO HOPE THE NUMBERS ARE WORKING FOR YOU…

BRONX, they still do…LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Steady You Know What’s Good…Kissy Kissy and Proud Card Carrying Member of the Blow Me Club…

A Swipe of the Pipe works everytime, then I can curl up in the fetal position and put my thumb in my mouth and get some zzz’s…LOL LOL LOL

GS will be a very intersting and challenging game for our KNICKS tomorrow evening…Focus, Effort, and Some Good Ole Fashion Defense is the real Trick Pony…Time to go use my BMC Card…

Keep it POPPIN!

By cooleyhigh on Jan 26, 2008 at 11:17 pm

@ Cooley and Steady….

Y’all are two funny cats……ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

By Bronxboy in Md on Jan 26, 2008 at 11:37 pm

Google Alert - new york knicks Sun 1/27/2008 4:57 AM

It’s not Yankees-Red Sox, but New York vs. Boston a heavyweight rivalry

Hole deepens for Knicks

What rivalry?

James’ New York state of mind rankles

A Giants ‘fan’ tests passions in the den of the Patriots faithful

Stojakovic stops Clippers

By Syd on Jan 27, 2008 at 6:15 am

In the spirit of Syd

Time for News from around the NBA.

It’s official, Damon Stoudamire has been bought out by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Stoudamire must first clear waivers, but then it appears that the Celtics are his favored destination but the Hornets who have climbed to the top of Western Conference are also showing interest.

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 8:57 am

It also appears the Jason Kidd trade rumors are now swirling up again as the team struggles and the Nets and their front office face the challenge of getting something tangible in return for the aging star point gaurd.

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:02 am

I wonder if the Nets recent woes, and the possibility of an impending shake up really lower their possibilities of landing Lebron James who, Syd’s article pointed out, has shown his New York State of Mind.

Also it seems like some beat writers for the SeventySixers think Randolph Morris is worth coveting. That article also mentions Chris Anderson who is petitioning for reinstatement into the NBA after a serious violation of the leagues substance abuse policy. Anderson is mentioned as being an athletic 6,10 foward who may not be resigned by the Hornets, rumored to be courting Damon Stoudamire.

From what I’ve seen of his player bio he seems like a more active shot blocker than any of the bigs the Knicks currently have.

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:22 am

Hey lets put a proverbial cock-block on the Celtics from obtaining Damon Stoudamire.

That move may kill two birds, be nice if it were Larry Bird’s friends, Ainge, and McFail, with one stone.

We are after all not out of the playoff race, and accoding to some hear a trade or two away from contention.

See my argument for the cock block below, which was taken from my retort to another Blogger on Mike Dougherty’s Knicks Knacks blogsite:

“Black and Blue
January 27th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Trevor

If you read how I qualified my statement you would know that I was referring to a healthy and mentally balanced Marbury and not the current Mebury. Also what I really was trying to get at was that Jamal logging heavy minutes could wear him down for when he is needed at his best- ergo the last quarter. To that end I believe there is a need for a point gaurd to provide some relief so that Crawford could be better rested for the final quarter and those back to back games.

Also while it is unlikely that it will happen, Mighty Mouse aka Damon Stoudamire and the Grizzlies have agreed to terms of a buy out. Stoudamire has to clear waivers, and he is noted as preferring to a championship calibur squad such as the Celtics and has been courted by the Suns and Hornets, but I wonder if Isiah would try to pursue him of waivers and petition for the NBA injury exception now that Marbury is on the shelf.

I certainly hope so, with the injury exception the Knicks can offer him more than Boston, and we would deprive the Green Leprauchans from getting another piece to a championship puzzle.

I say cock block those fning Bostonians!”

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:26 am

whazzup. tonight we’ve got to get it started right.

tonight’s matchup is a perfect example of why we need to gete rid of the traditional starting 5 mentality.

Also echoing peace and lives here. If we want to win, this is the lineup against GS:

Mardy
Crawford
Q
Zach
Curry

Subs
Lee
Balk
Jeffries (@ guard)

Nate should only enter when Baron leaves the game and get extended 2nd half minutes depending on his DEFENSE. GS’s strength is to dominate with their guards, but their guards like to dominate with their strenght. So if we place tall defensive-minded bodies on Baron, Jackson and Harrington, and be patient with Zach (1st option) and Curry (2nd option), we can win this game.

Baron will immediately take Nate (and Crawford) to the post if they are guarding him. We don’t want him to get into a rhythm because he becomes Jordan-like. That’s why we can’t wait to substitute before we address their strengths. We must do it at the START of the game.

We lose a lot of games because of the matchups and rotations. We have to address that if we are going to win in the second half.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:43 am

GS’s boxscore from their last game, against the nets. GS’s starting guards scored 64 points, 53% of the total team’s points. We can beat them if we play big. We will not win if Nate gets 25-30 minutes (unless he becomes Mugsy Bogues).

New Jersey Nets (18-24)
J.Kidd G 42:46 2-10 2-5 0-0 0 3 5 8 12 2 2 2 0 0 6
V.Carter G 43:03 10-20 1-2 8-9 +4 2 4 6 4 4 2 4 0 1 29
S.Williams F 15:43 2-3 0-0 2-3 -16 2 4 6 0 3 0 2 0 0 6
R.Jefferson F 43:23 11-24 1-5 11-12 +3 4 1 5 9 1 0 2 0 1 34
J.Boone C 33:11 7-15 0-0 7-15 +11 7 10 17 0 3 2 3 0 4 21
A.Wright 34:46 5-11 3-5 0-0 +3 3 6 9 2 6 1 2 0 0 13
B.Nachbar 16:39 3-9 1-2 1-1 +4 2 5 7 1 2 0 0 0 1 8
M.Williams 07:49 1-4 0-1 0-0 -6 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 2
M.Allen 02:29 0-0 0-0 0-0 -11 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
D.Armstrong 00:11 0-0 0-0 0-0 -2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
J.Magloire - - -
J.Collins - - -
N.Krstic - - -
Total 240 41-96 8-20 29-40 23 37 60 29 23 7 16 0 8 119
42.7% 40.0% 72.5% Team Rebs: 8 Total TO: 17

Golden State Warriors (26-18)
B.Davis G 46:07 10-22 3-8 2-2 +2 1 11 12 10 5 5 2 0 0 25
M.Ellis G 40:48 13-18 0-0 13-14 +7 0 4 4 2 4 3 1 0 0 39
M.Barnes F 31:29 5-9 1-3 1-1 -5 3 2 5 4 2 1 1 1 0 12
S.Jackson F 44:18 5-14 1-4 2-2 +1 0 3 3 7 3 1 4 1 0 13
A.Biedrins C 32:46 2-4 0-0 2-4 +11 2 8 10 2 4 0 0 4 0 6
A.Harrington 27:25 5-12 4-9 5-6 +8 0 2 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 19
K.Azubuike 15:56 2-4 1-2 2-2 -11 0 4 4 0 2 0 1 2 0 7
M.Belinelli 01:13 0-0 0-0 0-0 -3 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0
M.Pietrus - - -
P.O’Bryant - - -
B.Wright - - -
C.Watson - - -
A.Croshere - - -
T.Hudson - - -
K.Perovic

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:52 am

I’m on board with playing Mardy to slow down a post up happy Baron Davis.

Will Fred Jones be available also? You got to figure that Davis will draw fouls on Mardy and we might need to go to a second option. In that event Jones is a better defender than crawford or nate. We could use him tonight as well.

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:55 am

You have to watch out for Ellis. He’s the quickest Guard in the
NBA! Nate can help here if he pesters Ellis and plays ball denial!
Nate is the only guard that can run with Ellis on transition!

By Peaceman on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:11 am

Fred Jones is a prety good defender, but he should remain MIA because of his shenanigans against Washington. I think Jones forgot that his ass should have been out of the league. He should NEVER complain about minutes.

Nate is very quick, but it is never revealed on the defensive court. He should have more steals, deflections. I don’t think he anticipates well enough.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:17 am

Boston will lose to the Magic
Lakers will beat Cleveland
Knicks will beat GSW (sorry BARF)

Knicks are showing to be better with dark clouds (Marbury) hanging above us!!!

I can tolerate Curry as long as we win.
However, as soon as a trade comes up where I can get a defensive center that rebounds…..Curry is on the first thing smoking.

Zach, Jamal and Q should be named tri-captians (spell check)

By DaVonn Jefferson on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:21 am

Knicks are showing to be better with dark clouds (Marbury) hanging above us = Knicks are showing to be better without dark clouds (Marbury) hanging above us!!!

By DaVonn Jefferson on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:22 am

It’s funny that everyone considers us to be the laughingstock of the league, but our players are in the midst of several trade rumors. First there was a rumor that Boston was looking at Balkman, then the Cavaliers wants Crawford, now the 76′ers want Randolph Morris. Of course, everyone wants Lee.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:25 am

Yeah, no Marbury plus IT’s vision of the Zach/Curry combo is starting to materialize.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:27 am

Yo HarleminMD

The sportsreportes here in the NYC area and nationally can yuck it up all they want about what sort of a terrible laughing stock the Knicks are. While they yuck it up and give Boston the blow/hand job, here’s hoping we quietly run some solid winning streaks and get into the playoffs and perhaps even make some noise to Shut those fuckers whiny mouths up for at least once.

Is that too much to ask for- to ask chess club nerds/ sportswriter to STFU?

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 11:39 am

Knicksdefense: Nice to see that you are putting in new features and enhancements. As the Knicks keep improving, it is appropriate that this blog site –already the best true Knick fan site on the web–stay ahead of all opposition.

Knicks must win at least 2 of the 5 West Coast road games ahead in order to retain a chance for a playoff spot. Winning 3 of the 5 would be a real positive accomplishment. The best chance is against Seattle who has struggled all season. But Knicks could be competitive against Utah and even Portland. The games against San Francisco (tonight) and L.A. (Tuesday) will offer the toughest matchups. Then again, the team is playing its best team basketball so far this season. I will try to stay upbeat. LGK

Black and Blue: If Knicks make playoffs, I will be among the first to join you in dissing the MSM sportswriters who have ridiculed the team from opening day. But I
see no reason to castigate “chessclub nerds” as being in anyway responsible. Some
chess players are solid Knick fans. Dick Barnett, for one, enjoyed the game and was considered a strong chess player in his time. I imagine that a number of reputable pro-basketball players and coaches also play the game. There are also similarities between moving the X’s and 0’s and positioning one’s chess pieces. To play well in
both games, it helps to see the entire board or court. Thus I make no apology for being a “chess nerd” who loves the Knicks.

By Post - up Prince on Jan 27, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Prince

Correction noted.

I play some chess, indeed a game that requires strategy, forsight, and patience. The comment was not an intentional dis on chessplayers, “the game of kings” as it is aptly called, but more of a knock on the non athletes or never were athletes who shyt all over the daily grind the athletes in NY have to go through on a day to day basis.

My apologies no disrespect to lovers of the Game of Kings.

Of Course Let’s Go Knicks!

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 12:39 pm

what up fellas. in rhode island with fam so i was not able to watch the sixer game.

tonight i’m hoping for a healthy dose of that fav new lineup.

lee
zach
jeffries
craw
nate

nate matches up strengthwise as well as any pg we have. mardy will have problems keeping baron in front of him. nate will have problems with baron shooting over him. i’d rather live with a shooter beating us than a penetrator.

stehen jackson is my biggest problem. jacks on zach is a terror. zbo can’t do anything to score on jacks. nellie throws jacks on zbo for a while to gain a lead. he switches during the game and then closes the game with jacks on zbo again. that’s a problem for us.

biedrins on curry is in our favor but gs doubles generously throughout the game. they have plenty of swingmen so foul trouble on the perimeter is no trouble at all. keep an eye on how we deal with that matchup.

the key to a knick win is guardplay. also, jeffries on jacks is an experiment worth a trial run. craw on baron is another experiment i would give a try. craw on jkidd worked and baron’s penetration would be the most obvious weakness in the strategy but…what other choice is there?

so that means…

craw - davis
nate - ellis
qrich - barnes, harrington
zbo, jeffries - jacks
curry, lee - biedrins

i’d let the defensive matchups dictate the sub patterns. i wouldn’t let arrogance or ego make me think that i have to force the pace of the game. why? a couple of gs runs will put the game out of reach and with how porous our interior defense can be, its unreasonable to think our defense will get us back into a lost game against one of the best offenses in the game today.

By barf on Jan 27, 2008 at 12:45 pm

Maybe this will light a fire under E-City, when people compare him to this luvable character or perhaps this one.

Ok Go Ny Go Ny GO!

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Dwight Howard has 16 points, 14 points against Boston today. Sounds good, right? Here’s the problem: no 4th quarter points in a close game against a team missing it’s best player (Garnett).

Howard is overrated. If Curry would just get to 20% body fat… LOL.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 3:26 pm

I shouldn’t say overrated. He just isn’t the next dominating center on the cusp of greatness. How’s that. I think our guy has much more offensive skill. His defense would improve if he would lower the body fat to 20%.

By HarleminMD on Jan 27, 2008 at 3:28 pm

Good job on the enhancements KD. I viewed them but haven’t posted anything yet. Anybody have a link for how to post using html like bold, italics, underline, etc.?

Thanks

By Jay Bee on Jan 27, 2008 at 3:59 pm

I’m starting to wonder if any injury is real. Like a few weeks ago when Balkman had flu-like symptoms and missed a game or two, was that the flu or was that a punishment? N.B.A.?? I don’t know.

Anyway one game is enough punishment for Fred. I say put him out there tonight and put the quick-azz “Sandman” hook on him. That way if he comes out foul, it is marginalized.

Starting 5

Craw
Fred
Jeffries
Zach
Eddy

By Jay Bee on Jan 27, 2008 at 4:13 pm

@ #33 B&B … Lets hope huh! If Eddie Curry would just remember that he is a BIG Body….and use it to intimidate we would flourish…. he must stand strong, not push or be pushed around ..nuff said! …. but, I sense that our key to winning the next five games straight and getting our record back to .500 is Jamal Crawford… because no one can stop him…. He should run the point by using his dribble penetration into the paint then pass to a teammate for easy baskets.. assists! assists! assists! … Knicks breaking defenses down will turn around our whole season because we have guys that know how to finish around the basket…. Assists, Killer 3’s and clutch/timely baskets in the fourth quarter….. Crawford can do those things for us.

By Syd on Jan 27, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Good Afternoon Dee-Fenders,

Feeling good today.

Knicks have won 5 of 7.

My Big Blue Giants cap is on display in my car’s rear window.

And I just finished my taxes……

What do we need to do to get this win?

Control the tempo!!!!

Oh,control the tempo!!!

Did I say control the tempo!!!!

We can’t get in a run and gun with them,which mean plenty of bench time for EC(no foot speed)

Only if he can dominate will get him time.

let’s start with:

Crawford
Jones
Q
Zach
EC
like normal for as long as we are close or winning.

then
N8……lots of N8
Lee
Zach
Balk/JJ
Crawford…….for the win.

Go Knicks!!!

By D L T Knicks on Jan 27, 2008 at 5:12 pm

@KnicksD

I agree with Magic in that we need a take charge leader.

Our captains….Steph,Crawford & EC,what’s that about, 2 of them are not playing(low blow at EC).

Does Crawford have leadership in him and no defense?Can Zach lead without defense?What about Q?

There is no REAL leader on the Knicks…..so I agree.

Artest would be a great leader,but a newcomer.

By D L T Knicks on Jan 27, 2008 at 5:18 pm

Good job African on the defense of Eddy Curry. Our “Big Baby” just needs someone to mentor him and teach him how to be a warrior or at least how to “man up”.

I don’t agree with the entire order but here is Sporting News’ listing of the top starting centers in the Eastern Conference.

1. Dwight Howard
2. Antonio McDyess
3. Emeka Okafor
4. Samuel Dalembert
5. Shaq
6. Eddy Curry
7. Al Horford
8. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
9. Brendan Haywood
10. Josh Boone
11. Andrew Bogut
12. Troy Murphy
13. Ben Wallace
14. Kendrick Perkins
15. Andre Bargnani

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/phillyflavor56/132495

I don’t like the way Eddy’s playing right now either (hustle, conditioning, rebounding and aggressiveness), but what Eddy is right now is still better than almost everybody in the Eastern Conference. That said, I can live with the Eddy of right now for the potential of what Eddy can be. We saw a glimpse of it last year. Listen to his post game comments. He’s smart. He understands the game on an intellectual level. He understands what the team’s done wrong when they lose and to not get too high when they win. He’s articulate and is good with the media. At this time when the league is trying to get teams to go smaller and pick up the pace I think it’s good to be a contrarian and go against that grain and to go big. We’ve got a team full of offensive talent. Now if we can get them to rally around defense, then other teams would struggle as offensive teams do when pressured with solid defense. An aggressive doesn’t just block shots. His presence alters more shots than he ever blocks. So Curry doesn’t have to block everything that comes through. Just contest it for now and I would be happy. Wave that 7′-6” wingspan around like you just don’t care.

Conditioning and aggressiveness will solve most of his problems. I think that is one of Zeke’s reasonings for putting him in there to start is to get him in game shape against the starters of the other teams. I think that because he came in wrong this year that Zeke is trying to challenge him by putting Eddy’s ego on the line and making it a mental issue where his peers on the team and even in his own mind begin to challenge him to put out more. When your boys start getting on you, it’s different than your coach who you can tune out. It puts you in the outcast group. There are those that are respected and those that are not. When you have something that you bring to the team ala N8 and Balkman, you’re respected. When you aren’t bringing what the team needs, some people will start to ostracize you. To back away from hanging out with you. I think this is what we’re starting to see with Crawford. Crawford is pulling them through right now and hitting the tough shots for them night in and night out but somebody with some credibility has to get on Craw to play more aggressively on the defensive end. If Crawford works on becoming a shut-down defensive stopper, he’ll have the credibility to say to Eddy that he has to get better defensively. Eddy knows that he has to do it, but right now he doesn’t have the will. That’s where I especially agree with African that no one has ever really challenged him to play defense or to be aggressive. In high school, he was big and that was enough for everyone around him. Now the expectations have grown and he’s going to have to grow with them. But I believe Isiah, Zach and Crawford are going to be able to reach him before season’s end. With Zach making his changes in favor of team ball, he can tell Zach to raise his arms and they seem to be good enough friends that Eddy would listen to him. At the same time, Crawford and N8 going to have to get more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball so when they tell Eddy to set picks and block shots they don’t come off as hypocrites.

Eddy will change but it will take more than just Zeke trying to reach him. All of the guys will have to keep working on him and with him to get him going. But when that sleeping elephant wakes up…Rumble young man rumble AAAAAAAAAAA!!!

By Jay Bee on Jan 27, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Eddy. Zach can tell Eddy. Awwww you know what I meant.

By Jay Bee on Jan 27, 2008 at 5:59 pm

KnicksDefense,
Magic is Monty’s mouthpiece. He’s doing Monty’s bidding and assistant GMing through the media.
Just Bloggin’.

KFLL

By Steady on Jan 27, 2008 at 6:00 pm

@ #44 Steady… True Dat. Those two are tight. Didn’t Magic recommend Zeke for the GM Job?

By Syd on Jan 27, 2008 at 6:28 pm

“Eddy will change but it will take more than just Zeke trying to reach him. All of the guys will have to keep working on him and with him to get him going.”…”That’s where I especially agree with African that no one has ever really challenged him to play defense or to be aggressive.”

Doood…this is a guy you want taking up a lot of time/space on your chips team? Anyway, interesting list. There’s a lotta stat lists that would run a lot different. Anyway I don’t put too much stock in this bit as thems the same guys who helped rob Lebron out of an award a while back. I’d rather have any one of them guys listed below Curry as my starter (except for Bargnani. he’s a bust, i’m pretty sure).

Jay Bee, you are a very hopeful man. Bully for you.

By Charles Follymacher on Jan 27, 2008 at 6:39 pm

@Jay-Bee #42

Right now I would take/trade 7,8,13 & 14 on that list for Curry.

Please “DEE-UP” EC!!!

By D L T Knicks on Jan 27, 2008 at 7:12 pm

B & B: Apology to chess players noted. I recognize that you were only
bloggin. You know I esteem your posts.

RE: E-City. Eddy needs some reverse anger management training or rather anger manifestation lessons. While he needs to avoid offensive fouls, a few hard defensive fouls on guards and small forwards penetrating to the hoop would be of value to the team. He must step up more on defense and in pursuit of rebounds. He exerts energy when fed the ball down low, but seems to lack energy on D, including boxing out his opponent and in going after rebounds.

Perhaps Eddy should envision all opponents near the basket as intruders equivalent to the thugs who invaded his home last summer. Then, he might show some hostlility currently missing from his game. He’s still young and could benefit from intense summer tutelage–perhaps by Charles Oakley or Alonzo Mourning, if Ewing is no longer available. Right now, Eddy appears mean and surley, but often plays passively and must somehow become more aggressive and intimidating for the team to succeed.

By Post - up Prince on Jan 27, 2008 at 7:19 pm

Prince,
But for Zac and Zeke, there are no true warriors that I see on a nightly basis (bench, active, coaches, et al) on our side. Therefore, who’s going to coach and teach those warrior traits? Herb was a gentle giant when he played in Indiana and was the alter ego to the Big Fella. Aguire may have been from the Southside and played with the Bad Boys and all but he is not a big man–he just has a big butt. I do recall a couple of warrior like encounters inolving him though. The details escape me for the moment. Oakley, Ewing, heck, even Mason could be great instructors of the mean big man game. It’s IT’s show so Monty’s got all the cards.

KFLL

By Steady on Jan 27, 2008 at 7:49 pm

Nice additions, KD.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jan 27, 2008 at 7:50 pm

@ Steady

Mark Aguire was a true warrior who’s prime was over when he played for Detroit!
Aguire led the Expansion Dallas team to Elite status along with Renaldo Blackman,
Derrick Harper, Sam Perkins! Aguire was unstoppable in Dallas! And had a major TUDE
that made him a fierce inside Warrior! Dallas kicked much Azz back then!

By Peaceman on Jan 27, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Good PM Defenders!

It is close to game time and I know Defenders all over are in some way mentally and physically preparing for tonight’s opponent and challenge GS…It should be interesting and hopefully competitive and entertaining, and another KNICK win (A good way to start our road show). Go KNICKS Go KNICKS GO KNICKS Go KNICKS Go KNICKS Go KNCIKS Go KNICKS

@Peaceman,

My Good Brother from another Mother… MarkA was the horse on that Dallas team no doubt, because he was there low post option and could face up and shoot that J too. But with career numbers like 20 ppg; 5 rebounds; 3 assists (Playoffs-24 ppg-6-rbds-3 asts), IMHO he was far from an ELITE NBA Horse in those days…Just Bloggin

@Steady, he’s got one of those Serena William’s Booty for MEN…Plenty Junk in that Trunk and he knew how to use it too…LOL LOL

Enjoy the game DEFENDERS and I hope each and every one of you had blessed weekend….I’m Audi

Keep it POPPIN!!!

By cooleyhigh on Jan 27, 2008 at 8:55 pm

Re: #51 - LOL @Renaldo.

By Jay Bee on Jan 27, 2008 at 8:58 pm

Warriors running and gunning as usual.

Whaddup Defenders!

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:16 pm

Warriors are off early and the Knicks are doing some running and gunning of their own.

How long can that last?

By Black and Blue on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:25 pm

3 point game ….

By Syd on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:45 pm

knicks by 1

By Syd on Jan 27, 2008 at 9:55 pm