Uh-oh. We have scored 78 and 82 points in our last two games, we're missing Shumpert, Jeffries, Baron Davis and now A'mare and it's New Years Eve in Sacramento. In the NFL this is what's commonly referred to as "a trap game." The Maloof's have been trying to relocate the Kings because of general fan disinterest for the past few years and I can't imagine that Arco Arena (is it still called that?) is going to be filled with grown men wearing old school Bibby jersey's telling stories of that magical 4th quarter collapse against Kobe in the C-Webb & Vlade days.
In what promises to be a "more quiet than normal" atmosphere dem NY Boys are going to lay an egg tonight against the younger, more athletic, and healthier Kings. A backcourt of Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton is formidable and with Jorts popping off about looking forward to battling against Demarcus Cousins I think we see an inspired performance by the young Wildcat who is always looking for a reason to be nasty. With Chuck Hayes at his side I think getting nasty in a good way (see Charles Oakley's entire career) is how Demarcus takes a giant leap this season from meddling high draft choice to NBA baller. John Salmons is slippery and seems to always kill the Knicks so look for him to take advantage of the Knicks inability to cut off passing lanes. Lastly, with Jimmer playing his first NBA game against his boyhood team NY (he hails from Glens Fall if I'm not mistaken) I anticipate the kid to show us all what range looks like, respectfully of course.
Our only hope is that Carmelo actually becomes the point forward and we get contribution from Bibby who plays 25 good minutes tonight. My only prediction tonight:
(1) I have many awkward conversations at our friend's Miami Condo while watching the Knicks game on my iPhone. Cannot wait to write the post game on this one...should be interesting. Have a happy and a healthy New Year.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Years Eve, Dirty Dancing and The Continued Softening of A Man
On December 30th 2011 the NBA rolled out a schedule that looks as if it took people's travel plans into account. With the Bulls/Clips matchup the only game providing any semblance of sex appeal I decided to take the night off from the NBA and let the chips fall as they may. I ended up watching the last 35 minutes of Dirty Dancing with three generations of Egytpian women speaking French at each other as I held my napping daughter in my arms. The conversation meandered between French and Arabic with just enough English sprinkled throughout to attract my attention. From what I could gather everyone agreed that Patrick Swayze was around 30 when Dirty Dancning was shot, was raised by a mother who owned a dance studio and that poor Jennifer Grey should have never gotten a nose job; it cost her her look.
You should watch Dirty Dancing in its entirety at least once in your lifetime. If for no other reason to understand why people still say, "no one puts baby in a corner" or some machination thereof. The final dance sequence is legendary, and if you think Travolta can move in Pulp Fiction watch Swayze rip it up. It really brought me back to the days where my sister and I would sit in the sun kissed den on Crescent Road watching movies until our eyes hurt. One of the many benefits of having a sister is that you are forced to watch movies like Dirty Dancing. Then when you enjoy them, and awkwardly point that out to a group of guys during halftime of the Super Bowl you can always blame the fact that you even watched it in the first place is because of your sister.
I looked down at Isabella and wondered how many movies like Dirty Dancing I would watch with her. I wondered if when we watched it a second time together me reminding her of the first time we watched it together would embarass her. I then wondered if I would bite my tongue to avoid embarrasing her and decided; not a chance. Having a daughter has definitely softened aspects of my being that is shaping me into a kindler, gentler Mark Newman; something that my sister helped shape for the past 30 years. As excited as I am to introduce Isabella into my "Sports World" I'm equally excited to have her mere presence introduce me to her world, which will undoubtedly include many a dance sequence.
As I put her down for the night I gently sang to her, "I've Had the Time of My life, and I owe it all to you...." Thank you Isabella, for the best year of my life.
You should watch Dirty Dancing in its entirety at least once in your lifetime. If for no other reason to understand why people still say, "no one puts baby in a corner" or some machination thereof. The final dance sequence is legendary, and if you think Travolta can move in Pulp Fiction watch Swayze rip it up. It really brought me back to the days where my sister and I would sit in the sun kissed den on Crescent Road watching movies until our eyes hurt. One of the many benefits of having a sister is that you are forced to watch movies like Dirty Dancing. Then when you enjoy them, and awkwardly point that out to a group of guys during halftime of the Super Bowl you can always blame the fact that you even watched it in the first place is because of your sister.
I looked down at Isabella and wondered how many movies like Dirty Dancing I would watch with her. I wondered if when we watched it a second time together me reminding her of the first time we watched it together would embarass her. I then wondered if I would bite my tongue to avoid embarrasing her and decided; not a chance. Having a daughter has definitely softened aspects of my being that is shaping me into a kindler, gentler Mark Newman; something that my sister helped shape for the past 30 years. As excited as I am to introduce Isabella into my "Sports World" I'm equally excited to have her mere presence introduce me to her world, which will undoubtedly include many a dance sequence.
As I put her down for the night I gently sang to her, "I've Had the Time of My life, and I owe it all to you...." Thank you Isabella, for the best year of my life.
In Hindsight-Games 2 & 3
Happy New Years Eve! Lets hope that the Mayans predictions are as accurate as mine have been so far. Let's double up and briefly discuss the past two games.
Game 2 Predictions:
1) Chandler has a double double with 13+ boards. If I'm not mistaken Tyson went to Dominguez High School before getting drafted by the Clips with the #2 overall pick. I know I already referenced the backdrop of Jeremy Lin returning "home" but this is a West Coast kid returning home after shunning his state for the almighty dollar. He
is going to want to go H.A.M.
RESPONSE:
It seems as if I confused my game 1 Tyson prediction with my game 2 Tyson prediction. Chandler couldn't stay on the floor for more than 4 minutes without hacking someone. He didn't sniff double digit rebounds or points and looked lost on both ends of the floor. I watched every minute, highlights, and then re-watched highlights on my NBATV app. Couldn't find one positive from his performance.
2) Toney Douglas shoots less, looks more composed and has a better game although the box score won't reflect it. For all of Rondo's offensive prowess against TD what is lost in the discussion is Rondo's All-NBA defense, freakish long arms and the desire to shut down his opponent. Toney picked up his dribble too early against the C's and couldn't run the offense. Mark Jackson will try to force his guards to do the same thing, but they're not Rondo, and there is no K.G. around the corner to scare Toney into picking up his dribble.
RESPONSE:
No, no, and no. TD is not a point and should relinquish the starting role to Bibby immediately. I don't think Bibby is the answer but he is a real point. With him at the helm there is a change we can at least get into offensive sets that will develop into a style of play. Once this happens we can try to expose the opponents weaknesses. As of now, one on one chuck it if ya got it has us playing Rucker Park Ball, and losing. TD is to blame, and its a shame because he is a good player playing out of position.
3) Steve Novak gets open looks and makes em count. Shooters shoot. With an injury to Jeffries and some length on the Warriors I see Steve "Corner Trey" Novak seeing significant time and trying to hide in the corner. No one puts baby in the corner, but D'Antoni puts Novak in the corner, and he could just go Schwayze.
RESPONSE: Bango. 1 for 1 is not exactly "Schwayze" but he did drill a corner triple in limited minutes. With no offensive scheme to speak of we can't get him to be the corner dweller he needs to be. Hopefully the offense develops to the point where he can be our rendition of San Antonio's Bruce Bowen, minus the defense.
4) Mark Jackson makes a questionable coaching move that he is asked about during the post game. Jax is still NY, knows that we're watching and has the ego that all NY point guards have. He wants a little spotlight so he grabs some. Hope I'm wrong about this and if I am it is because he thought about this very fact and decided to lay low.
RESPONSE: Nice Win Jax. Your team played uninspired ball for the first half and came out in the 2nd and took advantage of some weaknesses that the Knicks exhibited in the first 24 minutes. The Warriors played great D, got contribution from everyone who stepped on the floor and thoroughly outplayed the Knicks in every facet despite not having Steph and in spite of Monta Ellis awful shooting performance. Be pleased Warrior fans, if this game is any indication Mark Jackson knows what he is doing.
Game 3 Predictions:
(1) Kobe plays facilitator and fills the stat sheet. The Knicks are susceptible to transition D, face cuts and slashers. Kobe can read a Defense and audible like Peyton Manning. In early season games MJ would employ the death by a 1000 cuts game plan to perfection. Getting his teammates involved and developing a repoire with them that paid dividends at the end of the year. We see Kobe do that tonight My only question is; Can Steve Blake, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy be Paxson, Wennington and Cartwright for the evening?
RESPONSE: I think I got this right. Kobe scored as Kobe scores but as the Lakers pulled away they did so with the supporting cast making it happen on both ends. Blake hit two three's in the 4th that resulted in me actually shutting the game off before the final whistle. McRoberts had some great cuts to the hoop and was fed for easy hoops and Murphy was generally a pain to deal with.
(2) We keep the game close but lose the game on the defensive end with breakdowns in the 4th quarter. I can't count how many times we have looked around after an easy bucket playing "Who's on Third?" This is coaching but with a short camp, a overhauled roster and no defensive structure to speak of before this year we will lose a lot of games because of defensive lapses.
RESPONSE: Close? Not really. Defensive breakdowns being our downfall? Maybe? You can't shoot sub 40% and win in this league. Similarly, you can't let another team shoot 70% for a half and expect to win. Dangerous combination of bad defense, and a hot team. I am chalking this game up to just "one of those games". God, I hope I am right.
Game 2 Predictions:
1) Chandler has a double double with 13+ boards. If I'm not mistaken Tyson went to Dominguez High School before getting drafted by the Clips with the #2 overall pick. I know I already referenced the backdrop of Jeremy Lin returning "home" but this is a West Coast kid returning home after shunning his state for the almighty dollar. He
is going to want to go H.A.M.
RESPONSE:
It seems as if I confused my game 1 Tyson prediction with my game 2 Tyson prediction. Chandler couldn't stay on the floor for more than 4 minutes without hacking someone. He didn't sniff double digit rebounds or points and looked lost on both ends of the floor. I watched every minute, highlights, and then re-watched highlights on my NBATV app. Couldn't find one positive from his performance.
2) Toney Douglas shoots less, looks more composed and has a better game although the box score won't reflect it. For all of Rondo's offensive prowess against TD what is lost in the discussion is Rondo's All-NBA defense, freakish long arms and the desire to shut down his opponent. Toney picked up his dribble too early against the C's and couldn't run the offense. Mark Jackson will try to force his guards to do the same thing, but they're not Rondo, and there is no K.G. around the corner to scare Toney into picking up his dribble.
RESPONSE:
No, no, and no. TD is not a point and should relinquish the starting role to Bibby immediately. I don't think Bibby is the answer but he is a real point. With him at the helm there is a change we can at least get into offensive sets that will develop into a style of play. Once this happens we can try to expose the opponents weaknesses. As of now, one on one chuck it if ya got it has us playing Rucker Park Ball, and losing. TD is to blame, and its a shame because he is a good player playing out of position.
3) Steve Novak gets open looks and makes em count. Shooters shoot. With an injury to Jeffries and some length on the Warriors I see Steve "Corner Trey" Novak seeing significant time and trying to hide in the corner. No one puts baby in the corner, but D'Antoni puts Novak in the corner, and he could just go Schwayze.
RESPONSE: Bango. 1 for 1 is not exactly "Schwayze" but he did drill a corner triple in limited minutes. With no offensive scheme to speak of we can't get him to be the corner dweller he needs to be. Hopefully the offense develops to the point where he can be our rendition of San Antonio's Bruce Bowen, minus the defense.
4) Mark Jackson makes a questionable coaching move that he is asked about during the post game. Jax is still NY, knows that we're watching and has the ego that all NY point guards have. He wants a little spotlight so he grabs some. Hope I'm wrong about this and if I am it is because he thought about this very fact and decided to lay low.
RESPONSE: Nice Win Jax. Your team played uninspired ball for the first half and came out in the 2nd and took advantage of some weaknesses that the Knicks exhibited in the first 24 minutes. The Warriors played great D, got contribution from everyone who stepped on the floor and thoroughly outplayed the Knicks in every facet despite not having Steph and in spite of Monta Ellis awful shooting performance. Be pleased Warrior fans, if this game is any indication Mark Jackson knows what he is doing.
Game 3 Predictions:
(1) Kobe plays facilitator and fills the stat sheet. The Knicks are susceptible to transition D, face cuts and slashers. Kobe can read a Defense and audible like Peyton Manning. In early season games MJ would employ the death by a 1000 cuts game plan to perfection. Getting his teammates involved and developing a repoire with them that paid dividends at the end of the year. We see Kobe do that tonight My only question is; Can Steve Blake, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy be Paxson, Wennington and Cartwright for the evening?
RESPONSE: I think I got this right. Kobe scored as Kobe scores but as the Lakers pulled away they did so with the supporting cast making it happen on both ends. Blake hit two three's in the 4th that resulted in me actually shutting the game off before the final whistle. McRoberts had some great cuts to the hoop and was fed for easy hoops and Murphy was generally a pain to deal with.
(2) We keep the game close but lose the game on the defensive end with breakdowns in the 4th quarter. I can't count how many times we have looked around after an easy bucket playing "Who's on Third?" This is coaching but with a short camp, a overhauled roster and no defensive structure to speak of before this year we will lose a lot of games because of defensive lapses.
RESPONSE: Close? Not really. Defensive breakdowns being our downfall? Maybe? You can't shoot sub 40% and win in this league. Similarly, you can't let another team shoot 70% for a half and expect to win. Dangerous combination of bad defense, and a hot team. I am chalking this game up to just "one of those games". God, I hope I am right.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Game 3
I am running on absolute fumes right now. After staying up until the final whistle last night, I woke up at 6:45 this morning will a full days schedule in front of me. I am on vacation so I will spare you all the "woe is me speech" but trust me, by about 2:00 I was wondering whether watching Jerome Jordan and Jeremy Lin rip off their warm-ups was worth the extra 10 minutes of viewing.
A day on the beach is not a day on the beach when you throw a four month old who cannot be exposed to direct sunlight into the mix. It's like hanging out with Edward Cullen in the middle of Sahara at high noon. No thank you.
Now that the above disclaimer is firmly in place I do have some thoughts about tonight's game.
With a depleted bench and their stars coming off of an awful performance in Northern California just 24 hours ago, the Knicks limp south into the Staples Center with more questions than answers at this point. Fortunate for the Knicks the Lakers have a ton of questions themselves; a place they haven't been in over a decade. The Lakers are not what they were just 6 weeks ago and Kobe's injury has them counting on a supporting cast that no longer includes Lamar Odom, and is missing Andrew Bynum tonight because of his flagrant foul against JJ Barea in last season's playoffs.
If you don't remember let me refresh your memory. Bynum crushed Barea with a dirty elbow propelling the diminutive point guard sprawling to the floor in the midst of a blowout. It was clear to any viewer at that moment that Phil Jackson had already checked out because that would have never happened had he been fully checked in. As an aside, when Scott Disick heard that Lamar Odom requested a trade because of hurt feelings he looked away from the mirror for a split second and asked Kris Jenner if he too could be traded.
Without Lamar off the bench and Mike Brown burying wannabe thug Matt Barnes down the pine the Lakers have to re-develop an identity. It will happen this season and they will be fine. Just think like everything else, it will take some time.
The Lakers have started slow under new head coach Mike Brown and early rumblings out of L.A., and well known Kobe confidant Stephen A. Smith have the internet a flutter with rumors that Kobe will demand a trade unless the Lakers improve their roster. I can't say I fault him. With Dwight Howard having already read the script to Kazaam 2 and begging to take his act out West we are less than 2 months away from seeing the Dwight and Mamba show take center stage. Two reasons why I am certain this will happen (1) Kobe will leave L.A. if it doesn't and that is bad for business and (2) they lost out on the CP3 deal and they shouldn't have. The NBA is famous for payback calls and this one will bring the league's best bigman to L.A. for the 7th straight decade. Seriously.
I'm just about gassed but here are my two predictions for tonight:
(1) Kobe plays facilitator and fills the stat sheet. The Knicks are susceptible to transition D, face cuts and slashers. Kobe can read a Defense and audible like Peyton Manning. In early season games MJ would employ the death by a 1000 cuts game plan to perfection. Getting his teammates involved and developing a repoire with them that paid dividends at the end of the year. We see Kobe do that tonight My only question is; Can Steve Blake, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy be Paxson, Wennington and Cartwright for the evening?
(2) We keep the game close but lose the game on the defensive end with breakdowns in the 4th quarter. I can't count how many times we have looked around after an easy bucket playing "Who's on Third?" This is coaching but with a short camp, a overhauled roster and no defensive structure to speak of before this year we will lose a lot of games because of defensive lapses.
I don't even have it in me to re-read this tonight for editing. Enjoy the game.
A day on the beach is not a day on the beach when you throw a four month old who cannot be exposed to direct sunlight into the mix. It's like hanging out with Edward Cullen in the middle of Sahara at high noon. No thank you.
Now that the above disclaimer is firmly in place I do have some thoughts about tonight's game.
With a depleted bench and their stars coming off of an awful performance in Northern California just 24 hours ago, the Knicks limp south into the Staples Center with more questions than answers at this point. Fortunate for the Knicks the Lakers have a ton of questions themselves; a place they haven't been in over a decade. The Lakers are not what they were just 6 weeks ago and Kobe's injury has them counting on a supporting cast that no longer includes Lamar Odom, and is missing Andrew Bynum tonight because of his flagrant foul against JJ Barea in last season's playoffs.
If you don't remember let me refresh your memory. Bynum crushed Barea with a dirty elbow propelling the diminutive point guard sprawling to the floor in the midst of a blowout. It was clear to any viewer at that moment that Phil Jackson had already checked out because that would have never happened had he been fully checked in. As an aside, when Scott Disick heard that Lamar Odom requested a trade because of hurt feelings he looked away from the mirror for a split second and asked Kris Jenner if he too could be traded.
Without Lamar off the bench and Mike Brown burying wannabe thug Matt Barnes down the pine the Lakers have to re-develop an identity. It will happen this season and they will be fine. Just think like everything else, it will take some time.
The Lakers have started slow under new head coach Mike Brown and early rumblings out of L.A., and well known Kobe confidant Stephen A. Smith have the internet a flutter with rumors that Kobe will demand a trade unless the Lakers improve their roster. I can't say I fault him. With Dwight Howard having already read the script to Kazaam 2 and begging to take his act out West we are less than 2 months away from seeing the Dwight and Mamba show take center stage. Two reasons why I am certain this will happen (1) Kobe will leave L.A. if it doesn't and that is bad for business and (2) they lost out on the CP3 deal and they shouldn't have. The NBA is famous for payback calls and this one will bring the league's best bigman to L.A. for the 7th straight decade. Seriously.
I'm just about gassed but here are my two predictions for tonight:
(1) Kobe plays facilitator and fills the stat sheet. The Knicks are susceptible to transition D, face cuts and slashers. Kobe can read a Defense and audible like Peyton Manning. In early season games MJ would employ the death by a 1000 cuts game plan to perfection. Getting his teammates involved and developing a repoire with them that paid dividends at the end of the year. We see Kobe do that tonight My only question is; Can Steve Blake, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy be Paxson, Wennington and Cartwright for the evening?
(2) We keep the game close but lose the game on the defensive end with breakdowns in the 4th quarter. I can't count how many times we have looked around after an easy bucket playing "Who's on Third?" This is coaching but with a short camp, a overhauled roster and no defensive structure to speak of before this year we will lose a lot of games because of defensive lapses.
I don't even have it in me to re-read this tonight for editing. Enjoy the game.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Game 2
The Chicken or The Egg?
About 10 years ago the desire to stay up to watch the Knicks West Coast swings kind of dissipated. Looking back now I wonder if it was the maturing process that had me tucked in before the 10:30 tip or if it was a by-product of James Dolan's bought product. Which came first, did the Knicks become bad, or did I get old?
It seemed self-destructive to stay up until 1:00 am watching Howard Eisley dish to Shannon Anderson in a meaningless game against the Antwan Jamison led Warriors. I would wake up to go to work or school the next day exhausted. I would pour over the box score wondering how we gave up 118 points and got to be 11 games under .500. I would see players like Mookie Blaylock come off the bench for the Warriors and wish he was a Knick even though his tank was empty. (The fact that Pearl Jam named Ten after him may have played a small role in my wish)
I haven't intentionally stayed up for a West coast game in years but tonight, tonight, I just finished my cup of coffee and in the famed words of Bart Scott, Can't Wait.
Tonight's game against the Warriors has some great backdrop to it. St. John's own Mark Jackson coaching the Warriors against the team that drafted him, let him run the point for two different stints, and then flirted with him for its own head coaching vacancy before deciding on Mike D'Antoni. I wonder if the final decision took Seven Seconds or Less? Former first round pick David Lee playing against a roster of strangers and hopefully playing the same amount of defense he used to play when he donned the Orange and Blue. Tyson Chandler who isn't bashful about saying that he used the Warriors to drive up the price for his services. Okay, so that isn't a direct quote but read between the lines. Second choices are always a place someone "really wanted to be" until the ultimate landing spot paid more. Lastly, and perhaps intriguing only to me and my father, Cali born and raised, Harvard educated Jeremy Lin returning to GSW and playing (maybe just warming up) in his first game as a New York Knick.
It's the kind of stuff that would intrigue an average fan to tune in and no doubt all of the above will be mentioned during the broadcast. Fortunately, all of the above is ancillary to the game itself which as a diehard Knick fan is a beautiful, wonderful thing.
I have no clue what to expect out of tonight's game but am very, very scared of what Monta Ellis is going to do to our backcourt. Amar'e should have the offense run through him more tonight and hopefully we put in a greater effort on the glass to avoid second shots and playing 48 consecutive seconds of defense. All of that said, here are a few intentionally vague predictions heading into tonight's matchup:
1) Chandler has a double double with 13+ boards. If I'm not mistaken Tyson went to Dominguez High School before getting drafted by the Clips with the #2 overall pick. I know I already referenced the backdrop of Jeremy Lin returning "home" but this is a West Coast kid returning home after shunning his state for the almighty dollar. He is going to want to go H.A.M.
2) Toney Douglas shoots less, looks more composed and has a better game although the box score won't reflect it. For all of Rondo's offensive prowess against TD what is lost in the discussion is Rondo's All-NBA defense, freakish long arms and the desire to shut down his opponent. Toney picked up his dribble too early against the C's and couldn't run the offense. Mark Jackson will try to force his guards to do the same thing, but they're not Rondo, and there is no K.G. around the corner to scare Toney into picking up his dribble.
3) Steve Novak gets open looks and makes em count. Shooters shoot. With an injury to Jeffries and some length on the Warriors I see Steve "Corner Trey" Novak seeing significant time and trying to hide in the corner. No one puts baby in the corner, but D'Antoni puts Novak in the corner, and he could just go Schwayze.
4) Mark Jackson makes a questionable coaching move that he is asked about during the post game. Jax is still NY, knows that we're watching and has the ego that all NY point guards have. He wants a little spotlight so he grabs some. Hope I'm wrong about this and if I am it is because he thought about this very fact and decided to lay low.
I see us 2-0 after this game, and Tyson Chandler is the reason why.
About 10 years ago the desire to stay up to watch the Knicks West Coast swings kind of dissipated. Looking back now I wonder if it was the maturing process that had me tucked in before the 10:30 tip or if it was a by-product of James Dolan's bought product. Which came first, did the Knicks become bad, or did I get old?
It seemed self-destructive to stay up until 1:00 am watching Howard Eisley dish to Shannon Anderson in a meaningless game against the Antwan Jamison led Warriors. I would wake up to go to work or school the next day exhausted. I would pour over the box score wondering how we gave up 118 points and got to be 11 games under .500. I would see players like Mookie Blaylock come off the bench for the Warriors and wish he was a Knick even though his tank was empty. (The fact that Pearl Jam named Ten after him may have played a small role in my wish)
I haven't intentionally stayed up for a West coast game in years but tonight, tonight, I just finished my cup of coffee and in the famed words of Bart Scott, Can't Wait.
Tonight's game against the Warriors has some great backdrop to it. St. John's own Mark Jackson coaching the Warriors against the team that drafted him, let him run the point for two different stints, and then flirted with him for its own head coaching vacancy before deciding on Mike D'Antoni. I wonder if the final decision took Seven Seconds or Less? Former first round pick David Lee playing against a roster of strangers and hopefully playing the same amount of defense he used to play when he donned the Orange and Blue. Tyson Chandler who isn't bashful about saying that he used the Warriors to drive up the price for his services. Okay, so that isn't a direct quote but read between the lines. Second choices are always a place someone "really wanted to be" until the ultimate landing spot paid more. Lastly, and perhaps intriguing only to me and my father, Cali born and raised, Harvard educated Jeremy Lin returning to GSW and playing (maybe just warming up) in his first game as a New York Knick.
It's the kind of stuff that would intrigue an average fan to tune in and no doubt all of the above will be mentioned during the broadcast. Fortunately, all of the above is ancillary to the game itself which as a diehard Knick fan is a beautiful, wonderful thing.
I have no clue what to expect out of tonight's game but am very, very scared of what Monta Ellis is going to do to our backcourt. Amar'e should have the offense run through him more tonight and hopefully we put in a greater effort on the glass to avoid second shots and playing 48 consecutive seconds of defense. All of that said, here are a few intentionally vague predictions heading into tonight's matchup:
1) Chandler has a double double with 13+ boards. If I'm not mistaken Tyson went to Dominguez High School before getting drafted by the Clips with the #2 overall pick. I know I already referenced the backdrop of Jeremy Lin returning "home" but this is a West Coast kid returning home after shunning his state for the almighty dollar. He is going to want to go H.A.M.
2) Toney Douglas shoots less, looks more composed and has a better game although the box score won't reflect it. For all of Rondo's offensive prowess against TD what is lost in the discussion is Rondo's All-NBA defense, freakish long arms and the desire to shut down his opponent. Toney picked up his dribble too early against the C's and couldn't run the offense. Mark Jackson will try to force his guards to do the same thing, but they're not Rondo, and there is no K.G. around the corner to scare Toney into picking up his dribble.
3) Steve Novak gets open looks and makes em count. Shooters shoot. With an injury to Jeffries and some length on the Warriors I see Steve "Corner Trey" Novak seeing significant time and trying to hide in the corner. No one puts baby in the corner, but D'Antoni puts Novak in the corner, and he could just go Schwayze.
4) Mark Jackson makes a questionable coaching move that he is asked about during the post game. Jax is still NY, knows that we're watching and has the ego that all NY point guards have. He wants a little spotlight so he grabs some. Hope I'm wrong about this and if I am it is because he thought about this very fact and decided to lay low.
I see us 2-0 after this game, and Tyson Chandler is the reason why.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
My Daughter The Yankee Fan
My receding hairline, a grin somewhere between sarcastic and endearing, and perhaps above all else, loyalty. On a long list of things I can thank my father for, these are just a few. Loyalty is a polarizing character trait and has been since day one, literally. It has made men, ruined others and in some instances destroyed one’s otherwise good name, figuratively. Seriously, when was the last time you met someone named Judas? How about Brutus?
Et tu, where does your loyalty lie? As a New York sports fan it undoubtedly rests with either the Jets or Giants, the Mets or Yankees, the Rangers or Islanders and the Knicks or a general disdain for basketball. There is no in between.
Now I am not the breed of fan who automatically hates the alternative team. It’s just not how I feel and I don’t feign anything when it comes to sports. Which makes the decision I’m making that much easier. You see, my father and I have suffered the indignities associated with being Mets fans for far too long. A real fan cannot just pick up and change jerseys to become a fan of another team. You root for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back; learned that when I was 7.
This is precisely why we have suffered together for so long. We are loyal Mets fans, and for that I thank my father. I understand that this is my fate, for better or worse, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. However, the Wilpon’s most recent transgressions coupled with the recent birth of my daughter has led me down a dark, and troublesome path. How do I prevent my innocent daughter from suffering as her father, and grandfather did before her? One fan cannot stop the Wilpons, or change the fate of the Mets so what can I do?
When Izzy was born, a Yankee fan friend of mine sent some infant Yankee gear as a gift with a note reading, “Don’t let her be a loser like you.” I laughed at the gesture, and buried the clothes beneath a mountain of baby clothes. Today I realized that this was a mistake. The only way out from underneath the cycle of suffering is to change. What is that saying, the definition of insanity is when someone does the same thing repeatedly and expects a different outcome? Not me, and not my baby girl.
Isabella Grace Newman is being raised a Yankee fan. The suffering associated with being Mets fan dies with Mark Newman, and I won’t have it any other way. I will forego the bonding we could share by being Mets fans together. Her first summertime visit to a ballpark will be in the Bronx. She’ll never know the pain that Mets fans have come to expect. I actually don’t think that this will be that hard. As a matter of fact, I think I have found a portal to alter my own emotional rooting interests. When I see the joy that Izzy derives from the Yankees winning ways, which history will tell you is inevitable, I won’t have to feign rooting for them. Rooting for your child's happiness is as genuine as it gets.
Et tu, where does your loyalty lie? As a New York sports fan it undoubtedly rests with either the Jets or Giants, the Mets or Yankees, the Rangers or Islanders and the Knicks or a general disdain for basketball. There is no in between.
Now I am not the breed of fan who automatically hates the alternative team. It’s just not how I feel and I don’t feign anything when it comes to sports. Which makes the decision I’m making that much easier. You see, my father and I have suffered the indignities associated with being Mets fans for far too long. A real fan cannot just pick up and change jerseys to become a fan of another team. You root for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back; learned that when I was 7.
This is precisely why we have suffered together for so long. We are loyal Mets fans, and for that I thank my father. I understand that this is my fate, for better or worse, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. However, the Wilpon’s most recent transgressions coupled with the recent birth of my daughter has led me down a dark, and troublesome path. How do I prevent my innocent daughter from suffering as her father, and grandfather did before her? One fan cannot stop the Wilpons, or change the fate of the Mets so what can I do?
When Izzy was born, a Yankee fan friend of mine sent some infant Yankee gear as a gift with a note reading, “Don’t let her be a loser like you.” I laughed at the gesture, and buried the clothes beneath a mountain of baby clothes. Today I realized that this was a mistake. The only way out from underneath the cycle of suffering is to change. What is that saying, the definition of insanity is when someone does the same thing repeatedly and expects a different outcome? Not me, and not my baby girl.
Isabella Grace Newman is being raised a Yankee fan. The suffering associated with being Mets fan dies with Mark Newman, and I won’t have it any other way. I will forego the bonding we could share by being Mets fans together. Her first summertime visit to a ballpark will be in the Bronx. She’ll never know the pain that Mets fans have come to expect. I actually don’t think that this will be that hard. As a matter of fact, I think I have found a portal to alter my own emotional rooting interests. When I see the joy that Izzy derives from the Yankees winning ways, which history will tell you is inevitable, I won’t have to feign rooting for them. Rooting for your child's happiness is as genuine as it gets.
Monday, December 26, 2011
In Hindsight-Game 1
"In Hindsight" will be a running piece that will look back at my pre-game predictions and for the most part explain why it only looks like I got it all wrong.
1. Toney Douglas will look infinitely better guarding Rajon Rondo than he did in the playoffs.
The reason? Tyson Chandler. Toney can pressure Rondo and force him into the paint this year which is not the layup line it has been in the past. With a stronger interior defense our good face up defenders will benefit by being able to ball hawk and pressure the dribble. While typically you would want to lay off Rondo to let him shoot by doing so you don't hinder his court vision which is uncanny. Today, Rondo looks good, but not all-world good.
RESPONSE: Boy, couldn't have gotten this more wrong. Rondo looked all-world good today and made the interior defense look as soft as it has been for the past ten years. I was flat-out wrong with this prediction and I blame myself for buying into the defensive hype WAY too early. I think the D issues that have plagued us in the past gets corrected by mid-season. I also think that watching Rondo play against Toney Douglas in five straight Knicks games is akin to being waterboarded.
2. Melo goes for 30+.
With no Paul Pierce and his new role as "point forward" giving him the ball that much more he won't be able to help himself and will put it up at least 24 times. If he is feeling it early, it could be a 40 plus day for Carmelo.
RESPONSE: I nailed this one, in part, but was wrong about the shot attempts. It is a great sign that Melo can get 37 on less than 20 shots. He was flat out bodacious yesterday and to para-phrase a few NY papers that I perused today this is officially his team. D'Antoni referred to him as the team's best player and A'Mare was quoted as saying it is Melo's team. I like it, and he is already the greatest scorer the Knicks have had since Bernard King.
3. Chandler gets in early foul trouble.
Love the dude, but he will too hyped early, and the refs will be looking to not let the Knicks establish this new aggressive defensive scheme from jump street. Plus, Doc is a great coach and will attack the rim with KG and Brandon Bass to start the game.
RESPONSE: I'm actually sorry I didn't get this correct. Chandler accumulated 6 blocks but looked soft with Rondo attacking the hoop repeatedly in the first quarter. He was timid and seemed too conscious with not fouling. I also underestimated Bass' perimeter game which was eye-opening. Great move by the C's to trade Baby for Double B's. He is without question the better player.
4. Shumpert has a moment of brillance and moment of complete buffoonery.
RESPONSE: Eh, too close to call. No true "moments", although one could argue that both brilliance and buffoonery occurred on the same play. When Shump dive bombed toward the hoop for what would be a defining dunk he cocked the ball back a little too far for a bit of showmanship. By doing so KG was able to adjust and get a small piece resulting in a back rim clanger. (As shown, Above Left) I wouldn't have Iman curtail his swagger but it's the first game, reel it in young buck. (Kid had the sexiest 3-12 I have seen in a long, long time. Rest up and get well Iman, the Garden loves you already.)
The Three Wallys
Stop me if you've heard this one. Four Jews are at a Beach Club in Boca on Christmas day watching the Knick game when...
After watching the first half of yesterday's Knick game from the same condo that I paced a mile in during the Jets debacle, I sensed that my wife was a little fed up with my vacation antics. She couldn't be more supportive of my over the top fandom which spreads across 2 1/4 teams, (The Mets are half a team, and I'm half interested in them = 1/4) but I was being a bit piggish in my behavior. Earlier in the day I offered in complete earnest to accompany my wife and daughter across A1A to my mother in-law's beach/pool club during the Knicks game. Okay, so maybe the "during" part wasn't in complete earnest, but I'm fortunate that my wife understood that "during" actually meant "before tip-off but leaving enough time to get in front of the television in the party room" or "at halftime, but lets be ready to leave when the 2nd quarter hits triple zeros".
Since we clearly weren't ready to leave by opening tip I spent the commercial breaks during the first half prepping for the halftime quickstep across the highway. Bathing suit under shorts, sunglasses in cargo pocket, and baby in bathing suit and ridiculous hat: Check.
I scooped Izzy up and we made our way over to "Temple Beth Jewpool" in time to get settled poolside. My wife threw our stuff down across two chairs and we made our way upstairs to the party room where the 44 inch television was hopefully locked in on TNT. During my walk over I thought the best way to approach the possible scenario that the television was on something other than the Knicks game. Do I wrestle the remote from a kid watching cartoons, tell Grandma in my sweetest tone that the Young and Restless would still be Young and still be Restless tomorrow, or act completely entitled and scoff at the notion that the television could be on anything BUT the Knicks game.
Fortunately, as I turned the corner around the un-stocked, unmanned bar there was Wally and two generations of Wally's beneath him. "Yes" I thought to myself in my head's best Marv impersonation. The only thing missing was the Chinese food. I could tell his name was Wally by the gaudy gold bracelet around his wrist that said, "Wally." His son Wally "Deuce", probably 40 or so sat in a barstool behind him, wearing sunglasses indoors. His look was his version of the gaudy gold bracelet I thought to myself. Wally the Third was about 17, sat next to Grandpa and engaged him in sports banter throughout the entire game. Normally, this would piss me off and is exactly why I don't watch meaningful sports games in public places. For some reason however, I liked how Tre' Wally was going after Old Man Wally who's running commentary was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
During the Celts third quarter run OMW (Old Man Wally) said no less than 11 times, "we traded Billups for dis guy" or some derivative thereof. I kept quiet but passively/aggressively noted that "we definitely could use a healthy Chauncey today, but defensive bigs are hard to come by." He countered by saying, "this guy's no Bill Russell, I never seen Bill Russell give up one layup, ever". Before I could respond, Youngest Wally said, "that's because there were no T.V.'s back then." Wally Deuce, trashily proud of his boy, produced a belly laugh that evidenced years of smoking and misguided anger at his pop.
At the end of the third I looked at OMW and said, "we need 15 out of Carmelo in the 4th if we are going to win this game." Wally responded, "we gonna need more than that, that's for sure." As the game got close, and the clock ticked on we all inched closer to the television and the peripheral conversations ceased. Each possession was discussed at each whistle but not during the game. Coaching moves analyzed during time outs and set plays. This is what happens to real fans in tight games. I was suddenly glad I was with them.
When Marquis Daniels missed his corner three and Rondo tracked the ball down in the corner and took the Celtics final timeout OMW screamed that Chandler has to get to that ball. I nodded my head in agreement, and meant it. As K.G. floated up the final shot we were all standing, bodies contorted in our "please don't drop" pose. With the ball clanking iron and the final buzzer sounding we all regained our posture and spoke at each other at the same time. Except for Wally, he was silent until we were silent. In this silence he looked at me and said, "I told you Melo would need more than 15," and extended his hand. I shook it and said Happy Hanukkah.
Melo finished with 17 in the fourth, with the final two coming at the charity stripe representing the final margin. I guess you were right Old Man Wally, it was nice watching the game with you.
After watching the first half of yesterday's Knick game from the same condo that I paced a mile in during the Jets debacle, I sensed that my wife was a little fed up with my vacation antics. She couldn't be more supportive of my over the top fandom which spreads across 2 1/4 teams, (The Mets are half a team, and I'm half interested in them = 1/4) but I was being a bit piggish in my behavior. Earlier in the day I offered in complete earnest to accompany my wife and daughter across A1A to my mother in-law's beach/pool club during the Knicks game. Okay, so maybe the "during" part wasn't in complete earnest, but I'm fortunate that my wife understood that "during" actually meant "before tip-off but leaving enough time to get in front of the television in the party room" or "at halftime, but lets be ready to leave when the 2nd quarter hits triple zeros".
Since we clearly weren't ready to leave by opening tip I spent the commercial breaks during the first half prepping for the halftime quickstep across the highway. Bathing suit under shorts, sunglasses in cargo pocket, and baby in bathing suit and ridiculous hat: Check.
I scooped Izzy up and we made our way over to "Temple Beth Jewpool" in time to get settled poolside. My wife threw our stuff down across two chairs and we made our way upstairs to the party room where the 44 inch television was hopefully locked in on TNT. During my walk over I thought the best way to approach the possible scenario that the television was on something other than the Knicks game. Do I wrestle the remote from a kid watching cartoons, tell Grandma in my sweetest tone that the Young and Restless would still be Young and still be Restless tomorrow, or act completely entitled and scoff at the notion that the television could be on anything BUT the Knicks game.
Fortunately, as I turned the corner around the un-stocked, unmanned bar there was Wally and two generations of Wally's beneath him. "Yes" I thought to myself in my head's best Marv impersonation. The only thing missing was the Chinese food. I could tell his name was Wally by the gaudy gold bracelet around his wrist that said, "Wally." His son Wally "Deuce", probably 40 or so sat in a barstool behind him, wearing sunglasses indoors. His look was his version of the gaudy gold bracelet I thought to myself. Wally the Third was about 17, sat next to Grandpa and engaged him in sports banter throughout the entire game. Normally, this would piss me off and is exactly why I don't watch meaningful sports games in public places. For some reason however, I liked how Tre' Wally was going after Old Man Wally who's running commentary was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
During the Celts third quarter run OMW (Old Man Wally) said no less than 11 times, "we traded Billups for dis guy" or some derivative thereof. I kept quiet but passively/aggressively noted that "we definitely could use a healthy Chauncey today, but defensive bigs are hard to come by." He countered by saying, "this guy's no Bill Russell, I never seen Bill Russell give up one layup, ever". Before I could respond, Youngest Wally said, "that's because there were no T.V.'s back then." Wally Deuce, trashily proud of his boy, produced a belly laugh that evidenced years of smoking and misguided anger at his pop.
At the end of the third I looked at OMW and said, "we need 15 out of Carmelo in the 4th if we are going to win this game." Wally responded, "we gonna need more than that, that's for sure." As the game got close, and the clock ticked on we all inched closer to the television and the peripheral conversations ceased. Each possession was discussed at each whistle but not during the game. Coaching moves analyzed during time outs and set plays. This is what happens to real fans in tight games. I was suddenly glad I was with them.
When Marquis Daniels missed his corner three and Rondo tracked the ball down in the corner and took the Celtics final timeout OMW screamed that Chandler has to get to that ball. I nodded my head in agreement, and meant it. As K.G. floated up the final shot we were all standing, bodies contorted in our "please don't drop" pose. With the ball clanking iron and the final buzzer sounding we all regained our posture and spoke at each other at the same time. Except for Wally, he was silent until we were silent. In this silence he looked at me and said, "I told you Melo would need more than 15," and extended his hand. I shook it and said Happy Hanukkah.
Melo finished with 17 in the fourth, with the final two coming at the charity stripe representing the final margin. I guess you were right Old Man Wally, it was nice watching the game with you.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Game 1
12-25-2011
We spent last Christmas in the Garden watching Amar'e and the "Melo Pawns" battle the Bulls in an epic match-up. The place was electric, and I repeatedly told my wife, wait until we are here for a big playoff game...you'll feel what being a Knick fan really feels like. I tempered the sentiment, "It may not happen for a while, but when it does..."
I was lucky enough to have been at the Garden when Starks dunked on the entire Bulls team, when Hue Hollins bailed Hubert Davis out in Game 5 against Pippen's Bulls, and also when Patty missed the finger roll against Reggie and the Pacers. Human electricity exists, and when the Knicks are good, really good, the electricity generated at the Garden could light up all of Midtown.
I believe in this group. I don't believe that the roster they roll out today can get a ring but I believe that if the chips fall into place the one they put on the floor in June may be good enough.
In 1999 Camby propelled the Knicks into the Finals by becoming the player that Zeke thought he could be when he drafted him out of UMASS. He dominated the floor on the defensive end and let our offensive stars be just that. I am not the first one to make this comparison, but if Chandler plays the 99' Camby role who says the Knicks can't make a similar run?
Today's game is not indicative of where we are going, its just a start but I believe we will get the feeling back this year. Here are a few predictions heading into today's matchup:
1. Toney Douglas will look infinitely better guarding Rajon Rondo than he did in the playoffs.
The reason? Tyson Chandler. Toney can pressure Rondo and force him into the paint this year which is not the layup line it has been in the past. With a stronger interior defense our good face up defenders will benefit by being able to ball hawk and pressure the dribble. While typically you would want to lay off Rondo to let him shoot by doing so you don't hinder his court vision which is uncanny. Today, Rondo looks good, but not all-world good.
2. Melo goes for 30+.
With no Paul Pierce and his new role as "point forward" giving him the ball that much more he won't be able to help himself and will put it up at least 24 times. If he is feeling it early, it could be a 40 plus day for Carmelo.
3. Chandler gets in early foul trouble.
Love the dude, but he will too hyped early, and the refs will be looking to not let the Knicks establish this new aggressive defensive scheme from jump street. Plus, Doc is a great coach and will attack the rim with KG and Brandon Bass to start the game.
4. Shumpert has a moment of brillance and moment of complete buffoonery.
Further Musings
The line is -3.5. Idiot's gamble on basketball. Addicts gamble on basketball opening day. Idiotic Addicts gamble on Basketball on opening day after a shortened pre-season.
The over/under for Knicks wins this season is 40. Damn Vegas is good. Don't know where to go with this. I haven't looked at the complete schedule with an eye towards predicting this but think we go under 40. With Amar'e already promising to rest some and the PG situation being completely unsettled I think that under is the right bet. What we can hope for is that B.Diddy comes back we play .500 ball with him for his first 10 games and catch lighting in a bottle in the playoffs.
Final Thought
Knicks 97
Celtics 92
We spent last Christmas in the Garden watching Amar'e and the "Melo Pawns" battle the Bulls in an epic match-up. The place was electric, and I repeatedly told my wife, wait until we are here for a big playoff game...you'll feel what being a Knick fan really feels like. I tempered the sentiment, "It may not happen for a while, but when it does..."
I was lucky enough to have been at the Garden when Starks dunked on the entire Bulls team, when Hue Hollins bailed Hubert Davis out in Game 5 against Pippen's Bulls, and also when Patty missed the finger roll against Reggie and the Pacers. Human electricity exists, and when the Knicks are good, really good, the electricity generated at the Garden could light up all of Midtown.
I believe in this group. I don't believe that the roster they roll out today can get a ring but I believe that if the chips fall into place the one they put on the floor in June may be good enough.
In 1999 Camby propelled the Knicks into the Finals by becoming the player that Zeke thought he could be when he drafted him out of UMASS. He dominated the floor on the defensive end and let our offensive stars be just that. I am not the first one to make this comparison, but if Chandler plays the 99' Camby role who says the Knicks can't make a similar run?
Today's game is not indicative of where we are going, its just a start but I believe we will get the feeling back this year. Here are a few predictions heading into today's matchup:
1. Toney Douglas will look infinitely better guarding Rajon Rondo than he did in the playoffs.
The reason? Tyson Chandler. Toney can pressure Rondo and force him into the paint this year which is not the layup line it has been in the past. With a stronger interior defense our good face up defenders will benefit by being able to ball hawk and pressure the dribble. While typically you would want to lay off Rondo to let him shoot by doing so you don't hinder his court vision which is uncanny. Today, Rondo looks good, but not all-world good.
2. Melo goes for 30+.
With no Paul Pierce and his new role as "point forward" giving him the ball that much more he won't be able to help himself and will put it up at least 24 times. If he is feeling it early, it could be a 40 plus day for Carmelo.
3. Chandler gets in early foul trouble.
Love the dude, but he will too hyped early, and the refs will be looking to not let the Knicks establish this new aggressive defensive scheme from jump street. Plus, Doc is a great coach and will attack the rim with KG and Brandon Bass to start the game.
4. Shumpert has a moment of brillance and moment of complete buffoonery.
Further Musings
The line is -3.5. Idiot's gamble on basketball. Addicts gamble on basketball opening day. Idiotic Addicts gamble on Basketball on opening day after a shortened pre-season.
The over/under for Knicks wins this season is 40. Damn Vegas is good. Don't know where to go with this. I haven't looked at the complete schedule with an eye towards predicting this but think we go under 40. With Amar'e already promising to rest some and the PG situation being completely unsettled I think that under is the right bet. What we can hope for is that B.Diddy comes back we play .500 ball with him for his first 10 games and catch lighting in a bottle in the playoffs.
Final Thought
Knicks 97
Celtics 92
Opening Tip: Christmas Edition
Yesterday the weather was sublime. It was 80 degrees, sunny, and a cool breeze was softly rolling down the beach. At least that's what my family told me. I spent the majority of the day inside watching the new "Pound Our Chest" Jets regress into what I remembered them best as, the "Same Ol Jets." I paced nervously around my Mother in Law's Boca condo overlooking the Atlantic for the better part of 5 hours wearing an over-sized and ridiculous Shonn Greene jersey hoping, praying for victory.
59 pass attempts, 99 yards, and a QB who couldn't get off number 60 without costing his team the season later, I took the elevator down 12 flights and made my way to Isabella. As the sun melted into the horizon I took my beloved, nearly 4 month old daughter in my arms and placed her feet in the incoming tide. It was our first dip in the ocean together and by the time the first wave rolled over her toes to make its way back into the aqua tinted waters I immediately began thinking in Orange and Blue.
Its Christmas morning and I woke up cold, pale, very much still looking like New York. It was 5:30 when Isabella began to stir. My wife and I usually let her fall back to sleep, mostly for our benefit, but I was as anxious as she was to get up. "It's Christmas day today Izzy, do you know what that means?" I asked her, as she smiled at the sound of my voice. "Knicks Celtics at Noon!" We stood on the balcony as the orange sun rose to light the sky blue. "Ah, Orange and Blue Izzy, you see that," I whispered as she began to squint toward the rising sun. "You're down with the Orange and Blue". In a matter of 12 hours the sun set on one season, and rose on another; both taking place with my daughter in my arms. As a father first, and a maniacal fan second, I couldn't have asked for a better gift this year during the holidays: Perspective.
Merry Christmas to you all.
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