W2W4: Sacramento Kings vs. New York Knicks; February 12th, 2014

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, February 12^th, 2014

Sacramento Kings vs. New York Knicks

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Knicks and Kings will be tipping off Wednesday night for the last time before the All-Star break and ending what has been disappointing first halves for each team. The Knicks came into the season with high expectations after making it into the second round of the playoffs last season. The Kings came into the season with a new coach and outlook and made moves all throughout the first season to try improving their team, but they look to be heading for the lottery for an eighth season in a row. This is an important game for the Knicks as the hot seat for Mike Woodson is on fire and after the All-Star break the schedule is not easy as they will play four games in four different cities in five nights. Here are some things to look for in the game tonight.

-Player News and Notes

W2W4: Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks; February 5th, 2014

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks

Pre-Game News and Notes

Bruce Ely/The Oregonian

The Knicks and Trail Blazers will go up against each other for the second time this season tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks will be looking to exact some revenge on the Blazers, who beat the Knicks earlier in the season 102-91 at the Rose Garden in Portland. The Knicks are currently riding a two game losing streak and could use a win in the worst of ways. With things starting to look bleaker and bleaker for Head Coach Mike Woodson after yet another player called him out this past week changes could be on the horizon for the Knicks. If Woodson wants to save his job putting forth the necessary changes tonight to get a victory over a strong Blazers team would be a good start. Here are some things keys to the game tonight between the Knicks and Blazers.

-Player News and Notes

Knicks Cant Hang With Heat, Ending Four Game Winning Streak

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Saturday, February 1^st, 2014

Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were unable to end their home stand on a high note and continue their strong play against the Miami Saturday night as the Heat handled them rather easily, winning 106-91. After an embarrassing loss at Madison Square Garden three weeks ago the Heat were able to exact some revenge tonight. The Knicks played sloppy, unnerved basketball tonight as the Heat came ready to play. Some of the younger players looked overwhelmed against the two-time defending champion Heat and the veterans were unable to right the ship outside of a few short lived runs. Inconsistent play on both ends of the court eventually doomed the Knicks. On a night that biggest and brightest stars were at the Garden for Super Bowl weekend, the Knicks fell flat and their winning streak ended at four games. They will get back on the court Monday night in Milwaukee against the Bucks.

Player of the Game: J.R. Smith

Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

Smith was tasked with the biggest challenge of the night; slowing down the human freight train LeBron James. Smith tried admirably throughout the game to slow James down but was barely a speed jump for King James, who is two inches taller and listed at least 30 pounds heavier. With Iman Shumpert sidelined Smith drew the toughest defensive assignment. Even thought James was taking it to Smith on the defensive end, Smith was able to hold his own offensively. Smith shot the ball efficiently, going 6-11 from the field (4-7 3pt, 4-8 FT) for 20 points. He added two rebounds and one steal as well, as he played James as well as he possibly could and still delivered offensively even with all of the effort he was putting forth on the defensive end.

-Positive

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.

Pacers Run Knicks Out Of Indiana In Blowout

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Thursday, January 17^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were embarrassed Thursday night in Indiana as the Pacers blew them out 117-89. The Knicks were a disaster after a strong first quarter as the Pacers eventually forced their will upon the Knicks. It was the second consecutive poor performance for the Knicks who had looked to have finally turned the corner after a strong Texas Triangle road trip. The Knicks were awful Thursday night but will have a chance to get things back together as they will be right back at it Friday night at Madison Square Garden to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Anthony looked to be the only Knick who showed up to Indiana ready to play a basketball game. Like plenty of times this season Anthony attempted to put the team on his back and carry them; against lesser teams he is capable but not against a team as strong as the Pacers. On the night Anthony scored 28 points (8-17 FG, 3-3 3pt, 9-9 FT), grabbed eight rebounds and one assist. The Knicks need to offer Anthony more help if they ever expect to beat or even at least keep pace with the Pacers.

Match-Up of the Game Recap

Bobcats Snap Sluggish Knicks 5-Game Winning Streak

Tuesday, January 14^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats

Post Game Recap

When your best player’s reaction to having a game the following night after an overtime victory is “Oh Sh*t,” it does not paint a good picture. Tonight the worst happened for the Knicks as the Bobcats were able to run them off the floor, 108-98. The Knicks were gassed from an overtime victory last night against the Phoenix Suns and it showed tonight as they looked to be facing an uphill battle right from the opening tip. The Knicks were unable to get any flow going and had no answer for what the Bobcats were doing throughout the game. Being tired is not an excuse as every team plays back-to-backs; the problem was the Knicks seemed to be looking ahead to the big match up Thursday night against the Pacers. Another thing to watch for heading into Thursday night is J.R. Smith's standing with the team. He registered his second DNP-Coach's Decision in the last four games.

Player of the Game: Amar’e Stoudemire

With the Knicks struggling to score with Carmelo Anthony not being able to get going, Stoudemire came in and got it going off the bench. Stoudemire scored 17 points on a very efficient 6-10 from the field and 5-5 from the foul line. Stoudemire scored in a variety of ways, knocking down jumpers and throwing down thunderous dunks. He also grabbed four rebounds and had two assists. It was encouraging to see Stoudemire perform so well on the second night of the back-to-back. Coming into the season it was thought that Stoudemire would be getting rest in games like tonight but he is giving the Knicks everything his body is able right now. Stoudemire is one of the hardest workers in the NBA and to see him having some success again is quite a sight.

Chuck Burton/AP Photo

-Positives

Knicks Slip Past Suns in OT For 5th Straight Win

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Monday, January 13^th, 2014

Phoenix Suns vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were able to hold off a feisty Suns squad in the last game of their road trip 98-96 in overtime. The Knicks effort was inconsistent throughout the night, never putting away a tough Suns team. The Suns are the Cinderella of the NBA season thus far and they showed why tonight against the Knicks; there are no superstars on the roster but they play hard and stick to what they do best. This is a game the Knicks would have lost just two weeks ago. It is amazing what a little practice time and a New Year can do for a team as the Knicks look like they have righted the ship. The win tonight gives the Knicks five straight and pushed them into a tie for 8^th place in the Eastern Conference with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks will look to continue their winning streak tomorrow night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Player of the Game: Kenyon Martin

Jim McIsaac

Never in his wildest dreams would Martin have thought he would be giving the Knicks this much at any point in the season. It is hard to believe that Mike Woodson would have thought he would need Martin this much either but Martin has delivered. Tonight Martin was outstanding for the Knicks once again on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds and adding tough, hard nosed defense. Martin played 35 minutes, which is impressive because at the beginning of the season it was thought that he and Amar’e Stoudemire would be splitting time. Martin also added timely baskets for the Knicks tonight with two tip-back slam dunks to swing momentum and get the crowd into frenzy.

-Positives

Knicks Knock Off 76ers for 4th Straight Win

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Saturday, January 12^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were able to keep up the solid play by picking up a victory in Philadelphia Saturday night, winning 102-92. The Knicks put forth yet another great team effort as they were able to pick up their fourth straight win. The Knicks came out lackluster in the first quarter, ending the period down 28-20 but were able to pick it up in the second quarter, going into halftime with a 52-40 lead. They extended the lead to 16 going into the fourth quarter but were able to keep the 76ers at bay in the final quarter to take home the win. The Knicks will look to continue their strong play Monday night as the surprise team of the NBA thus far, the Phoenix Suns, come to Madison Square Garden for their lone visit of the season Monday night.

Player of the Game: Amar’e Stoudemire

Chris Szagola/AP Photo

Stoudemire is beginning to look like the STAT of old recently as he dominated the offensive side of the ball once again. Stoudemire made his first eight shots of the game and finished the night with 21 points on 8-10 from the field (5-5 FT) and five rebounds in only 22 minutes. With more consistent practice time and minutes in the game Stoudemire has begun to flourish once again and give the Knicks a nice boost off the bench. Stoudemire is by far the Knicks most efficient scorer when given the opportunity and is an asset to the Knicks going forward if he can continue playing like this offensively.

-Positives

Knicks Hold On Despite 4th Quarter Struggles

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, January 7^th, 2014

Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks did not make it easy on themselves but they were able to knock off the Pistons at MadisonSquare Garden 89-85 Tuesday night, ending their four game home losing streak in the process. The Knicks led by 15 to start the fourth quarter and allowed the Pistons to come all the way back but were able to hold them off for the win. The win tonight marks only the second time this season the Knicks have put together consecutive wins; the first came December 5^th and 6^th against the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic.  The Knicks will take the victory, albeit it ugly, as the Knicks will face some of their stiffest competition Thursday in the defending champion Miami Heat.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

Jim McIsaac

If not for Anthony the result of the game tonight easily could have been in the Pistons favor. Anthony would not let it happen as he willed the Knicks to a win tonight with a game high 34 points. Anthony shot the ball efficiently, shooting 13-24 overall from the field, including a scorching 6-7 from behind the three-point line. Anthony was the catalyst in the third quarter to get the Knicks in control of the game as he nailed three straight three pointers in the middle of a 15-0 Knicks run. He added a fast break dunk to punctuate the run. Anthony helped the Knicks ice the game playing outstanding one-on-one defense against Josh Smith on the Pistons last offensive possession and grabbed the offensive rebound off Raymond Felton’s missed free throw with seven seconds left. He added four rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block on the night to round out his stat line.

-Positives

Knicks Drop Mavericks for Winning Road Trip

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Sunday, January 5^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks were able to surprise many people by winning in Dallas Sunday night, giving them a 2-1 finish to the Texas Triangle road trip. It was a pretty decisive victory for the Knicks, who won the game 92-80. They were able to overcome some demons in the process as they had lost 14 of their previous 16 games in Dallas. It was a total team effort from the Knicks tonight as they picked each other up to make the plane ride back to New York much more pleasant. It will be interesting to see if the Knicks can ride the momentum from this successful road trip and put together a winning streak to get them back into the Atlantic Division race.

-Player of the Game: Kenyon Martin

Sharon Ellman

Coming into the game Martin was a game-time decision because of an ankle injury. When it was announced that Tyson Chandler would not be able to return after only four minutes with an upper respiratory infection, Martin got a big increase in minutes and responded well.

Martin stepped up for his teammates, playing 29 minutes off the bench even with the hobbled ankle. He scored a season-high 14 points on 7-8 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, handed out two assists and added one block to the normal intimidating defense he provides. “I knew Tyson wasn’t feeling the best. I might pay for it tomorrow but I’ll take the win anytime,” Martin said following the game. That type of will to win and dedication to the team is something the Knicks have seemed to lack at times this season. It is refreshing to see Martin putting it all on the line for the team to get this thing turned around.

-Match Up of the Game Review: Andrea Bargnani vs. Dirk Nowitzki

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

Knicks Hold Off Bulls for Much Needed Win

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, December 12^th, 2013

Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

It was an ugly game to watch at some points but the Knicks found a way to come away with a much needed victory. The Knicks defeated the Bulls 83-78 as they made it as difficult as ever on themselves to take home the win tonight. With the victory the Knicks move to 6-15 on the season and unbelievably within 2.5 games of first place in the Atlantic Division. The win will also give embattled head coach Mike Woodson some breathing room, at least for one night as his seat is seemingly as hot as anyone’s in the NBA.

Player of the Game: Amar’e Stoudemire

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Playing in his first back-to-back of the season Stoudemire looked outstanding tonight on both ends of the court. The last time Stoudemire played back-to-back games he ended up needing arthroscopic knee surgery; this time around that does not seem to be the case thankfully for the Knicks. He got the Knicks rolling in the second quarter, scoring eight points on 4-5 shots from the field, grabbing two rebounds and adding another highlight block in the process. He was as active on defense as ever this season, taking charges and registering two steals; he also made things very difficult for Joakim Noah throughout the night, getting multiple deflections. On the night securing Stoudemire scored 14 points on 7-11 shots, even knocking down some jump shots along the way, and nine rebounds. Stoudemire made the most important shot in the game with about two minutes remaining as he knocked down a jump shot to give the Knicks a two point lead and end their scoring draught. The most impressive thing for Stoudemire is that he looks to have survived the game without any setbacks. That’s huge for the Knicks that he is starting to look healthy because if he can produce like this with regularity the Knicks fortunes will begin to turn.

-Positives

W2W4: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers December 10th, 2013

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, December 10^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Knicks will look to bounce back after an embarrassing performance Sunday afternoon against the Boston Celtics tonight against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have been playing much better basketball recently, winning three of their last four games against some talented teams in the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks will have to come out with a lot better effort and energy than they did Sunday if they are to knock off the Cavaliers tonight. Here are some things to keep an eye on in tonight’s game.

-Player News and Notes

Knicks Losing Streak at 6 as Portland Struggles Continue

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Monday, November 25^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Post Game Recap

It did not take long for the Blazers to take control of this one as they led virtually from the get go and never really let the Knicks get back into the game. The Knicks went down by as many as 22 in the first half as they did not mount much of an attack through the opening two quarters. The second half they were able to get things going a little better but digging out of a 22 point hole is not a recipe for success, as they were only able to get it down to seven in the fourth quarter. The loss tonight ran the Knicks losing streak to six games and continue heading in the wrong direction. The Blazers in the meanwhile ran their winning streak to 11 games and have beaten the Knicks now 11 of the last 13 games in the Rose Garden. Things do not get much easier for the Knicks as they continue their west coast trip to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers Wednesday night at 10:30 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

AP Photo/Don Ryan

Anthony did everything he could tonight for the Knicks but it was not enough. He tried doing everything he could to get the Knicks a win but he is virtually the only player giving the Knicks anything positive. Tonight Anthony shot efficiently from the field, going 13 of 25 en route to 34 points. He also added a game-high 15 rebounds as he has stepped up big time in the glass with Tyson Chandler sidelined. He also added three assists, all which came on consecutive possessions in the third quarter to get the Knicks back into the game. He also turned the ball over only two times in the game, really an astounding number because of how often he has the ball in his hands. Anthony tried his best on the defensive end but when you are the one doing all of the scoring, rebounding and leading on the court it is hard to get on him for being the weak spot on defense.

-Positives

Knicks Give Extreme Effort, But Fall In OT To Pacers

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, November 20^th, 2013

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

When quite possibly the best game you play in the season results in a loss you know things are going tough and that is exactly how it is going for the Knicks tonight after they lose their fourth straight game, fifth at home, to the Pacers 103-96. The Knicks effort was there from the start as they jumped out to a 13-0 lead but the little mental things that separate a contending team from a pretender reared their head again as the Knicks were unable to get over the hump and take down the Pacers. Morale victories do not help much in the standings but the Knicks do reside in what is the worst division in the NBA right now so they are right there in the standings. Hopefully this game shows them how they need to play in every game and they can build something positive from it. The Knicks will have a couple of days off before embarking on a road trip that starts in Washington to take on the Wizards Saturday night.

Player of the Game: Beno Udrih

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Udrih had a horrendous game last night against the Detroit Pistons but bounced back in a big way tonight against the Pacers. Udrih filled the stat sheet unlike any point guard had for the Knicks this season, scoring 19 points, handing out four assists and grabbing eight rebounds. Udrih was aggressive on the offensive end and made a number of circus shots as he oozed with confidence as the game went on. He shot eight of 15 from the field, including three of four from the three point line. The offense also looked good with him on the court as he has the versatility to run a number of different things from the point guard position and mesh with his teammates. For one game, and hopefully for the near future, Udrih looks like the point guard the Knicks have been seeking.

Ugly Performance by Knicks Leads to Defeat in Detroit

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, November 19^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons

Post Game Recap

It was an ugly performance Tuesday night for the Knicks as they were defeated by the Pistons in Detroit by a score of 92-86; it was only the second loss in the last 13 games against the Pistons. The Knicks struggled in virtually every facet of the game tonight and things only got worse as the game wore on. With Raymond Felton joining Tyson Chandler on the inactive list tonight the Knicks had to once again tinker with their lineup and was unable to find a working combination. Things are not going to get any easier for the Knick as they will be taking on the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night in the second game of the back-to-back at Madison Square Garden at 7 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Kenyon Martin

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Martin was inserted into the starting lineup tonight to try and minimize the massive advantage the Pistons had on the inside and he did everything he could. Martin’s minute restriction seems to have been lifted as he is no longer in a platoon with Amar’e Stoudemire and it was a good thing for the Knicks tonight as he was the only person providing any energy and toughness in the paint. Martin finished the game with 29 minutes played, five points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Martin provides a lot of the things Chandler does on defense so having him in there helps but no one is sure how he will respond on the second night of the back-to-back as Mike Woodson previously has said that he will try and sit him and Amar’e Stoudemire in at least one of the games.

-Positives

Knicks Back Up Talk, Win in Atlanta

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, November 13^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks talked of a turnaround heading into Atlanta and that is what they delivered. Must win games in November are not something people take seriously but this was something of a game the Knicks needed to win. They have a daunting matchup with the Houston Rockets tomorrow night on the second night of the back-to-back and James Dolan opened his mouth once again promising the Knicks would win tonight. They did not put together a full four quarters but they had a dominating opening and final quarter to control the game. Overall it was a solid, not outstanding, team effort put forth by the Knicks tonight as they were able to keep Dolan’s promise and take a victory back to Madison Square Garden with them for tomorrow night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets at 8 P.M. ET on TNT.

Player of the Game: Iman Shumpert

Daniel Shirey/USA Today Sports

Shumpert has been part of a lot of trade rumors in his short career and they became very loud this week as the Knicks and Nuggets were supposedly engaged in trade talks revolving around a Shumpert for Kenneth Faried sway. The Nuggets rejected and Shumpert is still a Knick, which is a good thing and tonight’s final line epitomizes it. Shumpert had a tough shooting night, going two of eight from the field but he did not let that negatively affect his game in any way. He handed out a career high nine assists tonight, grabbed six rebounds and played his usual menacing and ferocious defense with four steals. Shumpert had a momentum swinging play in the fourth quarter as well, stealing an inbounds pass and hitting the slashing Raymond Felton for a layup. Shumpert is the exact type of glue guy the Knicks need as he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game and is more than willing to let the rest of his game do the talking.

-Positives

How Tyson Chandler's Injury Impacts the Knicks

Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The Knicks are about to embark on an all too familiar stretch of games without a regular from their starting lineup. This time, once again, it is center Tyson Chandler, who has a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula. Last season the Knicks were without Chandler for a stretch of games because of a bulging disk and the “small-ball” lineup was born with Pablo Prigioni being inserted into the starting lineup alongside Raymond Felton, Iman Shumpert, Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin. This season head coach Mike Woodson planned on using a bigger lineup with the acquisition of Andrea Bargnani from the Toronto Raptors but the small lineup looks like it is going to be reappearing for the Knicks for the next 4-6 weeks. This is something that could actually work to the Knicks advantage. Offensively, this is something that could really blossom. 

Knicks Struggles Continue in Chicago

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Thursday, October 31^st, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

Post Game Recap

The Knicks fought hard on the second night of a back-to-back but came up short in the end in Chicago against the Bulls, losing by a score of 82-81 thanks to a Derrick Rose floater with 5.7 seconds remaining in the game. The Knicks showed some good resolve tonight as the Bulls enforced their will upon the Knicks but they never gave in. The Knicks went to their best player in Carmelo Anthony for the last possession but he clanked a long jump shot off the rim, a common theme for Anthony tonight against a tough Chicago defense. The Knicks will have a couple of nights off before returning home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday night at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Andrea Bargnani

Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

Bargnani got the nod for the starting lineup tonight and looked like a disaster at the start. He struggled to get anything going again on the offensive end as he committed three offensive fouls and missed all three of his shots. Woodson showed some much needed confidence in Bargnani going back to him to start the second half and he responded in a big way. He knocked down four of his five shots for nine points and kept the Knicks in the game. He also played and competed hard enough on the defensive end that Woodson was able to get Tyson Chandler some rest at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth by pairing Bargnani with Amar’e Stoudemire. It was a positive night for Bargnani on a night that the Knicks did not have many things go their way.  

-Positives

What Impact Does An Amar'e Return Have on Knicks?

Chris Young/AP

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Game 3 Saturday night between the Knicks and Pacers will be an important one as the series is tied at one game apiece and the winner of Game 3 in that scenario more often than not goes on to win the series.  The Knicks will be getting a boost and some help for Game 3 in the form of Amar’e Stoudemire.

Stoudemire will be making his second return from injury this season and could not have come at a better time for the Knicks.  The Knicks have watched J.R. Smith struggle mightily since his one-game suspension for elbowing the Celtics’ Jason Terry so having Stoudemire in the lineup is another player more than capable of picking up the scoring slack.