(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

*Sorry my tardiness on this extremely late  post*

Knicks fans have been waiting for this team to get into a groove this season after a tough start. Having won four in row and only one game behind Atlantic Division leading Sixers, the Knicks have discovered that playing good defense pays dividends. Carmelo Anthony continues to be clutch for the Knicks hitting two crucial foul shots to seal the win over the Sixers 85-79.

The Sixers came into Madison Square Garden as the hottest team in the NBA winning six in a row and claiming the top spot in the division. Coach Doug Collins has a young Philadelphia team playing with energy and a deep bench that can score with the best of them. The Sixers came into Wednesday night’s matchup with the Knicks having played back to back games and with the NBA’s third leading offense. The Knicks behind Iman Shumpert attacking defense held the Sixers to 40 percent shooting for the night. Tyson Chandler leadership on the boards and Iman energy on defense has the Knicks beginning to develop team chemistry.

Undoubtedly the Knicks offense goes as Melo’ and Amar’e go, but the lack of bench production has been cause for concern. The Knicks bench could only muster 3 points in the win against the Charlotte Bobcats but Coach Mike D’Antoni post game interview spurred some fire with the beleaguered bench. Led by former Kentucky center Josh Harrellson 13 points, included 3-for-5 behind the arc, the Knicks bench added 21 points to the tally. Carmelo’s 27 points lead the team in scoring and his 3 steals and 9 rebounds were impressive. STAT continued to struggle with his mid-range jumper but finished the game scoring 20 points, shooting 8-for-14, and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Knicks out-rebounded the Sixers 46/37 which continues to be an important factor in the recent win streak. But the Knicks had 20 turnovers that nearly cost them the game in the fourth quarter. In addition, Landry Fields continues to struggle shooting 2-for-4 for four points with three rebounds, three steals, two assists and three turnovers in 35-plus minutes. Coach D’Antoni should consider moving Billy Walker into the starting rotation until Landry gets it together. Next up for the Knicks hit the road to face the Memphis Grizzles on Thursday and Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, before coming home Monday to play Dwight Howard and the Magic.

The Knicks began the night aggressive in the paint with Tyson Chandler getting good passes for easy dunks and layups. The rest of the Knicks played well on the offensive side of the ball, but Amar’e continues to struggle with his jumper.

Rookie Iman Shumpert made an immediate impact after missing the last four games with a strained knee, hitting a jumper, grabs 2 boards and providing another point guard option for Coach D’Antoni. Another surprise for the Knicks continues to be the play of Billy Walker off the bench. Walker teamed up with Douglas and Shumpert to provide the Knicks with a good second team but the lack of team chemistry was apparent. Diaw went 7-for7 in the quarter and the Bobcats won the first quarter 30-26.

The Knicks are going to have to learn how to play with each other on both sides of the court before things turn around for this team. At times the Knicks look perfectly in sync, but undoubtedly resort to settling for quick outside shots that get them in a hole. Tyson Chandler who is the vocal leader of this defense needs someone to tell him what to do when Melo gets the ball, 99% of the time expect a shot. Chandler finished the game with six rebounds matching Melo’s effort on the glass. The Garden voiced their disapproval of the Knicks defense after the Bobcats went on a 9-0 run and left the Knicks looking weak going into the half. Iman Shumpert led the Knicks in scoring going into the tunnel with 12 at the half.

The third quarter saw the Knicks come out with more authority, asserting themselves on the defensive side of the court. Every time the Knicks cut the lead to single digits, the Bobcats behind shooting from Gerald Henderson, Boris Diaw and Byron Mullens kept the Knicks at bay. Carmelo did his best as usual to keep the Knicks in the game with 32 pts on 12-for-24 shooting, but the rest of the team provided no help. Bobcats rookie Kemba Walker in his first game in the Garden since turning pro, finishing with 7 points, five assists and two rebounds. Walker admitted to being excited returning to the floor that witnessed him carry the UConn Huskies to the Big East Tournament title with five wins in five days last March. For the Knicks the 4th quarter saw the game slip away behind poor team defense and hot shooting by the Bobcats. The disappearance of Josh Harrellson’s play and the lack of production from Landry Fields is something to keep an eye on as the Knicks lost their second straight home game. Up next for the Knicks is a game in D.C. against the Wizards. Lets hope Coach D’Antoni can get his troops to work together soon than later.

Nu Sef Jones

Follow me @knicks247

Coach D’Antoni started his usual lineup of PG Douglas, SG Fields, SF Anthony, PF Stoudemire, C Chandler, while new Lakers coach Mike Brown without center Andrew Bynum went with PG Fisher, SG Bryant, SF Ebanks, PF McRoberts, and at C Gasol. The game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles marked the Knicks first back-to-back game of the new season and the second in a three game West Coast road trip. Pau Gasol got the Lakers off to good start while Knicks superstar Carmelo shook off the rust on his jump-shot early and didn’t look back. Knicks did get to the free-throw line early going 8-for-8 at the charity stripe which gave them a 19-14 lead with 5:52 remaining in the 1st quarter. Melo quick start with 7 points had the offensive clicking early, but dumb fouls continue to plague the Mike Woodson defense. At the end of the 1st quarter, the Lakers led 31-24, with the Knicks going to the charity strip 12 times, connecting on 11. Melo, Chandler and Amar’e Stoudamire combined for 21 points.

One of the most puzzling stories on offense in the young season is the propensity for Amar’e to settle for outside jumpers and lack of back to the rim scoring. So far it seems the twenty pounds of additional muscle put on in the offseason by “STAT” will be used to shoot 18 foot jumpers instead of attacking the rim. On the few occasions that STAT did force the action around the paint he was successful in forcing fouls and getting easy dunks. The return of veteran point guard Baron Davis will hopefully right Amar’e horrible shot selection in which he shot 4-for-17 finishing with 15 points for the night. The 2nd quarter exposed a second team for the Knicks that lacks in the ability to score and defend the paint. Josh Harrelson looks slightly more confident and newly acquired Steve Novak provided some perimeter scoring but Coach D’Antoni will be happy to get Iman Shumpert and Jared Jefferies back into the rotation sooner than later. The Knicks struggled to contain Kobe Bryant and were overpowered by a resurgent Metta World Peace and at the half trailed the Lakers 63-51. The Knicks offense was pure isolation plays and could not get good shots which were reflected in their dismal 33% shooting for the half. The Lakers offense clicked on all cylinders ending the half shooting 72%.

It is easy for Knicks fans to blame the continued offensive struggles on Coach D’Antoni but the real issue is giving the Big 3 time to get familiar with each others style of play. Amar’e has never played with a center like Tyson Chandler while Melo continues to play the role he knows best, scorer. What normally is developed over the course of a season is not to be expected within the first 3 games. Knicks fans need to step back from the edge and understand this is going to be a process that at times will be painful but in the end the goal remains to clinch the third of forth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Knicksnation should take note of the early struggles of another “Big 3” down in Miami last season as they learned how to bring the best out of each others talents.

The 2nd half of basketball from Los Angeles saw a repeat of the breakdown in scoring and foul trouble that proved to be disastrous. There were brief moments were Amar’e reminded us of his dominance in the paint but those were erased after picking up a mindless technical foul. Rebounding is another issue for the Knicks whose total of 32, two of which were STAT’s, displayed a lack in effort cleaning the glass. Kobe Bryant got to work earning his pay by scoring 10 in the quarter, finishing with a game high 28. The 4th quarter saw the Knicks get off to a terrible 0-for-7 and Amar’e continued to struggle to find the bottom of the net. The Lakers steadily increased their lead to a 16 pt advantage at the 4:57 mark that sealed the win. The Knicks could only muster 10 total pts for the quarter as the Knicks lost their second in a row. The team from New York ends 2011 in Sacramento as they hope to close out their West Coast swing with a victory against the (1-2) Kings. Patience is a virtue but in a town that is quick to judge its sports teams, it will be hard for Knicks fans to accept losing as a part of the growth process. Hang in there guys and gals, we have not yet begun to fight..

NU Sef Jones

Follow me @knicks247

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.

CHICAGO BULLS

I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews  and my acne.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.

DETROIT PISTONS

We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!

DENVER NUGGETS

We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.

L.A. CLIPPERS

We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to plant testosterone tablets in Pau Gasol’s drinks throughout the season.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to get Tony Allen as far away from our team as possible.

MIAMI HEAT

We resolve to win the Finals, not for LeBron but for original man: Juwan Howard.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of signing of Mike Dunleavy Jr.!

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to play in Brooklyn until Brooklyn realizes that the Nets play in Brooklyn, then we haul ass to Russia! #NYETS

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say!

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Carmelo Anthony resolve to remember that I, Carmelo am the only option, and I need to shoot every single time!

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to do whatever we can to keep Russell Westbrook from becoming Stephon Marbury and eventually eating Vaseline on Twitter!

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard resolve to ask, demand, then say pretty please for a trade.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Steve Nash resolve to never leave the Suns, and continue playing until they can find a point guard better then I.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

We resolve to burn some Sage in the Rose Garden, because our team is definitely cursed!

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We resolve to remind all those fans that fought to keep the team in Sacramento that the team is still in Sacramento

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to remind the Jazz players that the sign that said “Team of Misfit Players” was not funny.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to let John Wall do whatever he wants to and to continue letting Glbert Arenas in the locker room so he can shit in Rashard Lewis’s shoes.

The Knicks came into Tuesday night game against the Golden State Warriors riding a wave of positive energy, having won their opening game against the division rival Celtics. New York hasn’t won its first two games since opening 3-0 in 1999-2000, also the last season it won a playoff series. This year would be no different as the Warriors without starting PG Stephen Curry and a horrible shooting performance by embattled Monte Ellis blew out the Knicks in the fourth quarter, on their way to their second win under Coach Mark Jackson 92-78.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Knicks began the night as beneficiaries of four early turnovers by the Warriors, which was due to sloppy play more so than great defense. Poor shooting by Amar’e and early foul trouble for co-stars Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler forced Coach D’Antoni to play the bench. The offense never got into a steady rhythm as the PG woes continued for the Knicks. Mike D’Antoni went with a Knicks lineup of Billy Walker, Mike Bibby, Josh Harrelson, Melo, and Landry Fields that seemed inept on both ends of the court.  Harrelson continued his sloppy play and looked overwhelmed in the moment again. Lead by Landry Fields aggressive play the Knicks closed out the quarter up 23-21.

Follow me @knicks247

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Knicks starters were Toney Douglas, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler. The Celtics without the services of All-Star Paul Pierce started Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Sasha Pavlovic, Kevin Garnett, and at Center Jermaine O’Neal. The Knicks used the 1st quarter to build a 34-23 lead behind 52% shooting. The PG matchup between Rondo and Douglass had Knicks fan fuming with Rondo driving to the rim with numerous uncontested layups.  Rondo finished with 31 points and 13 dimes.  Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert scored his first points in the NBA with a layup and was fouled for a three-point play. Unfortunately for the Knicks, Shumpert sprained his knee in the 3rd quarter and did not return to the game. Initial reports have Shumpert unavailable for 2 weeks, leaving the Knicks with Mike Bibby to back up Douglass.

The 2nd quarter began with Amar’e displaying his new 3 point shot which had the Garden crowd out of their seats. Douglass tried in vain to slow down Rondo who continued to murder the Knicks on easy fast break points and wide open jumpers. Douglass was effective on the offensive side of the court but failed to effectively control the tempo of the game. Brandon Bass who was acquired for “Big Baby” in a trade with the Orlando Magic, paid dividends controlling the boards and dunking 2nd shot attempts. The 2nd quarter ended with the Knicks up 62-52.

The refs lead by veteran Joey Crawford didn’t hesitate blowing the whistle issuing a technical foul to Amar’e early in the game and that theme continued throughout the 2nd half. Early in the 3rd quarter the Knicks struggled to find their offense and settled for isolation plays for Carmelo who left the game after picking up his fourth foul early in the quarter. The Celtics continued to expose the Knicks backcourt with a 14-2 run to tie the game at 69. The Knicks offense had a complete breakdown shooting 2 for 11 until Toney Douglass was able to stop the bleeding with a jumper. Adding injury to insult, Knicks backup forward Jared Jefferies left the game with a calf injury. Shumpert went down late in the third as it seemed Knicksnation worst nightmares were becoming reality. The Celtics dominated the 3rd quarter outscoring the Knicks 35-17 in period. At the end of 3 the Knicks trailed Boston 87-79.

Entering the 4th quarter the Knicks defensives woes seemed to get the best of them. A rejuvenated Kevin Garnett began to heat up from the outside hitting dagger jumpers while the Knicks struggled to score. But great players show up in big moments and the Knicks prayers were answered by Carmelo Anthony. A Tyson Chandler dunk on inbounds pass with 8:03 left in the game got the Knicks back on track with a thunderous applause from the crowd. After Carmelo tied the game with a 3 pointer from the wing, the game was tied at century mark. KG answered back with a jumper while Tyson Chandler tried in vain to play defense on the wily veteran. Like a heavyweight fight all eyes were on Melo’ when he took the ball to the rim and got fouled, making one of two free throws tying the game at 102 with 2 minutes left on the clock. After a missed jumper by Ray Allen the Knicks gave the ball to Carmelo who gave the Knicks their final points from the free throw line at 106. Celtics coach Doc Rivers who is known for his last minute heroics failed to get Ray Allen or Rondo the ball as Kevin Garnett took the last shot of the game and bricked the attempt. With no love lost between the two teams KG and Billy Walker got in a shoving match after the buzzer, no doubt the Atlantic Division rivals will be in a heated race throughout the season.

The fear of a lost season is over thanks to a last minute ditch effort to save the 2011-
12 NBA season. Negotiations in mid-town Manhattan resulted in an agreement on
November 9th at 2 am ended the 149 day lockout. Players all expressed their pleasure
to get to training camp and return to the hardwood. The 2011-12 preseason office
maneuvers began early December 9th with the NBA season beginning on Christmas Day
with 8 teams set to tip off. Many questions remain to be answered as teams scramble to
sign free agents and make trades before preseason games beginning next week.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

The New York Knicks ended last season in a 1st round sweep at the hands of the hated Boston Celtics, crushing dreams of a Eastern Conference match up against the Miami Heat. Injuries to Amar’e Stoudamire and Chauncey Billups forced Carmelo Anthony to step up his scoring and shoulder the burden of carrying the team. Ending the season with
a 42-40 records, and finishing second in the league in scoring at 106.5 per gm/ and second to last in defense avg 105.7 per gm. The Knicks made it clear that acquiring a defensive stopper and finding players to compliment the scoring of Melo and STAT to be priority number one. The buzz over Chris Paul engulfed the Big Apple and flooded
twitter trending topics. The New Orleans point guard was seen all over New York during the lockout even attending charity events with Carmelo and Amar’e. It seemed the
Knicks were ready to solidify themselves as a title contender with a CP3 coming to town
to complete the 3 superstar roster. Unbeknownst to league general managers was a
cauldron of league owners resistant to trading to the All-Star point guard. After
information leaked regarding a possible trade scenario involving the LA Lakers and
Houston Rockets that would send Lakers’ Lamar Odom, Rockets Kevin Martin and Luis
Scola to N.O. the Commissioner Stern used executive power to block the move. Knicks
GM Glen Grunwald under pressure from fans and his star players quickly pulled off an
unanticipated move by acquiring free agent Center Tyson Chandler of the World
Champion Dallas Mavericks for 4 years at $56 million. In order to feel up cap room, the
Knicks used the amnesty provision and waived PG Chauncey Billups and moved Center
Ronny Turiaf and cash to the Washington Wizards. Reserve guard Andy Rautins was
traded to the Mavericks for draft picks. The 7-1 Chandler helped anchor the defense for
the Mavericks as they made their improbable run for their 1st franchise championship.
Chandler had 12 double-doubles last season in addition to grabbing 206 offensive
rebounds. Coach Mike D’Antoni heralded Chandler signing as the primary signing of the
offseason elevating the team closer to its championship goal. Chandlers presence allows
Amar’e and Anthony to focus on scoring and gives the Knicks a bonafide rim defender.

The Knicks have a glaring hole in the backcourt with Billups out of the picture. Signing
veteran PG Mike Bibby looks to add depth to a depleted guard roster. Toney Douglas
looks to be an important part of the Knicks game plan and improve on his 244 assist
total from last year. Rumors continue to fly about a possible Knicks acquisition of SG
Jamal Crawford and a return to the Garden. Adding another scorer off the bench looks
to add depth to a roster lacking in shooters with rookie Iman Shumpert and 2nd year
player Landry Fields filling out the bench. The Knicks schedule has 4 games scheduled
against the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, with 3 games against the Miami Heat. The
abbreviated 66 game season will force the Knicks to get their chemistry right quickly.
With an opening game on national TV Coach D’Antoni will be under a microscope with
Dolan dishing out the cash to make a Knicks title contender. Anything less than a 42 win
season and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals will be looked at as a disappointment.
The two biggest questions remain on defense and which guards will step up and
overachieve. This roster will be under pressure to finish at the top of the division and
bring the Garden back to prominence. First up on the hit list for Knicks are the Boston
Leprechauns’ Christmas Day.

Respect the grind!
NU SEF JONES!

Continue to follow the Knicks on www.thetruthsports.com and yours truly on twitter
@knicks247

Links

Tyson Chandler talks to the Media

Iman Shumpert Highlights

STAT 2011 Highlights

Carmelo Anthony New Shoes’ M8

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

In Game 2, Rajon Rondo took FULL advantage of the inexperienced Toney Douglas scoring 22 of his 30 points on field goals inside of 5 feet of the basket. Rondo scored 14 points in the 1st quarter on lay-up, after lay-up in transition, and 16 total points in transition, seven more points then the Knicks.

Ray Allen finished with 18 points, Paul Pierce had 20 points, but the game ball goes to Kevin Garnett, who also took advantage of a lesser player.

Garnett sank the go-ahead basket with 14 seconds left over Jared Jeffries then stole the ball from him with 4 seconds insuring victory. “I wasn’t really in a nice rhythm,” said Garnett, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. “I just remained calm, went to a shot I knew I could make.”

The Knicks were without Chauncey Billups, and midway through the first half Amar’e Stoudemire was sidelined with back spasms. That left Carmelo Anthony in a familiar role, all by himself. Anthony matched his career playoff high for points(42) and set a new high with 17 boards. He was 4 assists away from his second career triple-double.

Through three quarters, Anthony had made 10-of-22 shots while the rest of the Knicks were 12-for-47.

Game 3 is Friday at New York, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ Celtics lead series 2-0

via @docfunk

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