Alot of questions were finally answered in the "Season opener" against Tornoto. First question was "What the hell is the rotation going to be?". The pre-season was a train wreck of sorts, kinda just going through the motions. Guys were just out there trying out their new uniforms while getting a good sweat under the lights.
A little compare and contrast:
Jesus Shuttlesworth is not DeRozan - Let's face it...unless you like break away dunks, DeRozan is a bum. Dude can't dribble. He can't take his man off the dribble. He has a horrible first step and he can't pass or shoot. Ray Allen in his twilight years can still play this game and very well. The Knicks have Landry Fields starting at the shooting guard spot. Our boy Landry is no slouch. If you've caught his soundbites he's just playing basketball and doesn't care who is in front of him. His beady eyed focus on the court is evidence on of that. Like Clyde stresses, "see the ball and your man". Landry does this by instinct. Let's not forget, Landry has already met Ray Allen in pre-season. He stripped him rather savagely at center court then broke out for an uncontested dunk. The dude is definitely not afraid to go after it.
D-Bags vs. T-bagger - Yes the Celtics are a bunch of d-bags lead by super D-bag Kevin Garnett. He enjoys yelling expletives while his primary sub "Big Baby" foams as he screams hysterically after a made basket. The O'neal duo are old but still are big, strong and savy enough to cause a problem for their opponents...The T-Bagger is Reggie Evans for obvious reasons (google it!). Amar'e had his problems being harrassed by basically only Evans. What's gonna happen when the Celtics defense drop 3 of their goons in front of Amar'e and dares him to make a play? Who's gonna step up? Timofey Mozgov can help but he had trouble dealing with the retards they have in Toronto. He might foul out against those savy Celtics before D'antoni has a chance to take him out the game. Thank Donnie for Ronnie...Turiaf should help Amar'e if the game gets tough inside.
Gallo (giggity) vs. Pee Pee - I affectionately call Paul Pierce "Pee Pee", frankly because he is a dick. He's just not a likable character...kinda of a cornball by New Yorks standards. Regardless of that, he is a beast. Gallo is going head to head with him. We have two different mindsets. Gallo didn't have anyone worth mentioning in front of him and didn't even try to assert himself. Wilson Chandler on the other hand saw Raptor blood. Wilson showed a willingness to take it right to Toronto en route to a 22 pt night. He's had them before but nothing so assertive. Wilson has had his success facing up against the Celtics so it will be very telling if Wilson carries that aggression over to the next game. Diehards have been praying for it and this blogger has all but given up on him. I'm praying he proves me wrong and has a great game.
Coaching - Doc is a master at game plan and adjustments. The Knicks could be in for a long night if the Knicks aren't ready. Fans that have given up on the team years ago are expecting the Knicks to give up around the 2nd quarter and pack it in. The Knicks have guys that play with pride like Raymond Felton. Last year the lead guard was Chris Duhon...nuff said. You can't expect to rally the troops when the point guard needs a Red Bull at just about every time out. Should be interesting, but this game is the real test for the acquisitions the Knicks made this off-season. D'antoni's offense will get open shots that guys just have to make. The real game will be won once the bodies start hitting the floor.
Go Knicks!!!
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