wow the game thread over on realgm is already 32 pages


LETS GO KNICKS

Posted by djsunyc:

the reason, and the ONLY reason we can stay in the game is b/c of rebounding. the raps are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, while we are the best (although we don't have lee, and probably not q - it seems). so the knicks have to crash the boards and get many 2nd chance points. the raps will score some points and move the ball. and their defense should not be overlooked sine they're only giving up 96 ppg since the new year (they're 22-11 since jan 1, 14-4 at home). they are susceptible to teams that function in the open court and can shoot. and that's something we don't really do well.

The Raptors are the worst OFFENSIVE rebounding team in the league, but their defensive rebounding is above average (10th overall). We are second in the league in offensive rebounding, but without Lee and facing up against a pretty good defensive rebounding club, I doubt we're going to kill them on the offensive boards.

Our other great strength on offense is getting to the line-- we're 3rd overall in terms of free throw makes per field goal attempt. However, the Raptors are 4th overall on defensive FTM/FGA-- they don't give up a lot of points at the line-- so that may be a wash as well.

PPG is not really a great measure of offense or defense because it varies as a function of how fast a team plays. You need to look at points per possession (or pts per 100 possessions to make it more intelligible). I don't know the Raptors' numbers since January, but on the season they are tied for 15th in terms of points allowed per 100 possessions. Mediocre, not great.

On the other hand, our two biggest weaknesses on D (eFG% allowed and TO forced) coincide with Toronto's two biggest strengths on offense (shooting and ballhandling).

In sum, Toronto is a bad matchup for us. They are pretty good at defending our strengths and we are very bad at defending their strengths. Not looking too good.

Posted by TrueBlue:

This game will come down to point gaurd play and the Raptors backcourt are going to have a field day. I smell a blowout honestly. "ALL THE PRESSURE IS OFF"

If they get blown out, all the pressure will be on again. This team needs to make the playoffs for this season to be a success.

good start!!! q, please stay healthy

i reallt just ccaant take mike breens whining

can we please stop turning the ball over

eddy curry = anti defense

mike breen needs to be fired

rose is not the player to gaurd bagnani

Can Breen just call the game and save the opinions..

Why is Balkman out the game and Jeffries back in the game?????