Jan
2
2012
On New Years Eve, the Knicks overcame the absence of Amar’e Stoudemire to defeat the Kings in a laugher 114-92. Jorts was the main attraction, scoring 14 points and pulling down 12 boards. Toney Douglas showed flashes of being an actual point guard and finished with 17 points and 8, count ‘em 8, assists. Melo had 23 points, Chandler had 22 and Fields had 21.
Notes from the game:
- Jorts was a beast. He had a solid all around game. Harrellson hit 4-8 shots from beyond the arc and shot 5-11 overall. His ability to hit the 3 ball created some nice spacing on the floor thus opening up the lane for Chandler and the rest of the Knicks. He also did a fantastic job guarding “the crybaby” DeMarcus Cousins. Jorts held the former lottery pick to 9 points on 2-10 shooting.
- Tyson Chandler had his best game as a Knick, scoring 22 points and pulling down 7 boards in 24 minutes. He still got in some early foul trouble but played through it to help New York put the game away in the 4th. Him and Douglas found some rhythm in the pick and roll game which is huge for the Knicks. Chandler showed his violent finishing ability at the rim that Knicks fans have been waiting to see. Chandler also had a monster block in the 3rd quarter and 3 blocks in the game. This game showed exactly why the Knicks wanted to get Chandler and why they paid a king’s ransom for him.
- Toney Douglas actually played a solid game as the point guard. He had flashes of brilliance in the pick and roll game. He still picked up his dribble too early at times and missed a couple open cuts but he showed improvement. That is key for Douglas. If he can continue to improve as the season progresses, I think he will be good enough for this team.
- THE KNICKS FINALLY MADE SHOTS!! In their last two losses, the Knick offense was putrid. They could not move the ball effectively, they did not fight for second chance points but most importantly they did not make shots. Against Sacramento, the Knicks finally made shots. Against Golden State and Los Angeles, the Knicks shot 40% and 31% respectively. Against Boston and Sacramento, both wins, the Knicks shot 47% and 45% respectively. This team is not good enough defensively and they are not efficient enough in the pick and roll and in the post game to miss shots and win games. Right now, this is a mostly jump shooting team. They must make shots in order to win.
- To his credit, I actually think Bill Walker had a very nice game. He had a foolish fast break turnover but I thought he played well.
- Landry Fields had a great game. Fields scored 21 and was a +40 on the night. This game showed why, either on here or on various spree casts, I have defended Fields. Much like Stoudemire and others, Fields is still adjusting and getting confident in this new system playing with Carmelo Anthony. I think if Fields is given patience and time, he will eventually be a very efficient player. He is tall, long and athletic. Already he is a good defender and I think the offense will come.
- They called a horrendous flagrant on Bibby for grabbing a guy’s arm… and then didn’t call a flagrant when Jason Thompson threw Bill Walker to the ground.
- Jerome Jordan picked up 4 fouls in 7 minutes.
- Jeremy Lin didn’t look very good…
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By Taylor Armosino •
Game Previews/ Recaps •
