Nets Make It 11 Straight Wins at Home

espn.go.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 21st, 2014

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap

Final Score: Celtics 98 Nets 114

The Brooklyn Nets sporting their nice alternative blue and grey jerseys were able to pick up their 11th straight victory at the Barclays Center on Friday night against the Boston Celtics. The win moves the Nets to just 1.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors with a (36-31) record, as the Oklahoma City Thunder helped the Nets out by beating the Raptors in double overtime behind 51 points from Kevin Durant. 

Player of the Game: Joe Johnson

In the blowout win for the Nets their starters didn’t have to play much, but when Joe Johnson was on the court he was on fire. Johnson played the most of any starter, playing 30 minutes, which led to him having a team-high 27 points on 10 for 16 shooting, including going an outstanding six of eight from three-point range. Johnson added four assists and two rebounds to go along with his big scoring performance.

W2W4: Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets March 21st, 2014

news.sportslogos.net

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 21st, 2014

W2W4: Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Brooklyn Nets will be at home on Friday night hosting the Boston Celtics, as the Nets will be looking for their 11th straight win in the Barclays Center. The Nets are currently 2.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division with the Raptors hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Match-Up of the Game: Rajon Rondo vs. Deron Williams

On Friday night in the Barclays Center their will be a great match-up at the Point Guard position, as Rajon Rondo will be facing off against Deron Williams. Rondo is coming off a very good game against the Miami Heat, as the Celtics were able to pull off the upset at home against the defending champs. In Wednesday’s win, Rondo almost had a triple-double, with 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and nine points. In two games this season against the Nets, Rondo has played well averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. Rondo will however have his hands full, as Deron Williams has been on fire in his last two games combining for 53 points on 19 for 28 shooting against the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats.

- Looking for Revenge

Earlier in the month the Nets were in Boston, which turned into a nightmare for the Nets, as they were held to just 84 points on March 7th. What killed the Nets earlier in March was the horrendous three-point shooting, as they went just four for 30 from deep. The backcourt of Williams and Joe Johnson played well, but there wasn’t much help from anyone else, as Paul Pierce has yet to play a good game this season against his former team.

- New Uniforms

Tonight will be the debut of the new Brooklyn blue jerseys, as the short-sleeved blue and grey jerseys look pretty sharp paying tribute to the old Brooklyn Dodgers. Many thought that Brooklyn would have these as the normal team colors, but they obviously decided to go with the black and white, but it is nice to see these as an alternative jersey.

Knicks Blow Celtics Out For 5th Straight Win

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, March 12^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were able to go into Boston and handle business Wednesday night, coming away with a 116-92 blowout victory over the Celtics. It was a total team effort tonight from the Knicks on both ends of the court overall as they took control of the game right from the start. The victory tonight moves the Knicks to three games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs and alone in ninth place. The Knicks will take their five game winning streak into a matinee with the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night and look to inch closer to the playoffs.

-Player of the Game: Cole Aldrich

 

Jared Wickerham-Getty Images

With Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire both sidelined for tonight, the Knicks needed someone to step up and try filling the void. That person tonight was Aldrich, who made his first NBA start and put together a great game in the process. Aldrich recorded a double-double, scoring a career-high tying 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. He also brought intensity and production to the defensive end, blocking three shots. Aldrich knows his role with the team and that he probably will not play much, if at all, when all the regulars come back, but for one night Aldrich was called upon and he showed up. This is a good thing all around as the Knicks now know what Aldrich can give them in a pinch and Aldrich now has the confidence that he can come in and produce.

-Positives

W2W4: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics; March 10th, 2014

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, March 12^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Knicks and Celtics will be facing off for the fourth and final time this season in Boston. The Knicks will look to even the season series up at two, as the Celtics won the first two meetings pretty handedly and the Knicks won in blowout fashion in the most recent meeting. This is an important game for the Knicks as they continue their playoff push, as they cannot afford to lose to teams below them in the standings to move up. The Knicks will look to continue their four game winning streak and here are some news and notes for them to do so.

-Player News and Notes

The Knicks will be extremely short-handed in the front court tonight. Tyson Chandler will not be with the team for the second consecutive game as he deals with a personal problem. The Knicks will also be without his frontcourt mate in the starting lineup in Amar’e Stoudemire. Stoudemire will miss tonight’s game for precautionary reasons; he has played 56 minutes in his last two games after being on a strict minutes limit throughout the season.  One of Jeremy Tyler or Cole Aldrich will most likely find themselves in the starting lineup and both getting increased minutes tonight. Earl Clark will more likely find his way into the rotation tonight as the backup big man off the bench.

For the Celtics, Rajon Rondo will not be suiting up. Rondo played 41 minutes last night against the Indiana Pacers and will be held out. Rondo is still not playing back-to-backs for the Celtics, who have very little to play for so pushing Rondo makes little sense. The Knicks catch a break as the inexperienced Phil Pressey will take over the starting point guard duties.

-Match-Up of the Game: Carmelo Anthony vs. Jeff Green

NBA.Com

Nets Shooting Woes Cost Them in Boston

scores.espn.go.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 7^th, 2014

Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics Post Game Recap

Final Score: Nets 84 Celtics 91

The Brooklyn Nets were unable to stay above the .500 mark on Friday night, as they were defeated by the Boston Celtics. The loss moves the Nets to (30-30) on the season, and they now trail the Toronto Raptors by four games in the Atlantic Division.

Player of the Game: Joe Johnson

Shooting Guard Joe Johnson was questionable to play on Friday with an illness, but was able to play, and along with Deron Williams was good for Brooklyn. Johnson finished with a game-high 21 points on nine for 21 shooting. He also grabbed seven rebounds, which was a quarter of the Nets total rebounds as the Celtics dominated the glass, holding the Nets to just 28 as a team. It was the third straight good game from Johnson, which is important for the Nets heading into the stretch run.

W2W4: Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics March 7th, 2014

barclayscenter.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 7^th, 2014

W2W4: Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics

The Brooklyn Nets will be heading up to Boston to play against the Celtics on Friday night, as the Nets will look to stay above the .500 mark against a struggling Celtics team. With their (30-29) record the Nets are sitting three games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division.

- No Return for KG

Kevin Garnett has missed the last three games with back spasms and wont be available for the Nets on Friday night against his former team the Celtics. Rookie Mason Plumlee will be making the start yet again in place of Garnett. Plumlee hasnt played bad in the starting role, as the athletic, energitic Plumlee is averaging five points and a little more than five rebounds per game in the absence of Garnett. Joe Johnson is listed as questionable for Friday, as he is a bit under the weather. Even against the Celtics its tough to head into a game without possibly two of your normal starting lineup.

Knicks Exact Some Revenge and Blowout Celtics

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, January 28^th, 2014

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were able to exact some revenge on the rival Celtics tonight, blowing them out 114-88; the score does not even do justice to just how much the Knicks outplayed the Celtics tonight. The Celtics came into Madison Square Garden December 8^th and gave the Knicks their third worst defeat in franchise history so tonight put a smile on their faces. It was a solid team effort as everyone did their part tonight to get the victory, the third in a row for the Knicks. The win also evens their win and lose record at 3-3 during the eight game home stand. The Knicks will get back at it Thursday night again at Madison Square Garden against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

NBA.com

The Knicks for once did not need Anthony to carry the offensive load himself, as the blowout victory enabled him to get some rest for once. But he was still a catalyst in the blowout victory, as he helped with a little bit of everything. Anthony fueled the blowout with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals in only 28 minutes. Anthony got some much needed rest as the Knicks are extremely shorthanded currently in the front court. Anthony scored efficiently and kept his teammates involved, a potent combination for the Knicks this season as they improved their record to 13-3 when Anthony registers four or more assists in a game.

-Positives

The offense was clicking for the Knicks tonight, as they shot an impressive 53.7 percent (44-82) on the night, knocking down half their three pointers (10-20) in the process. Four other Knicks including Anthony scored in double figures, including a career high 17 points from Jeremy Tyler. Tyler has performed well in his limited minutes this season and looks to be a viable option for head coach Mike Woodson with all of the injuries ravaging the front court currently. Chandler added 12 to go along with 13 rebounds to give him his third double-double in his last four games as he continues to round into shape. J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. were the other Knicks in double figures, as the two are becoming a potent backcourt combination off the bench, scoring 17 and 16 points respectively. This was the second game in a row that the Knicks had five players score in double figures.

NBA.com

The defense was as effective as the offense through the first three quarters when the regulars were in. The Celtics were as cold shooting the ball as the temperatures outside, missing 12 of their first 15 three point attempts. On the night they shot 39 percent overall and an unsightly 27.3 (6-22) from the three point line. This looked nothing like the Celtics that routed the Knicks in December, as no one was able to really get going for Boston. Jeff Green led the way with 14 points.

-Negatives

It wasn’t all positive for the Knicks Tuesday night, as the injury bug reared its ugly head again. Kenyon Martin was returning from a five game absence and was barely able to make it through a half as he had a reoccurrence of his left ankle pain. Martin returned to the bench and was said to be able to return, but with the game in hand Woodson did not risk it, but the fact he had to leave the court at all is not good. Iman Shumpert was also injured in the game with a right shoulder injury. The Knicks could be without Shumpert for an extender period of time as the severity of the injury is not yet known, but he was not able to return to the court tonight.

Knicks Early and Late Struggles Result in Tough Loss

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, December 13^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Post Game Recap

The Knicks suffered a hard fought, heart breaking loss Friday night in Boston 90-86. It is the second time in a week that the Celtics defeated the Knicks, after a rout Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. This is a terrible loss for the Knicks as they have dropped the first two meetings of the season with the Celtics The Knicks had control in the game, going up by 11 in the fourth quarter after falling down by as many as 17 in the first half. Unfortunately the reoccurring story of a stalling Knicks offense played out again and they faltered down the stretch. The Knicks fall to 6-16 with the loss tonight and sit in the basement of the Atlantic Division.

Player of the Game: Amar’e Stoudemire

For the second consecutive game Stoudemire receives the player of the game. He came up huge once again for the Knicks on the offensive end, scoring 18 points on 7-9 shooting. He showed off his increasing confidence knocking down multiple jump shots once again. He also played 30 minutes again, which could cause some concern for the Knicks; Kenyon Martin was forced out of the game in the fourth quarter with an abdominal strain. Stoudemire may not be available for the Knicks tomorrow and it would be a huge blow, I have said it once and I will say it again that he is the most efficient scorer the Knicks have. No one scores as easily on the team as he does and without him making easy baskets it will be tough sledding for the Knicks tomorrow night.

-Positive

W2W4: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, December 13^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Knicks were able to win a tough game Wednesday night after two disappointing performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers and these Boston Celtics. The Celtics hammered the Knicks Sunday night by 41 points, so tonight the Knicks will be looking to exact some revenge. Here are some things to watch for tonight as the Knicks and Celtics will top off at 7:30 PM ET in Boston.

-Which Defense Shows Up?

Nets Defeat Celtics in Return of Deron Williams

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

December 10th, 2013

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap

Final Score: Celtics 96 Nets 104

For the first time this season the Brooklyn Nets are now on a winning streak with their victory at home against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. The 104-96 win at the Barclays Center moves the Nets to (7-14) on the season, and puts them just two games back of lead in the Atlantic Division.

- Positives

Quite possibly the biggest positive of all season so far for the Nets was the return of Deron Williams, who played in his first game since November 20th due to an ankle injury. Despite missing a lot of time so far this season Williams did not look rusty in the win, and in fact looked like the Williams of the second half of last season. Williams finished with 25 points on 10 for 16 shooting, and also dished out seven assists.

Week in Review with Kenny and Nick: June 30th, 2013

After some technical difficulties everyone's favorite radio hosts, the Best Looking Radio Show of Kenny (@teapeste725) and Nick (@ziggy26x) were able to host the Week in Review on the Bob Sullivan Show (@BobSullivanShow). The tandem break downs the NBA Draft, handing out grades for every team in the NBA for how they fared on draft night. They discuss how much they like or dislike the players and the situations some teams are heading in. The two also talk about the two big trades that have been completed since the draft between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. Follow the link below to listen in to the whole show!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-bob-sullivan-show/2013/06/30/week-in-review-with-kenny-and-nick-1

2013 NBA Draft: Best of the Rest

Jerome Carpenter/Capitol Broadcasting Company

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

With the NBA Draft complete there are some surprising names still available for teams to pick up as undrafted free agents. Some are players coming from smaller colleges, while others were once hotshot prospects that have since fallen out of favor with NBA teams. It will be tough to stick in the NBA as an undrafted free agent, much like a second round pick, but they do have an advantage that second round picks don’t; they will be able to choose which team they want to try out and play for. Here is the best of the rest remaining players that were not drafted.

Breaking Down the Nets/Celtics Trade

By Ryan McDonald(@RonnieMac90)

After the first round of the NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics have agreed in principle to a trade that sends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn according to Yahoo Sports.

What the Nets Give Up
Gerald Wallace
Tornike Shengelia
Kris Humphries
Reggie Evans
Keith Bogans
Kris Joeseph
2014 1^st Round Pick
2016 1^st Round Pick
2018 1^st Round Pick

What the Nets Get
Kevin Garnett
Paul Pierce
Jason Terry

A major deal that required Kevin Garnett to waive his no trade clause, which he did late Thursday night. This is has put the Celtics in full rebuilding mode, and expect them to trade Rajon Rondo later in the year as well.

For the Nets though, giving up 3 1^st round picks for three aging players? Pierce and Terry are both 35 and Garnett is 37 years old. However, all picks are expected to be non-lottery, which means they’re not as valuable as they would appear. So it’s not as bad as a negative as some are making it out to be.

Then we have the actual players that we gave up and their replacements. Is Kevin Garnett, even at his age, an upgrade over Reggie Evans, who started at power forward for most of the year for the Nets? Absolutely, a huge upgrade. Garnett is a better passer, a better defender, and of course, a better offensive player. Garnett has a great jump shot which will space the floor and allow Lopez to be much more effective than when he was paired with Evans. Garnett also brings the intangibles, he’s a natural born leader and has always been. He plays with maximum effort all the time, which not saying Evans didn’t, but some of this roster needs to start doing more often.

Next up is Paul Pierce replacing Gerald Wallace. Again, Pierce is a much better shooter than Wallace, so he’ll space the floor much better. However, Wallace is the better defender. The Nets will miss Wallace on defense and rebounding, but in scoring and passing, Pierce is superior. It’ll be interesting to see however who the Nets put on the oppositions best perimeter player, which was normally Wallace. Pierce at this point is a bit of a liability on defense, as is Joe Johnson, but hopefully Garnett will help protect the rim and Lopez will continue to develop his shot blocking to make up for Johnson and Pierce’s poor defense.

Jason Terry will most likely assume the role as Deron Williams’ back up and replace CJ Watson who will be lost to free agency. Again, the Nets lose perimeter defense, as Terry has difficulties on defense. But Terry is known for his big shot making, and can shoot off the dribble extremely well still.

The starting line up will be projected to be Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez. With Terry, MarShon Brooks, Mirza Teletovic, and Mason Plumlee off the bench.

With the addition of such aging players, it’s clear that the Nets have Championship or bust for the 2013-2014 NBA season. This means even MORE expectations for rookie head coach Jason Kidd. Already under what was called unrealistic expectations, Kidd will be expected to deliver a Championship this upcoming season. This could end with a short run of Kidd as the Nets’ head coach say the Nets lose in the 2^nd round of the playoffs which could easily happen.

If they don’t win a championship this upcoming season, the future is bleak. Terry, Garnett, Pierce, will all be another year older, and their play has already significantly downgraded. As well as Joe Johnson, who seems to have hit and past his prime already. Pierce’s contract expires after the 2013/2014 season, but Garnett’s and Terry’s do not expire till after the 2015/2016 season. Even with Pierce’s expiring contract, the Nets’ payroll will be roughly $84,000,000. Meaning they won’t be able to do anything in terms of free agency. After the 2015/2016, again, the Nets’ payroll will still be $62,000,000, tied up in Lopez, Johnson, and Williams. This means that after this crucial 2013/2014 season, the Nets will not be bad enough to get the few 1^st round picks they have left to be lottery picks, but they won’t be good enough to contend for a championship.

Even so, I still think this was a good trade for the Nets. The Nets as constructed with Gerald Wallace, would not contend for a Championship anyway, and they still wouldn’t be bad enough to get into the lottery. The Nets are trading away the next 3 years of being a 4-8 seed in the East, for a shot at being a 1-3 seed and a shot at the NBA Finals.

The trade makes them a better team for this year, and that’s all we can really ask for. They aren’t the favorites to win it all, but they’ve certainly gotten better, and anything can happen.

Knicks Knock Off Celtics to Move onto 2nd Round

http://twitpic.com/cnz5l6

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, May 3^rd, 2013

Game 6 Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Knicks: 88 Boston Celtics: 80

The Knicks have finally ended their 13 year draught and have advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a hard-fought series against the Boston Celtics.  The Knicks experienced almost everything a team can in a playoff series and will hopefully put this to use as a lesson heading deeper into the playoffs against better teams.  The Knicks almost squandered a big lead in the game tonight becoming complacent after going up 26 points in the fourth quarter.  The Knicks will take on the Indiana Pacers in the second round as they advanced past the Atlanta Hawks tonight as well and will get that series underway Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

-Positives

C’s Avoid Sweep as Knicks Comeback Falls Short in OT

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Sunday, April 28^th, 2013

Game 4 Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Knicks: 90 Boston Celtics: 97

The Knicks once again spotted the Celtics a first half to forget but unlike Game 1 and 2 they were not able to finish the comeback this time around.  The Celtics went up by as many as 20 points but once again imploded in the second half, giving the Knicks an opportunity to get back in the game and even take a lead at the end.  The Knicks struggled to put the ball in the basket throughout the game without Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, who was suspended for the afternoon after a flagrant-2 foul when he elbowed Jason Terry in Game 3.  The Knicks will look to bounce back and close out the series Wednesday night back at Madison Square Garden with Smith back in the lineup.

-Positives

Knicks Throttle Celtics, 1 Win From Series Sweep

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, April 26^th, 2013

Game 3 Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Knicks: 90 Boston Celtics: 76

The Knicks are one win away from sweeping the Celtics and winning their first playoff series in 13 years after giving the Celtics a thorough whooping tonight in Boston.  Unlike the first two games in the series when the Celtics were able to make some noise in the first half, they were taken out of the game right from the start tonight as the Knicks led basically the whole way.  The Knicks dominated right from the opening tip and took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, basically guaranteeing themselves a visit to the second round as no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a seven-game series.

-Positives

Another Strong 2nd Half Gives Knicks 2-0 Series Lead

Debby Wong/USA TODAY Sports

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 23^rd, 2013

Game 2 Post Game Recap

Final Score: Boston Celtics: 71 New York Knicks: 87

It was déjà vu at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night as Game 2 between the Knicks and Celtics was eerily similar to Game 1 Saturday afternoon.  The game played out almost in the exact same fashion as the Celtics played a strong first half but the Knicks bombarded them in the second half, looking like a totally different team, to pull away and get the win.  It has been a long time since the Knicks were in a position like this in the playoffs, as 2000 was the last time they held a 2-0 lead in a series; it is also the last time the Knicks won a playoff series.  The Knicks have yet to do anything in the series yet, just winning their first two home games like they are supposed to and will get at it again with the Celtics Friday night as Game 3 will be played in Boston at 7 P.M. ET.

-Positives

Defense Leads Knicks to Game 1 Victory over Celtics

AP Photo/Kathy Willens

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Saturday, April 20^th, 2013

Game 1 Post Game Recap

Final Score: Boston Celtics: 78 New York Knicks: 85

It was a tale of two halves this afternoon between the Knicks and Celtics as decently paced, high scoring first half turned into a drag-em out physical game in the second half.  The second half was a flashback for Knicks fans who have been relating this team to the 90’s Knicks as both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket as defense became the name of the game.  This was a game the Knicks needed to have to maintain home court advantage in the series and to not give the Celtics any momentum.  The next game in the series will be Tuesday night at 8 P.M. ET in Madison Square Garden.

-Positives

W2W4 Series Preview: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

knickswag.com

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

After a 19-year wait the Knicks once again sit atop the Atlantic Division as champions, fitting that their first round matchup will be against the Boston Celtics, winners of the past four Atlantic Division crowns before this season.  This will be one of the more entertaining first round series of the NBA Playoffs this season as the rivals thoroughly dislike each other and there will be even more emotions after the tragedy in Boston Monday afternoon.  Here are some things to keep an eye on for throughout the series:

-Which Melo Shows Up?

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Matchup Breakdown

knickswag.com

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

For the first round of the NBA Playoffs starting this weekend the New York Knicks will be taking on the Boston Celtics.  Matchups will play a big part in this series as both teams have differing styles and dealing with injuries to main players.  Here is a rundown of the matchups for the series and which team holds the edge.