The Jizz are far from the same team they were since booting D Williams, and their post trade statistics are not available. So, instead of a categorical/statistical perusal, I'll feature some focal match ups I consider keys to a much needed victory. and elaborate on the roles of integral bench players.
Focal Match Up ①
And it is pivotal to our success. A lot of offence against a lot of defence. Kirilenko is an incredibly versatile player. He's inconsistent offensively, but can put the ball on the floor and pass exceptionally well. Amazing athlete with an albatross' wingspan.
Our reliance on Anthony's point production will be tested tonight against an All NBA defender. Though he's dropped off significantly after a calf injury, AK47 still fills up the major defensive categories, and presents a problem for our go to scorer on the block.
Though he may not look it, Kirilenko actually outweighs Melo 235 pounds to 230, and is an inch taller, but has a 7'4" wingspan to bring to this head to head battle, to Melo's 6'11". This isn't MMA, but I figured it worth mentioning as rebounding will once again be a struggle for us.
Carmelo is undeniably the stronger of the 2, and will no doubt utilise the advantage.
Focal Match Up ②
At 6'10" & 280, Big Al Jefferson posts another size problem for The Knicks on the glass. He corrals 9.2 RPG, and as history proves, opponent bigs have career rebounding nights against our team.
Lateral movement defensively is a weak point for Jefferson, and the league's best high post PF, STAT, should go on yet another offensive tirade.
The inevitability of Stoudemire posing any threat on the offensive glass becomes less of a likelihood, with not only Jefferson impeding him, but the Jazz's newly acquired rookie, Derrick Favors.
Jefferson has a myriad of post moves, but a lack of athleticism should allow for Stoudemire to challenge his shots. I predict that STAT will block at least 1, perhaps 2 of his attempts.
Focal Match Up ③
Though he's outmatched for pace and height, look for Billups to discombobulate Harris on both ends of the floor. Superior strength and a versatile post up game are 2 big advantages for Billups, and his ability to draw fouls on a whim make this a match up the Knicks can't afford to not capitalise upon.
Focal Match Up ④
This, IMO, is the second most important match up to Kirilenko V Anthony. If Fields is to have as productive a night as he did in that whore of a game against Cleveland, he could well be the X factor in providing a crucial win as the season closes. Bigger, stronger, more athletic and with an impressive wang, Fields SHOULD look to provide some much needed offence and his trademark intangibles in what is a match up that's clearly in our favour.
Utah's X Factors
● CJ Miles killed us in our previous encounter with Utah. He's a heady player on both ends and rarely makes mistakes. At stages he'll guard Carmelo Anthony, which is where he becomes a disadvantage for his team. He lacks physical strength and if the scouting reports are on to it, we'll look to beat him down with The Beast On The Block. Containing him offensively is the key.
● Earl Watson, though he looks like a shaved Ewok, is a big plug off the bench for Utah. Offensively and defensively, Watson is capable of disrupting any team unprepared for him.
NYK X Factors
We all know what they're capable of, but Williams in particular needs to bring some help on the glass, and hit his shots. All we need is some good post D from Ronny on Jefferson and some timely fouls and rotating D in the paint.
The Jizz are far from the same team they were since booting D Williams, and their post trade statistics are not available. So, instead of a categorical/statistical perusal, I'll feature some focal match ups I consider keys to a much needed victory. and elaborate on the roles of integral bench players.
Focal Match Up ①
And it is pivotal to our success. A lot of offence against a lot of defence. Kirilenko is an incredibly versatile player. He's inconsistent offensively, but can put the ball on the floor and pass exceptionally well. Amazing athlete with an albatross' wingspan.
Our reliance on Anthony's point production will be tested tonight against an All NBA defender. Though he's dropped off significantly after a calf injury, AK47 still fills up the major defensive categories, and presents a problem for our go to scorer on the block.
Though he may not look it, Kirilenko actually outweighs Melo 235 pounds to 230, and is an inch taller, but has a 7'4" wingspan to bring to this head to head battle, to Melo's 6'11". This isn't MMA, but I figured it worth mentioning as rebounding will once again be a struggle for us.
Carmelo is undeniably the stronger of the 2, and will no doubt utilise the advantage.
Focal Match Up ②
At 6'10" & 280, Big Al Jefferson posts another size problem for The Knicks on the glass. He corrals 9.2 RPG, and as history proves, opponent bigs have career rebounding nights against our team.
Lateral movement defensively is a weak point for Jefferson, and the league's best high post PF, STAT, should go on yet another offensive tirade.
The inevitability of Stoudemire posing any threat on the offensive glass becomes less of a likelihood, with not only Jefferson impeding him, but the Jazz's newly acquired rookie, Derrick Favors.
Jefferson has a myriad of post moves, but a lack of athleticism should allow for Stoudemire to challenge his shots. I predict that STAT will block at least 1, perhaps 2 of his attempts.
Focal Match Up ③
Though he's outmatched for pace and height, look for Billups to discombobulate Harris on both ends of the floor. Superior strength and a versatile post up game are 2 big advantages for Billups, and his ability to draw fouls on a whim make this a match up the Knicks can't afford to not capitalise upon.
Focal Match Up ④
This, IMO, is the second most important match up to Kirilenko V Anthony. If Fields is to have as productive a night as he did in that whore of a game against Cleveland, he could well be the X factor in providing a crucial win as the season closes. Bigger, stronger, more athletic and with an impressive wang, Fields SHOULD look to provide some much needed offence and his trademark intangibles in what is a match up that's clearly in our favour.
Utah's X Factors
● CJ Miles killed us in our previous encounter with Utah. He's a heady player on both ends and rarely makes mistakes. At stages he'll guard Carmelo Anthony, which is where he becomes a disadvantage for his team. He lacks physical strength and if the scouting reports are on to it, we'll look to beat him down with The Beast On The Block. Containing him offensively is the key.
● Earl Watson, though he looks like a shaved Ewok, is a big plug off the bench for Utah. Offensively and defensively, Watson is capable of disrupting any team unprepared for him.
NYK X Factors
We all know what they're capable of, but Williams in particular needs to bring some help on the glass, and hit his shots. All we need is some good post D from Ronny on Jefferson and some timely fouls and rotating D in the paint.
The Jazz are 2-8 of their last 10 since trading Williams and losing Sloan. Probably should have put that in the thread.
That is not a good sign, we struggle against **** teams.
I'm positive after last nights huge win, but I've been positive a couple of times this season after big wins, only to get disappointed against garbage teams like Sacramento, Cleveland and Minnesota.
I really hope the guys have enough energy left this time to get 2 Ws in 2 nights. So important with Philly breathing down our neck.
FLorida. Thank god for the NBA league pass & MSG network.
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Without Sloan & now Williams; the Jazz just aren't the same anymore.
There is no such thing as a "free win", but we should beat this Utah team; especially if we play with heart on defense. I say we rest Billups tonight. Have Billups 100% healthy & ready for both Memphis & Dallas. Douglas has been money for us. He's a real spark, and all the playing time/experience he gains before the playoffs will be good for both TD & the Knicks. Let Billups rest, we have Carter who makes for a smart veteran backup.
MSG will be rocking, I love the fact that Jeffries is back with the Knicks. Dude plays with heart. If we play with the type of defensive intensity we played with against MIA, Hornets & ATL... We win by 15+.
Prediction: Knicks: 107 / Jazz: 89
MVP- Carmelo Anthony. Comes back strong after an off night last night. Melo with 34 pts, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals & 1 block.
That is not a good sign, we struggle against **** teams.
I'm positive after last nights huge win, but I've been positive a couple of times this season after big wins, only to get disappointed against garbage teams like Sacramento, Cleveland and Minnesota.
I really hope the guys have enough energy left this time to get 2 Ws in 2 nights. So important with Philly breathing down our neck.
Let's go Knicks!
**** teams?
The jazz may not make the playoffs in the west, but they are 32-30. We do poorly when we are outrebounded. We need to keep jefferson off the glass and we win. harris and favors > dwill alone
I almost sold my tix to this game, but nah...I'll be in attendance.
I feel like Melo is due for one of those stupid games where he is just unconscious all night. He was getting off to that kind of start yesterday until Horford decided to play pool with his noggin.
**** teams?
The jazz may not make the playoffs in the west, but they are 32-30. We do poorly when we are outrebounded. We need to keep jefferson off the glass and we win. harris and favors > dwill alone
I'm not sure I put Favors in there. He's averaging like 14 mins, 5 points, and 3 rebounds since he got to Utah. Now if you said Harris, Milsap, and a surging Jefferson...I'd agree with that. This could end up being a tough game because Harris isn't exactly a pushover at the PG spot, and Utah eats up boards like Eddy Curry gobbles down the Big Macs.
Knicks V Jazz - Mon, March 7
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