His job was never on the line. He's the coach, that has coached NY to the playoffs for the 1st time in 7 years.
"job was on the line." No it wasn't. Stop believing your own little lies & show proof. Send us a link where NY's F-O, Walsh or Dolan made it known that "his job was on the line". You can't.
Since when was Amare a "defensive leader"? Never. Lets not credit Carmelo for the teams "defensive effort" either, because MDA's been talking & stressing the importance of team defense & effort all year. It's kind of hard to show production when you lack the pieces to do so. Melo was a huge piece
He's stated that offense isn't a problem; & that this team is focusing on NOTHING BUT DEFENSE from here on out. Behind closed doors? In practice? This team is practicing team defense because MDA's stressing it.
He's learned from his PHX mistakes. He understands defense was the reason why they never beat the Spurs. He's putting effort into coaching D & improving as an overall coach. He want's to win as bad as anyone.
Right before you go on the offensive again, I think the previous post to yours is expressing an opinion. Neither you or anyone else can really know if D'Antoni's job was or even is on the line. What is said in public by management may be completely different to what is said behind closed doors. Regardless, let's work with your supposition that D'Antoni has recognised the need for a stronger defence as a result of his time at Phoenix. Why then does the team only show a defensive consistency following this recent 6 game losing streak?
You can argue about this being a new team all you like, however the fact remains that they demonstrated they could defend as early on as the Miami game. The pre-trade team (who played for over half a season together) also demonstrated sporadic moments of defensive quality, yet refused to apply that effort consistently (if anything they almost always refused to defend) I think a combination of things has contributed to a better defensive showing of late.
1. The acquisition of defence-first players (Jeffries, Carter, Shelden Williams)
2. Anthony's desire to prove to the Knicks fans and basketball commentators that the team has benefited from this trade. Remember this team was recently losing to the Cavs, the Pacers, and other losing teams- primarily due to their lack of defence- while the Nuggets were (and still are) consistently winning games. It's no surprise therefore that Anthony adapted his defensive approach which lifted the entire team.
3. Murmurs from the stands. I get up at 2-3 a.m where I am to watch Knicks games and I've recently had to turn the volume down all the way during the home games due to the fan's cries for defence reaching my gal's ears. She gets up early enough as it is to go to work therefore some respect is required; in the same way that D'Antoni was forced into addressing the growing cries for defence by the crowd, the various commentators, management no doubt, and the team's inability to beat shockingly bad teams.
4. Yes I partly feel that D'Antoni always held a (small) soft spot for defence. There is no other reason for him re-acquiring Jeffries, and instantly giving him minutes. He's also started playing defensive lineup at certain points of games which include Carter at PG, Douglas SG, Anthony/Walker SF, Jeffries PF, and Shelden/Turiaf at C. So yes he has started to put his money where his mouth is regarding defence.
In conclusion. To state that the team's improved defensive image is all about the coach, is probably as inaccurate as someone stating it has nothing to do with him.
