The Knicks have been playing some
great ball against some of the top teams in the league. Even when losing, its
been nice to see solid game play for once as well as smart shots and not being
blown out by double digit leads. Rather the opposite as of late, and who is to
thank? Melo mostly on the offensive end and Chandler on the offensive side. And
its startling to realize all of this is being done without Lin and even more,
Stoudemire. When Amare was initially signed, he was arguably viewed as the
great hope for the Knicks and finally get things going. But after Melos’
signing and Lins’ emergence, Amares
popularity has been somewhat of an afterthought.
With Amares’ possible return this Friday
many wonder if the two superstars can coexist. And they can,but it can be more
beneficial in some games,rather than others. For instance, the knicks could
have really used him in the Heat game. But will Melo be willing to give up the
ball when Amare will be fed the pick and roll? Nope, Melo has been playing some
great teamwork as of late and spreads the ball evenly, take tonight for example
where Novak just received his 1st triple double as a Knick.With
Stoudemire in play he can help open up Novak for the 3’s.With proper spacing on
the floor, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing. If the Knicks are
able to keep up the morale, they’ll make a serious run in the playoffs.
It was a well played game against the Celtics tonight. Obviously Novak has been killing it from behind the arc. I agree with you in saying Amare is almost becoming an after thought. When he first joined the team before the Melo deal the Knicks were playing some of their best basketball any fan of them has seen in a very long time. They were clicking on all cylinders and showing the other teams around the league they were going to be a tough competitor. However, with the Melo deal, Amare has slipped behind him and unfortunately I do not think they will be very successful in the post season. I am a big Amare supporter from back in his earlier Phoenix days, but Melo never sparked my interest. Overall, they are going to have to figure out how to distribute ball more and play better defense if they want to get anywhere in the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing about Amare is that he shoots a lot of jumpshots and so he does not really give them the inside-out presence that they need.
ReplyDeleteHe is a good rebounder, but he does not play defense, which also hurts them, and in the fourth quarter he could be an extra reason that their offensive chemistry falters.
But it will be interesting certainly to see how he affects their chemistry!
it is going to be interesting to see how coach mike brown incorporates stoudemire in the system. in know many fans are wondering whether this is going to be a good move.
ReplyDeleteAmare needs to sit back and if he wants a ring he is going to have to put his ego on the side. Him off the bench would be the best course of action.
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