Tim Hardaway Jr. Named to 2014 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Pool

arizonasports.com

NBA All-Star weekend brings out stars and celebrities from all different genres. From the 3-point contest to Slam Dunk competition, there are names to be made on numerous different platforms for NBA players. One aspect of All-Star weekend that is overlooked is the BBVA Compass Rising Star Challenge.

The Rising Star Challenge pits NBA rookies and second year players in a game to showcase the best youngsters in the NBA. The game used to pit the Rookies and Sophomores against each other, but the newest format places players from both years in a pool as TNT personalities will instead draft teams to play against each other. It is a glorified pick-up game but one that up-and-coming NBA players could make a name for themselves in as it is the only time younger players get a chance to show off their talents.

Poor Execution Dooms Knicks Down Stretch Against Wizards

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Monday, December 16^th, 2013

Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

Another night, another way the Knicks lose a basketball game with the final score being 102-101. The Knicks heard boos in the third quarter falling down 15 but were able to get back on track and actually take the lead in the third quarter, reeling off a 22-5 run. But they met their demise in the fourth quarter in the form of second-year guard Bradley Beal, who was making his return from a nine-game absence. Beal killed the Knicks in the fourth quarter and was also responsible for the game-winning basket with 6.9 seconds left as he blew by Beno Udrih to the basket. Confused looking as ever the Knicks did not use a timeout as Carmelo Anthony took his time up the court and took an awful shot at the buzzer that fell short. It resulted in another tough loss as the Knicks record falls to 7-17 with their next game being Wednesday in Milwaukee to face the Bucks.

Player of the Game: Beno Udrih

Jim O'Connor/USA TODAY Sports

Udrih is getting the player of the game not because of stats that will blow you away but because of how he stepped up for the team tonight. With 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter Pablo Prigioni injured himself and was unable to return to the game. In stepped Udrih, who played the remaining 22 minutes of the game. Udrih finished the game with the highest +/- on the team at +14. His final stat line was 12 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and an important goose egg in the turnover column. Udrih did give up the game-winning basket, albeit the execution for the Knicks on the position was poor, and missed a free throw with 24 seconds left in the game but had a solid performance stepping up for the injured Prigioni.

-Positives

W2W4: Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks April 9

Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 9^th, 2013

Pre-Game News and Notes

Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks

The Knicks will look to not only extend their 12-game winning streak tonight against the Wizards at Madison Square Garden, but also lock up the division title for the first time since 1993-1994.  The Knicks magic number sits at one currently, meaning their next win or Nets loss will give the Knicks the Atlantic Division title.  It has been so long since the Knicks won the Atlantic Division that two teams no longer residing in the division, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, have won it more times than the Knicks.  This will be the fourth and final meeting between the Knicks and Wizards this season, with the Knicks winning two of the first three matchups but the Wizards giving them some serious problems in the last two meetings.  Here are some things to look for the Knicks to continue their win streak and lock up the Atlantic Division.