Notes from Practice - Nov. 3, 2005

GREENBURGH, NY, November 3, 2005 -- Today the Knicks went back to the drawing board to work out the problems that were at the root of their opening night overtime loss to the Celtics. A long film session followed by rebounding and defensive drills that involved every player and coach and even team president Isiah Thomas helping out.

“We gave away a good opportunity (last night),” Knicks head coach Larry Brown said. “We turned the ball over and gave up second chance points, which were things we worked on all preseason. That’s the price you pay with a young team.”

Antonio Davis echoed Brown’s sentiments. “Our problems are things we can fix like free throws, turnovers and rebounding,” Davis added. “It’s a long season but we need to address them and make adjustments, and that’s what Larry always has done best.”

As far as the home opener goes, Brooklyn’s Stephon Marbury, had his thoughts. “Home openers are always exciting, especially in the Garden,” he said “as far as last night goes, we need to slow our game down a little and trust the offense. I think we can do that and hopefully will start tomorrow night.”

One of the many Knicks making their regular season Garden debut Friday will be Eddy Curry. “The Garden is a different place to play, especially since I have spent my whole life in Chicago. But everyone knows when you want to play, having those fans behind you gives you that little extra something. I’ve always loved playing here, not it will be great to be here as a Knick.”

NOTES: Brown added that he was unsure if he would make changes to the inactive list or starting lineup, but felt that the younger players will play more as the season goes along…Curry said he felt sore but OK after last night’s extended minutes…Thomas also worked with Curry on his free throw shooting and with Nate Robinson on his long range shooting after practice.

just passing this along

THANKS NYKnicksfan :) I'm glad to read this. I kinda thought that LB would quickly attack the weaknesses in the Knicks game and concentrate on those things. I was actually very happy with the offense overall and I thought it was a decent start for them, especially on the road. Now they just have to step it up and be even more precise in executing the fundementals. That's why I LOVE Larry Brown. He won't stop until this team is a machine in running this system. Some fans and the whole league is sleeping on this team. I can't wait for them to put it together.