I?m glad that 3ball is cut down; but they still do it when it?s not necessary...I guess old habits are hard to die. It?s also good to see they wised up and started penetrating more. I still think the system can be improved by getting the ball to Stat and Will around the paint more, their spacing shouldn?t always be around the parameter. There should be more swinging in and out with the big and atheletic men. This system is inspiring the 3ball, but that shot should be used sporadically, throw teams off balance with it.
The Defense is spiffing up, but their positioning is still suspect. Too many easy baskets and the double teams aren?t really doing anything but creating a more open shot for the opposition. This team hasn?t gel enough to play that type of D yet. A zone is more beneficial and it?s evident when Stat/Turiuf/Wilson decides to hover around the boards instead of chasing players around. As they become more familiar with each others tendencies? that D the coach is trying to implement will have more impact. The great D (block shots) we?ve been seeing was mainly on the individual?s efforts, not so much the system?giving up 100 points per game is the proof.
Gallo?s shooting is still woeful and he still can?t create off the dribble. I?m amazed at how teams are still sending him to the line instead of challenging him to make the basket, rarely does he get and 1?s. He really needs to work on his handle and bulk up some too; I?m tied of seeing him get thrown around, out rebounded and scored on due to his fragility, however, I?ll admit he has been helpful from the free throw and I do recognize a little bit more heart in the kid, at least he found a way to help the team out. I?ll take it.
We?ll see how the Knicks play against the healthy and better teams. It?s a good thing the first part of the season is kinda soft, it gives them a fair chance to get into BBall form so we can see who is worth trading or keeping for the long haul. The winning feels good thou, its suppose to...I'm waiting for the more meaningful games, the teams that will truely test them. I wish em the best ofcoarse, but I will reserve my glee until then...