Looks like New York found a closer
Closing out a basketball game is something that has been a thing of the past for the Knicks, until now. Over the past years last night’s game would have been a loss. After those six points that Amare scored in the last few minuets to seal the deal was something I as a fan have not seen since the likes of Patrick Ewing.
The new Knickerbockers have a face of confidence and that face is Amare Stoudemire. As this team gels, Amare’s confidence will rub off on everyone who wants a piece at the end of a game.
First off concerning last night’s game, I would like to say what a smart move it was to have Chandler come in as a 6th man. I think Chandler has the potential to break out in this role, less thinking and more doing.
I also really like how the rotation is looking. and I don’t want to hear people say Turiaf should be starting; he belongs on the bench for firepower. Mosgov is there to intimidate, and shows a lot promise. Last night’s game was not a good opponent for Mosgov, Bargnani plays like a small forward. It’s going to take time for Mosgov’s transition into a NBA player; we need to be patient because the finish product is going to be very nice.
One beef I have with the rotation is Roger Mason Jr. getting time over Andy Rautins. I’ve never been a fan of Rogers’s game. Let Rautins chuck up those three shots over seven minuets. Andy’s no slough on the defensive end, and he seems to have a high basketball IQ. What’s your take on who has a brighter future with the team?
I’m very interested to see where Kelenna Azubuike will be in the rotation when he gets back to full health. This guy is going to delete my one beef with the rotation because both those guys will be riding the pine when Azubuike comes into play. People are going to like the way this kid plays. Then again let’s see how he come back from major knee surgery.
We all know it’s not who starts the game it’s who finishes games. With that statement I would like to give a big shout out to Ronny Turiaf. Ronny is what we have been missing since, dare I say, Chris Dudley. Now I know Turiaf is a better player then Dudley, I’m just saying he gives us the raw toughness and hunger from a backup center position we have been missing. I don’t expect Turiaf to have 4 blocks every night, but we will see toughness and hustle from him every game.
I’d also like to give a rookie shout out to Landry Fields for a very solid veteran like play. 30 minuets 11 points (50%), 1 steal, 1 block, 1 FOUL. I love this kid. There were two things that stood out with his play from last night. His defense was very solid, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him on the defensive end. Fields really stuck to his opponent all game long. The other thing about his play was his off the ball movement on the offensive end. His basketball IQ is extremely high. This kid knows where to be at the right time on offense. He had two nice offensive rebounds to show for it and 50 percent shooting from the field on open looks. I don’t want to eat my words on this kid, but I see him as a Rip Hamilton type of player with a three point shot.
One more positive note I’d like to say, WE FINALLY HAVE A POINT GUARD. He is not a super star but he is the best thing we’ve had at the point guard position since Derrick Harper. Raymond Felton is a huge upgrade for this team--he really knows how to run a team. Over the duration of the season we will really get to see what he can do. Once this team gels. Feltons stats, 15 points, 6 assists,1 steal and 6 rebounds is pretty darn good for the first game. I really like the toughness Raymond brings to the table every night. I would like to see one or two fewer turnovers from him; but I think the turnover thing will disappear with time.
Other side notes on Gallo: his shot is not falling; he seemed to be rushing his shot right now. He was there on the defensive end last night with 1 block, and 6 bounds, and trust me its not a matter of if his shots going to fall its when. It’s all about consistency with Gallo, he needs to be able to show up every game and be that second or on some nights 3rd option. He needs to demand the ball more. I don’t want to see his shot selection vary as drastically as it did last year. I want him to get into a rhythm for the year.
One name you’re going to hear a lot about, and drill it into your head. TONEY DOUGLES. This kid is bound to have a break out year. His defense is just mesmerizing; he is just to good defensively not to have him out there in tight games. One thing is critical for his break out, and that is consistency on offence. He has the talent lets see if he can do it offensively game in and game out.
Rebounding this is a scary topic, we need to improve big time in this area to win against big name teams. Reggie Evans was amazing last night; I mean he looked like the past Reggie Evens when he was on the Super Sonics if they gave him 30 plus minuets. That being said we actually out rebounded the raptors both offensively and defensively. That stat is going to be critical, you can’t give teams like Boston or the Lakers second chances or third chances they will blow you out of the game.
There are lots of things that are going to have to happen for the Knicks to win next game against Boston. Number one, rebounding we need to out rebound them and limit their second chance buckets. Number two attack the rim, force the Celtics into foul trouble the C’s seem to get frustrated quite easily, see last nights game vs Cavilers. Number three limit our turnovers Amare had 9 of our 15 turnovers. Number four is lets hit our open shots; Boston plays a tight defense so lets make the best of our opportunities. Number five force the C’s into taking bad shots no open looks for Ray Ray and CO.
One thing that is true, it’s going to be exciting Knick basketball to watch this year. I have not been able to say that for a long, long time. See you guys after the Boston game.
10/28/2010 3:43 PM