Checkout our Melo D!

“That’s in the back of our mind,’’ Carmelo Anthony said of erasing the no-defense moniker following the Boston sweep. “For me, personally, I’m on a personal vendetta. I get tired of hearing it. We get tired of hearing it. And just bringing Tyson [Chandler] on made it that much better. The last five games we’ve been doing a great job. - Berman,  ny post

What did you see with your own eyes last night against the 76'ers Diehards?

We have been reading quotes like the one above from Carmelo all off-season and pretty much all year so far. The proof that what he's saying is true starts out there on the court. The Knicks have installed a switching/zone defense where guy automatically switch when they reach a certain area. I've noticed it the last few games but it was working perfectly last night. The concept kept Philly from catching any real rythmn all game and it help the Knicks soften the blow on any run they tried to go on. This has nothing to do witty Tyson Chandler or Shumpert individually. The team as a whole seemed to have bought into this new defensive concept and as a fan that enjoys the game on a X and O level, I must say I am thoroughly impressed! This new philosophy makes everyone accountable. These concepts can't work unless the star players take the lead and get their hands dirty. Carmelo can be see throwing signs in the game. One sign that stood out is when Philly brought the ball up and Carmelo could be seen swiping the back of his headband with both hands. When he did this the guys behind him got into position. When did you see something like this in the last 10 years? Seeing is believing and I feel sorry for time Warner cable subscribers because the revolution of the Knicks defense will not be televised for them.

The zone/switching scheme has allowed guys to show off their quick hands on defense. Shumpert has been doing his Derek Harper/Clyde impersonations for fast break layups off the steal. Melo has also been able to get in the lane and steal passes off the switch. If the Knicks don't get a steal, they get the turnover. It happens often enough to keep teams under control therefore surpressing huge runs that plagued the Knicks in the past. Another thing the Knicks are doing is trapping players on the corners out by the 3 point line. It causes the team to make a desperate scramble and the Knicks have been getting the turnover almost every time they do it.

What Knicks are you watching? I can't believe my eyes watching these guys play. The evolution of the team from game one till now is night and day. To think that the defense is what is leading this D'antoni coached team is ridiculous. Credit who you want. Mike Woodson  definately needs the props but the accountability the players are taking, especially with Carmelo taking the lead is monumental. Funny thing about it is the offense right now sucks. They are getting by on talent right now. All the guys need to do is hold on and not listen to the internet destractions. There was a rumor that the Knicks were gonna sign Keith Bogans and we all heard the Dwight Howard rumors. One thing is for sure. Baron Davis will play for the Knicks this year and is about 2-3 weeks away. If the defense can continue to improve with their new concept, inserting Baron will ignite the offense to levels we've seen in the past. We all seen the proof in that with other point guards, especially Raymond Felton. Baron is better than Felton....just saying!