Quote:
Originally Posted by SMC
I was without power since last Monday and finally got it back last night. So I listened to the first 2 Knick games on the radio and saw my first game last night.
Knicks sounded cohesive and playing good defense. I like the small lineup with Melo at 4, and like Kidd in the starting lineup only getting 25 mpg so as not to wear him out. Having both Felton and Kidd out there as facilitators is great. This is the Felton I remember from 2 yrs ago. They can counter any type of defense because of their smarts.
The ball movement was great to hear and it is a conscious effort as Kidd mentioned in the postgame the other night. He knew that the Sixers in the MSG matchup were going to play to stop the 3s so the counter was to attack the rim. The Knicks had a stretch of something like 4 straight layups to build the lead in the 3rd quarter.
As a fan, I can't help but look ahead to December. STAT's injury situation may be a blessing. He should be the 2nd unit's 5 when he comes back. I think he'd be a perfect addition with Novak, Smith, and Prig. Not much defense with that group, but they can score.
Melo was in complete beast mode last year as the 4 and it has, thus far, carried over in these 3 games. He may wear down a bit over the next 8 weeks at the 4, but then again, he didn't last year. Melo is the team's best post player. He can also defend and rebound when he commits. STAT is simply a horrible defender and rebounder.
The Daily News Frank Isola put it best on how the Knicks are playing: "It's really not that complicated; defend, move the ball, play off your superstar and good things can happen."
Injuries will be this teams major worry, because they're built to play sound basketball.
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Nice write up... Completely agree about Stat but I think Woodson will force him in at the 4 and play Melo at the 3 early and will give him major minutes at the 5 when Chandler is in foul trouble. I hope I'm wrong on the former though...
Great game against a sound Dallas team, albeit without Dirk. This team is tough, no question...