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There is no real backstory. Let’s just make a few assumptions.
One of the results of the lockout was that all team had to participate in a Fantasy Draft. Obviously not realistic. RDT also takes over the Knicks from James Dolan, frankly because James Dolan is an idiot.
All injuries magically vanished! How awesome was that?
That’s it.
The New York Knicks, now heading into an 11th straight season without a playoff game victory, got a bit lucky and landed the 10th pick in a snake draft. Most of the mega-superstars will be drafted by then.
We had a couple draft goals:
Stay Young: The Knicks of the last 10 years relied on veterans to lead to 30 win seasons (Stephon Marbury, Luc Longley, Steve Francis, Jalen Rose, Malik Rose, past his prime Dikembe Mutombo, past his prime Tracy Mcgrady, Al Harrington, Antonio McDyess are just some examples).
Don’t spend too much money: Try to keep the contracts to a minimum, as we might be able to land a top tier FA next season.
So, here it is!
Pick: 10th (Round 1) Player: Kevin Love, PF Age: 22 10-11 Key Stats: 20.2 PPG, 15.2 RPG, 47-85-42%s Rationale: Choices were Love, Blake Griffin and Deron Williams. Williams would have been a great starting point, but I feel good PGs can be found later. Love vs. Blake is interesting, Blake probably has more upside, but Love is a scary rebounder with three point range.
Pick: 51st (Round 2) Player: Ricky Rubio, PG Age: 20 10-11 Key Stats: Rookie Rationale: Justified my not taking Deron Williams. Rubio has tons of upside, but some shooting problems. Still a candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Pick: 70th (Round 3) Player: Danilo Gallinari, SF Age: 22 10-11 Key Stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.0 APG, 86% FT Rationale: Sue me. As a Knicks fan I loved Gallinari, and his all around offensive game should compliment Love and Rubio. Other choice was Roy Hibbert, who, while intriguing, I think is a bit on the overrated side. Brook Lopez was also an option, since his lack of rebounding could have been covered by Love, but I just love Danilo’s game.
Pick: 111th (Round 4) Player: Greg Oden, C Age: 23 10-11 Key Stats: DNP, 11-8.5 in 23 MPG in 09-10. Rationale: One of the benefits of the no injuries stip, I’m rolling with Oden at center. His durability is still the lowest it can be, and offensively he is still rather raw. But Oden still oozes potential, and is a good NBA defensive center already. If he can stay healthy, this will be a steal in round 4. Other choices were Greg Monroe, which is okay I guess, and Derrick Williams or Derrick Favors, two guys I could regret missing out on.
Pick: 130th (Round 5) Player: Iman Shumpert, SG Age: 21 10-11 Key Stats: Rookie Rationale: Another rookie, but Shumpert is a defensive type. Has offensive skill, but shot selection can be horrid. Shumpert and Oden’s defensive abilities will hopefully help Love, Gallo and Rubio in that area, and vice cersa for offense. Other choices were Trevor Ariza (decent Shumpert comparison) and Sam Dalembert (to cover Oden).
Pick: 171st (Round 6) Player: Marshon Brooks, SG Age: 22 10-11 Key Stats: Rookie Rationale: Yet another rookie. Brooks has great potential as well, and could be a homeless man’s Kobe soon. Didn’t really consider anyone else here.
Pick: 190th (Round 7) Player: Tracy McGrady, SG Age: 32 10-11 Key Stats: 12-5.4-5.4-1.4 STL per 36 MPG Rationale: The only veteran on the team. McGrady’s best days are behind him, but if he can find some of his old school ability in the next two seasons, he will still be effective. His per 36s from last season still indicate an all around game. Expect McGrady to play the 6th man role. Other choice here was Josh Howard, who hasn’t been the same since he was caught with pot and tore his ACL.
Pick: 231st (Round 8) Player: DeJuan Blair, PF Age: 22 10-11 Key Stats: 16-9.5, 50% FG per 36 MPG Rationale: Absolute steal here imo. Good defender coming out of Gregg Popovich’s system. Will be expected to play both backup center and power forward. Is capable of big 20-13ish nights. Other choice here was Mike Miller, but I needed a backup big.
Pick: 250th (Round 9) Player: Markieff Morris, PF Age: 21 10-11 Key Stats: Rookie Rationale: Rookie big who will be expected to play big minutes behind Oden and Love.
Pick: 291st (Round 10) Player: Jerryd Bayless, PG Age: 22 10-11 Key Stats: 16-4-6 per 36 MPG Rationale: Young explosive PG. Will compete for backup minutes with the next pick. Has an all around game.
Pick: 310th (Round 11) Player: Goran Dragic, PG Age: 25 10-11 Key Stats: 14-6 per 36 MPG Rationale: Will compete with Bayless for playing time. Perhaps best known for his big playoff game against the Spurs as a member of the Suns a couple years ago. Admittedly drafted because I am a fan of his. Amazingly the 3rd oldest player on the team.
Pick: 351st (Round 12) Player: Tiago Splitter, PF Age: 26 10-11 Key Stats: 14-10 per 36 MPG Rationale: Probably won’t play much this season. Has learned behind the great Tim Duncan.
That’s the team. Next update will be off-season stuff, + team information.
Head Coach Mike D’Antoni (4 yr, $6 per) Offense: B Defense: D Teacher: C Potential: C
Assistant Coach Herb Williams Offense: D Defense: C Teacher: B Potential: C
Contracts
Name
Pos
Age
11-12
12-13
13-14
14-15
15-16
Jerryd Bayless
PG
23
$3.04M
0
0
0
0
DeJuan Blair
PF
22
$986k
$1.05M
0
0
0
Marshon Brooks
SG
22
$1.11M
$1.19M
$1.28M
$2.30M
0
Goran Dragic
PG
25
$2.11
0
0
0
0
Danilo Gallinari
SF
23
$4.19M
$9.00M
$10.00M
$11.00M
$12.00M
Kevin Love
PF
23
$4.61M
$14.00M
$15.00M
$16.00M
$17.00M
Tracy McGrady
SG
32
$1.40M
0
0
0
0
Markieff Morris
PF
22
$1.92M
$2.06M
$2.21M
$3.15M
0
Greg Oden
C
23
$8.90M
0
0
0
0
Ricky Rubio
PG
21
$3.48M
$3.74M
$4.00M
$5.07M
0
Iman Shumpert
SG
21
$1.56M
$1.68M
$1.80M
$2.76M
0
Tiago Splitter
C
26
$3.67M
$3.94M
0
0
0
Blue=Team Option Green=Player Option
We are well below the salary cap, about $20M worth. Depending on how contracts work out next season and who we trade, we may try to lure in a big time free agent next season.
Nationally Televised Games Game 1, Wednesday, November 2, 2011: vs. Miami Heat (Tim Duncan, Ray Allen, Jeremy Lin) Game 10, Sunday, November 20, 2011: @ Phoenix Suns (Kevin Durant) Game 15, Wednesday, November 30, 2011: vs. Orlando Magic (Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving) Game 18, Wednesday, December 7, 2011: vs. San Antonio Spurs (Dwyane Wade) Game 24, Saturday, December 17, 2011: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Dirk Nowitzki) Game 28, Sunday, December 25, 2011: vs. Boston Celtics (Chris Paul) Game 35, Saturday, January 7, 2012: @ New Jersey Nets (Chris Bosh) Game 38, Friday, January 13, 2012: @ Oklahoma City Thunder (Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Kemba Walker) Game 45, Saturday, January 28, 2012: @ Houston Rockets (LeBron James, Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd) Game 47, Thursday, February 2, 2012: vs. Chicago Bulls (Kobe Bryant) Game 51: Friday, February 10, 2012: vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Dwight Howard) Game 55: Sunday, February 19, 2012: vs. Dallas Mavericks (Derrick Rose) Game 60: Sunday, March 4, 2012: @ Boston Celtics (Chris Paul) Game 69: Saturday, March 24, 2012: vs. Detroit Pistons (Russell Westbrook) Game 75: Thursday, April 5, 2012 @ Orlando Magic (Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving) Game 77: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 @ Chicago Bulls (Kobe Bryant) Game 81: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 vs. Boston Celtics (Chris Paul) Game 82: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 @ Cleveland Cavs (Andrew Bynum, Stephen Curry)
Mike, after the Fantasy Draft, how do you feel about your team coming into this season?
It should be a good year. We have a team here who can grasp my offensive setups. Young legs that can run. I’ve got a point guard here that can figure out everything and make us be competitive each night.
Do you feel that Greg Oden is ready for a full season?
I think he’ll be fine. We are limiting his minutes to see how he responds, but when he’s on the court we won’t be afraid to use him.
Tomorrow night, a much anticipated game against the Miami Heat awaits. Miami boasts one of the best players of all time in Tim Duncan, as well as sharpshooter Ray Allen and who the league believes will be the Most Improved Player in the league this year, Jeremy Lin. Thoughts on tomorrow’s game?
My respect for Tim Duncan has always been great. Will it be a tough game tomorrow night, of course, but I think we have the firepower to outscore them. Kevin will be tough for them to handle. We’ll get off to a hot start and we’ll be good to go.
This is a highly anticipated game. Can Kevin Love and the rest of your young team handle the New York spotlight? Is Ricky Rubio ready for NBA level competition?
These guys are all competitors. I fully expect them to feed off of Madison Square Garden and become better players because of it.
Coach, any comments on the speculation that if this team doesn’t make a run in the playoffs, your job will be on the line?
I think it is way too early to talk about those kinda things. Right now I’m just focused on winning games.
Any predictions for the season Coach?
We’ll get farther than last season.
November 2nd
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 1: Heat (0-1) @ Knicks (1-0)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
OT
Total
Heat
18
30
34
25
6
113
Knicks
14
24
41
28
19
126
Perhaps Tracy McGrady still has something left in the tank.
T-Mac sparked a scoring binge for the Knicks in the 3rd quarter, Kevin Love was on fire, rookie Ricky Rubio put up one of the best first games from a point guard ever and Greg Oden didn’t physically fall apart as the Knicks overcame a 48-38 deficit at half time to defeat the Heat in overtime 126-113.
After a slow start from behind the arc, three pointers began falling from everywhere for NY. Love finished with 38 points and 14 rebounds and won Player of the Game. Tracy McGrady scored 29 and dished out 8 assists, most of which was in the 2nd half. Greg Oden scored 19 with 11 boards and Ricky Rubio had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 17 assists (to go with 8 turnovers).
Miami, who figure to be a contender this season building around two of the best to play the game, seemed to have the game in firm control until McGrady and Love starting hitting from everywhere, had a great start and got great performances from Tim Duncan (30-6-4) and Ray Allen (31-7-4). Jeremy Lin, widely touted as the next big thing from Miami fans, had 20-5-10 with 6 turnovers.
November 3rd
ESPN Report
Knicks trade PG Goran Dragic and a 2013 2nd Round Pick for the Bulls PF Ryan Anderson.
Anderson has played 2 games with the Bulls this season, averaging 10.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG while shooting 37%. Dragic played 11 minutes in his one game this season, getting an assist and a block in 11 MPG. Both are on small one year deals. Dragic should split time with Derek Fisher in backing up Devin Harris, while Anderson will get time behind Kevin Love.
T-Mac, you looked like your old self out there last night against Miami. Is this what we will see all season?
I’m definitely not done in my career yet. The last couple seasons everyone was trying to write Tracy McGrady off. That’s fine, write Tracy McGrady off. T-Mac is back and I’m going to show the NBA that I’ve still got what it takes.
Has Coach D’Antoni talked to you about your role since last night? Will you be starting?
Coach just told me we’re gonna keep doing what we did last night. I agree, it worked. As long as we keep winning we’ll keep going what’s working.
November 4th
Nothing Today.
November 5th
Game 2: Knicks (2-0) @ Bucks (0-3)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
38
29
40
23
130
Bucks
18
24
27
19
88
The Knicks showed what their high powered offense can do at Milwaukee. Everyone contributed in some way and most starters didn’t play more than 25 minutes. Rookie Marshon Brooks scored 20 points and had 11 rebounds to lead New York. Greg Oden had a 2nd great game, finishing with an 18-18 in 24 minutes. Kevin Love had 17-13 with 5 three pointers. Ricky Rubio got into foul trouble against Milwaukee’s Rajon Rondo, ending up with a 15-4-8 and 5 turnovers in only 17 minutes of play. Tracy McGrady also added a scoring punch only playing 11 minutes, but adding 10 points. Even backup point guard Jerryd Bayless had a great game with 12-11.
Milwaukee was powerless to stop New York despite Rondo being everywhere. Rondo finished with 20-9 and 7 steals, but shot a dismal 10-28. Danny Granger and Ben Gordon combined for 9 for 34 shooting, which helped sink the Bucks.
November 6th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Deron Williams PG, 76ers Western Conference Player of the Week: LeBron James, SF, Rockets
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 4th
Game 3: Knicks (2-1) @ Pistons (2-1)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
30
32
22
25
123
Pistons
34
22
26
41
123
The Knicks high powered offense looked just like that in the 1st half.
Too bad Russell Westbrook and Jamal Crawford had something to say about that.
Westbrook had a ridiculous triple-double, 35-11-18, and Crawford added 34 points against his former team as the Pistons beat the Knicks in Detroit. Nikola Pekovic added 14 and 15.
Rookie sensation Ricky Rubio had 17 points and 12 assists, but shot a dismal 4 for 24. The fact that Rubio even took 24 shots is troubling in itself, but making 4 is a true disaster. Danilo Gallinari added 22 points and 8 board with 6 treys, and Kevin Love only took 7 shots (making 6), but scored 20 points and had 9 rebounds. Tracy McGrady had 11, Ryan Anderson had 12. Greg Oden had his first poor game of the season. Despite playing 32 minutes, Oden only had 6 points and 6 rebounds.
The Knicks finally had a good free throw shooting day making 16 of 18, but that was offset by their 39% FG. Detroit made 52% of their field goals, as well as shot 12 of 18 from behind the arc.
Coach, how do you feel about the defense of your team?
I think we need to work on some things. So far we’ve done well at the scoring end but have struggled to stop some guys.
Russell Westbrook was quoted in saying that Ricky Rubio is all hype. How do you feel Ricky responded last night?
There are some rookie tendencies that Ricky is going to have to shake out. I talked to him about his shot selection after the game last night. He’ll be fine. He’ll be one of the best point guards in the league before you know it.
There have been rumors swirling that Ryan Anderson was very unhappy being traded to the Knicks. What has he said to you?
Ryan’s fine. I understand he was slated to start in Chicago, but I think he’s a good fit on our bench. He provides a spark we need. He’ll be alright.
November 8th
Game 4: Thunder (4-1) @ Knicks (3-1)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Thunder
18
27
32
15
92
Knicks
38
26
27
28
119
The Knicks showed no fear taking on the Gasol brothers. Kevin Love had 23 and 11 to lead the Knicks. Rookie Marshon Brooks got to the line 15 times, and added 21 points. Greg Oden has begun showing flashes of a young Patrick Ewing, added 17 and 10 in only 24 minutes of action. Ryan Anderson added 15 points off the bench.
The story for the Knicks though is Ricky Rubio. Rubio went down hard in the 3rd quarter and didn’t return. Initial reports state a hip bruise and as a result he is day to day. Rubio had 9 and 4 in 23 minutes before leaving.
The Thunder were lead by Pau Gasol, who had 20 points and 6 boards. Rip Hamilton had 16, and Kemba Walker, OKC’s own rookie point guard, added 11-4-5.
November 9th
Game 5: Knicks (4-1) @ Hawks (0-4)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
33
23
25
39
120
Hawks
17
27
26
31
101
Ryan Anderson has sent a message to the Knicks.
He can play and wants to play more.
Anderson scored 32 points on 11 shots, putting on a fantastic display and already showing that the trade involving him for Goran Dragic was a big mistake on the part of the Bulls. Atlanta had no answers for Anderson, who also hit 5 threes.
Kevin Love again put up a great game, 20-10. Greg Oden added 13. Tracy McGrady had 12.
Ricky Rubio only had 2 points and 3 assists and played 27 minutes. He clearly looked a bit slower on the court tonight.
The Hawks were led by Joe Johnson’s 26-4-4, and John Wall scored 19.
November 10th
Nothing today.
November 11th
Nothing today.
November 12th
Game 6: Pacers (6-1) @ Knicks (4-2)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Pacers
32
14
25
34
105
Knicks
15
25
16
21
77
Shut down.
That’s the only way to describe NY’s offense against the Pacers. Only Kevin Love (26-12, 6/17 shooting) and Greg Oden (12-7) scored in double digits for the Knicks. Ricky Rubio was again dismal with 1 point and 4 assists in 18 minutes. Reports state that Rubio will miss the next couple of games to recover from a hip injury.
Eric Gordon scored 24 with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Rudy Gay added 23 points and Carlos Boozer added 21-13 for surging Indiana.
November 13th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Russell Westbrook, PG, Pistons Western Conference Player of the Week: Kevin Durant, SF, Suns
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 7th (-3)
November 14th
Game 7: Knicks (5-2) @ Jazz (3-5)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
28
26
20
26
100
Jazz
19
17
17
32
85
New York is full of Love.
And many are forgetting that Kevin Love was drafted over league-wide favorite Blake Griffin.
Love dominated Utah, putting up his 1st 20-20 game of the season (29 pts, 21 reb) as the Knicks shut down the Jazz. Ricky Rubio sat out of the game, and admittedly the Knicks offense did not look as high-powered as we’ve seen so far this season. Jerryd Bayless started in Rubio’s place, and put up 10 assists, but scored 3 points on 1 for 7 shooting. Greg Oden’s presence has helped New York tremendously (especially on defense). He had 17-7 in 25 minutes of action, continuing his great play this season. Tracy McGrady had a nice line of 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, but shot 5 for 18.
Paul Pierce led Utah with 28 points, but it took 28 shots to get there. Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 6 rebounds.
It is expected that Ricky Rubio will miss the next two games before returning against the Suns on November 20th.
November 15th
Grantland.com article by Bill Simmons.
Simmons wrote that with New York’s excellent start and true legitimate star in Kevin Love that New York would be foolish not to go and trade for a big name. The “Picasso of the Trade Machine” suggested the Knicks target the Lakers’ Dwight Howard with a Danilo Gallinari, Iman Shumpert, Greg Oden and the Knicks 1st round pick this year. His rationale: no one would ever get a rebound against Kevin Love and Dwight, and they’ll still have Rubio.
November 16th
Game 8: Knicks (5-3) @ Nuggets (4-2)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
26
36
19
25
106
Nuggets
27
28
29
24
108
Here’s a fun debate, Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge?
Or maybe we should focus on Kyle Lowry.
Love, who turned the ball over 8 times, scored 30 and got 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Nuggets. The Nuggets had a furious 3rd quarter run that was full of Kyle Lowry three pointers (he hit 7 total). Lowry finished with 31 points. Aldridge had 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Ryan Anderson tried to give the Knicks a lift with 16 points, and Danilo Gallinari had 16 as well. Greg Oden was a total non-factor, with 7 points and 5 rebounds on 3 for 11 shooting. Also of note, Ricky Rubio played 2 minutes, apparently to get him warmed up for his return.
The Nuggets also had Rodrigue Beaubois score 22.
November 17th
Game 9: Knicks (5-4) @ Lakers (6-4)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
22
23
21
29
95
Lakers
18
31
27
26
102
Dwight Howard proved to be a destructive defensive force, and it shut down the Knicks.
Kevin Love again led the Knicks with 19 points and 10 boards, but he was 7-19. Marshon Brooks had a nice game with 19 points. Ryan Anderson had 16. Ricky Rubio played 21 minutes, but only had 2 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists with 2 steals.
Dwight Howard controlled the game with a 20-9 with 5 blocks. Baron Davis scored 15 with 9 assists.
Alright. I should hopefully be close to 100% soon enough.
How much do you feel your injury is impacting the Knicks right now?
Right now all I can do is get healthy. The guys out there can handle it.
Do you think if you played the last two games the results would have been different?
I mean, there is no reason to be worried about the past games. We’ve got to keep going.
November 19th
Nothing today.
November 20th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Kevin Love, PF, Knicks Western Conference Player of the Week: Derrick Rose, PG, Mavericks
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 14th (-7)
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 10: Knicks (6-4) @ Suns (3-8)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
32
29
27
29
117
Suns
35
16
18
37
106
So much for being injured.
Ricky Rubio put up a spectacular four by five (15 pts, 12 ast, 5 reb and 5 stl) and Kevin Love was great again with 33 points and 10 rebounds as the Knicks stopped Kevin Durant and the Suns.
The Suns led early on behind a phenomenal 20 point 1st quarter from Kevin Durant, but were dominated in the second and third quarters. The Suns almost came back late in the 4th before coming up a bit short. Paul George and Durant hit a total of 10 threes and finished with 24 and 29 points respectively. Jeff Teague had a big night, scoring 15 and assisting on a score 15 times.
The Knicks got excellent performances from both Tracy McGrady and Danilo Gallinari, although McGrady shot poorly from the field again. Still, he is showing some sparks from the old days with is 18-9 performance. Greg Oden failed to reach double digit points or rebounds for the 3rd consecutive game, scoring 9 and getting 8 boards.
November 21st
Game 11: Knicks (7-4) @ Kings (5-7)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
33
18
20
20
91
Kings
30
24
15
17
86
You’ve gotta LoveOden.
Kevin Love and Greg Oden carried the Knicks to a tough win against Carmelo Anthony and the Kings. Oden, after having a few off games, scored 15 and had 12 boards with 4 blocks as the defensive anchor that held the Kings to 36.8% shooting. Kevin Love also had a monster game with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Other than Love, who was 2 for 4 from the three point line, the Knicks were abysmal from there, shooting 1 for 22. The Kings were bad as well from the outside (1-8), but struggled to get good shots with Oden in their faces.
Ricky Rubio had a good all around night outside of actually shooting the ball, with 4 points, 8 rebounds and 14 assists on 2 for 9 shooting. The Kings were led by Anthony, who had 22 and 12 on 8 for 26 shooting. Kendrick Perkins had a big day with 20-9, but it was wasted.
Kevin, you are the talk of New York. The Knicks are scoring points and are perhaps the most fun team to watch. And you’re winning. How does it all feel?
Well, I’ve gotta give a lot of credit to my teammates. Greg, Ricky, Gallo, Shump, T-Mac, all those guys are making this go right now.
How do you feel about the new shirt that is the newest crazy around New York City?
I definitely am having a great time with the Knicks organization and our fans. We want to win games.
Kevin, it may be early, but are you guys thinking of adding a piece to make a playoff run?
That’s the office’s decision. Right now, the guys we have been winning games, so we are going to roll with that.
November 23rd
Nothing today.
November 24th
Nothing today.
November 25th
Game 12: Knicks (7-5) @ Nets (7-5)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
25
28
26
28
107
Nets
35
24
29
37
125
There has been talk that Kevin Love is the best power forward in the league right now.
Chris Bosh made the point that Love might not be the best power forward in the tri-state area.
Bosh ripped apart Love and the Knicks for 46 points, 8 rebounds 5 assists a steal and 2 blocks, and Kevin Martin had a huge game as well with 35 points as the Nets trashed their rivals across the river.
Ty Lawson basically picked up assist after assist giving the ball to Bosh, finishing with 15 points and 16 assists himself. The Nets led by 10 at the end of the first, and while the Knicks hung in there, the Nets played better overall.
It wasn’t that Love was awful, he still had 25 and 14, but on 10 for 23 shooting. Ricky Rubio had another nice game, but once again shot awfully from the field (17-8-6 on 5 for 20). Danilo Gallinari added 21-9 and Greg Oden, also a non-factor in stopping Bosh, had 10 points and 12 rebounds.
November 26th
Game 13: Knicks (8-5) @ 76ers (4-9)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
31
22
29
19
107
76ers
23
23
23
22
91
Tracy McGrady still has good games in him.
T-Mac led the Knicks over the Sixers with 19 points in 21 minutes and Ryan Anderson had 17 as the Knicks bench sparked a run that led to a victory. Kevin Love had 16 and 9 with 6 turnovers. Ricky Rubio was in foul trouble most of the game against Deron Williams, didn’t attempt a field goal, and dished out 7 assists.
The most troubling part of the game for the Knicks is that Greg Oden, who finished with 8-10 and 3 block, was injured late in the game. He’s been diagnosed with a bruised sternum and might miss a week or so. DeJuan Blair will probably get the start for Oden, and Ryan Anderson’s minutes will probably pick up.
Nick Young led the Sixers with 29 points and Deron Williamd had 18-7, but the Sixers didn’t get much else big help. Despite Oden’s injury, he held Roy Hibbert to 13 points and only 2 rebounds.
November 27th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Kobe Bryant, SG, Bulls Western Conference Player of the Week: Amar’e Stoudemire, PF, Grizzlies
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 7th (+7)
Knicks sign young center Hassan Whiteside to a 1 year, $2.5 million contract. Whiteside is a 22 year old with raw talent, especially on the defensive and rebounding side. Unfortunately, offensively he’s shown little so far. He will battle for third string minutes with Tiago Splitter.
November 28th
Game 14: Wizards (6-7) @ Knicks (9-5)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Wizards
25
15
29
30
99
Knicks
26
19
23
47
115
Kevin Love was back in top form.
Love scored 34 and had 7 rebounds, and Ryan Anderson and Tracy McGrady both had big games (25-12 for Anderson, 18 points in 19 minutes for McGrady) as the Knicks stormed with an insane 47 point 4th quarter to beat the Wizards. Ricky Rubio again didn’t take a shot and had 9 assists. DeJuan Blair had 9 and 7 starting for injured center Greg Oden.
Monta Ellis led the Wizards with 32 points, Brandon Jennings had 20 and Corey Maggette had 19. No one else was in double digits for Washington. The Wizards had come back from a small deficit in the 1st quarter until they were destroyed in the 4th.
November 29th
Nothing today.
November 30th
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 15: Magic (4-11) @ Knicks (9-6)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Magic
18
16
46
44
124
Knicks
25
45
32
19
121
One of the great things about basketball is that great or future great players always want to prove themselves.
Don’t think Blake Griffin came into this game thinking the Knicks made a mistake passing over him for Kevin Love? Think again.
Don’t think Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio wonder who the better rookie point guard is? Think again.
Griffin and Irving won this game for Orlando won with an insane come from behind victory, with the team scoring 90, that’s right, 90 points in the second half to overcome a 70-34 halftime deficit. The Knicks perimeter defense completely fell apart. Irving finished with career highs in his short career in most categories finishing with 31 points (22 in the 2nd half), 13 assists, 6 three pointers and 4 steals. Blake Griffin also had a huge night with 30 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, a block and 14 of 19 shooting. Omar Casspi also knocked down 6 threes.
Offensively, the Knicks were just as sharp, if not sharper. Kevin Love had a monster 30 point, 15 rebound game. Ricky Rubio had the best game of his young career with 13 points, 4 steals and an eye popping 21 assists. Tracy McGrady scored 26, but it took 26 shots and questions about his shot selection and how effective he really is will begin to surface. Danilo Gallinari scored 28. Jerryd Bayless also had a big night backing up Rubio with 8 points and 11 assists of his own. DeJuan Blair did a good job filling in for injured center Greg Oden with 8 points and 14 rebounds.
The Knicks held on to the lead late in the 4th, but couldn’t stop the surging Magic. Experts have said that the Knicks defense is the worst in the league, and there were signs tonight indicating that was true.
End of the Month Information
Stats: As of December 1st
Player
G
GS
MPG
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
TPG
FG
3P
FT
Ryan Anderson
16
2
21.6
11.9
4.6
0.6
0.4
0.7
1.2
.504 (60/119)
.479 (34/71)
.881 (37/42)
Jerryd Bayless
15
3
17.1
6.3
1.8
4.4
0.8
0.4
1.7
.327 (33/101)
.115 (3/26)
.862 (25/29)
DeJuan Blair
15
2
15.5
4.7
4.9
0.8
0.4
0.4
0.9
.558 (29/52)
.000 (0/0)
.619 (13/21)
Marshon Brooks
15
15
25.5
10.0
4.4
1.7
0.9
0.5
1.1
.394 (54/137)
.340 (17/50)
.641 (25/39)
Danilo Gallinari
15
15
31.3
14.1
5.9
1.2
0.8
0.9
0.9
.544 (80/147) (8th %)
.422 (27/64)
.774 (24/31)
Kevin Love
15
15
37.7 (1st)
25.9 (8th)
11.7 (2nd)
1.9
0.9
1.0
2.2
.471 (144/306)
.468 (36/77)
.865 (64/74)
Tracy McGrady
15
0
20.7
12.5
4.1
2.5
0.8
0.1
0.7
.452 (75/166)
.345 (10/29)
.794 (27/34)
Markieff Morris
11
0
4.0
0.2
1.3
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.3
.200 (1/5)
.000 (0/0)
.000 (0/0)
Greg Oden
13
13
27.2
12.0
9.1
1.2
0.2
1.8 (T-2nd)
0.7
.553 (63/114) (4th %)
.000 (0/0)
.612 (30/49)
Ricky Rubio
14
12
25.9
7.5
3.1
8.6 (T-2nd)
1.6
0.0
3.1
.342 (43/111)
.303 (10/33)
.633 (19/33)
Iman Shumpert
15
0
19.5
5.8
2.5
2.9
0.8
0.3
0.8
.353 (30/85)
.217 (5/23)
.815 (22/27)
Tiago Splitter
9
0
2.3
1.4
0.7
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.1
.444 (4/9)
.000 (0/1)
.833 (5/6)
Hassan Whiteside
1
0
8.0
0.0
2.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
.000 (0/0)
.000 (0/0)
.000 (0/0)
Eastern Conference Player of the Month: Kobe Bryant, SG, Bulls Western Conference Player of the Month: LeBron James, SF, Rockets Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month: Kyrie Irving, PG, Magic Western Conference Rookie of the Month: Kemba Walker, PG, Thunder
PPG Leader: LeBron James, SF, Rockets, 35.7 RPG Leader: Al Horford, C, Warriors, 11.9 APG Leader: Rajon Rondo, PG, Bucks, 9.1 SPG Leader: Rajon Rondo, PG, Bucks, 2.8 BPG Leader: Brook Lopez, C, Magic, 1.9 Single Game Points: Dwyane Wade, SG, Spurs, 58 (11/29 @ Nets) Single Game Rebounds: Kevin Love, PF, Knicks, 21 (11/14 @ Jazz) Single Game Assists: Ricky Rubio, PG, Knicks, 21 (11/30 vs. Magic) Single Game Steals: Rajon Rondo, PG, Bucks, 7 (11/5 vs. Knicks) Single Game Blocks: Serge Ibaka, PF, Celtics, 8 (11/20 vs. Warriors)
Mike, what do you have to say about your team’s defensive effort last night?
It was good for a half. Obviously we have some things to work on in regards to closing games.
How did the injury to Greg Oden affect the team last night?
We missed his defense. I thought DeJuan did a good job filling in for him though.
There is talk that Ryan Anderson has been upset since being traded to New York. Any word on whether he will be traded?
Ryan is a great asset to the team and I think just needs to get comfortable in his role. He’s a great spark off the bench and we need that.
Any timetable for Greg Oden’s return?
I think we’ll see him in time in the middle of next week. Perhaps against San Antonio.
December 2nd
Game 16: Bucks (5-10) @ Knicks (9-7)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Bucks
31
17
28
23
99
Knicks
21
13
19
19
72
Surely the boos from the packed Madison Square Garden crowd got to the Knicks, at least a little bit.
Danny Granger (40 points) and David West (28 points) got their revenge for the Knicks blowing out the Bucks earlier this season with a blowout of their own. Rajon Rondo added an interesting line of 3 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals.
The Knicks had trouble the whole way. DeJuan Blair, substituting for injured Greg Oden got hurt and will probably miss a couple weeks with back spasms. Ryan Anderson lead the way for the Knicks with 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Kevin Love added 21 and 13, but on 5 for 18 shooting. The Knicks received little help from there.
December 3rd
Yahoo.com reported that the Knicks have signed PG Armon Johnson for 1 year, $1.42 million.
December 4th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Stephen Curry, SG, Cavs Western Conference Player of the Week: Kevin Durant, SF, Suns
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 12th (-5)
Game 17: Knicks (10-7) @ Raptors (9-7)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
29
24
27
22
102
Raptors
12
25
26
17
80
The Knicks looked to have Kevin Love lead them through a cold streak, and that is exactly what he did. Love dominated the Raptors for 29 points and 11 rebounds as the Knicks won on the road again. Love got help from Danilo Gallinari (19 points), Marshon Brooks (15 points) and Ryan Anderson (13 points). Ricky Rubio had a line of 4 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Hassan Whiteside had his first career start and didn’t score, but had 9 rebounds.
Raptors were led by Baron Davis’s 16 points, Gerald Wallace had 15 and Spencer Hawes added 13 points and 15 rebounds.
December 5th
Nothing today.
December 6th
Nothing Today.
December 7th
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 18: Spurs (8-11) @ Knicks (11-7)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Spurs
16
18
29
18
81
Knicks
21
24
28
23
96
The Kevin Love-Ricky Rubio tandem is going to dominate this league one day.
They are pretty good now.
Love had a monster 26-17-5, and Ricky Rubio made a claim toward #1 rookie in the league with a 10 point, 7 rebound, 17 assist, 5 steal performance as the Knicks defeated the beat up Spurs. Love, who’s only disappointment this game was that he missed all seven of his three point attempts, dominated on the inside against DeMarcus Cousins and Boris Diaw, beating them on the glass time and time again.
Danilo Gallinari proved to be a valuable third weapon tonight with 19 points. Iman Shumpert added 13, with 6 boards and 4 steals.
Dwyane Wade, coming off injury, came off the bench but was relatively uneffective with 12 points and 6 rebounds on 4 for 12 shooting. Manu Ginobili was injured in the game, spraining his ankle. He will miss about 3-4 weeks. Cousins was the high scorer for San Antonio, with 18 points and 7 rebounds.
Ricky, great game last night. What have you been doing since your injury to keep playing at the high level that you’ve been?
Well, it was just a matter of making sure I was ready to play big minutes. All the guys on the team, Kevin, Shump, T-Mac, they all make the game easier to play as they get better, so as a result I get better.
How did you feel that Kyrie Irving won Rookie of the Month for November? Was this a statement game for those who say that you aren’t in Kyrie’s league?
Nah, it isn’t about that. I don’t give out the awards. All I can do is go out there and play my game. If I get awarded for it, so be it. Kyrie’s obviously a great player.
Did the injury to Greg Oden make you guys a better running team?
I think us guys just being on the court for 17, 18 games now makes us better. Greg might be out now, but he’ll adapt fine to any running we do. We missed his low-post presence. We missed his defense.
December 9th
Game 19: Knicks (11-8) @ Cavs (5-13)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
19
36
26
19
98
Cavs
19
26
27
38
110
Injuries, closing out games and defense, three things the Knicks have yet to figure out.
The Cavs stormed back in the 4th quarter, led by Stephen Curry’s 42-7-11, and Andrew Bynum’s 24-13 to beat the Knicks. The Knicks had some great performances, Greg Oden made his return and scored 16 points with 19 rebounds. Kevin Love had a near triple double 15 points and 17 rebounds with 8 assists. Ricky Rubio found a solution to his shooting woes, shot 6 for 8 scoring 15 points and having 10 assists….but he got hurt.
Rubio will be out about 2 weeks with what is being called a lower back strain. Jerryd Bayless was pitiful substituting for Rubio shooting an abysmal 2 for 20. Marshon Brooks led the Knicks with 17 points.
December 10th
Knicks sign guard Shaun Livingston to a 1 year deal with a 1 year team option attached. Livingston will make $2.3 million. Expect Livingston to compete with Armon Johnson for backup minutes to current starter Jerryd Bayless, then compete for third string minutes when Ricky Rubio returns.
Game 20: Bobcats (11-9) @ Knicks (12-8)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Bobcats
21
17
14
21
73
Knicks
20
33
24
39
116
Kevin Love is talking early MVP candidate.
Love had 22 points to go with 23 rebounds to go along with 5 assists as the Knicks rolled against the Bobcats. Danilo Gallinari had a great game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Greg Oden showed he is healed from his latest injury with a 15 point, 11 rebound, 4 block performances while playing 32 minutes. Jerryd Bayless, starting for injured point guard Ricky Rubio had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but shot a mere 4 for 14, and his shooting % for the season is a terrible 28.3%. Just signed guard Shaun Livingston scored 8 points and had 6 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 3-5.
The Bobcats got nothing going on. Tony Parker had a near triple-double (12-8-7) with 4 steals, but turned the ball over 6 times and shot 6 for 24. Thad Young had 17 points and 8 boards, but also shot 8 for 24. The best player on the court for the Bobcats was backup point guard Jose Calderon, who had 12-5-8 on 5 for 10 shooting in 19 minutes. After the game, there were rumors that Calderon wanted out, and the Knicks would explore a Calderon for Bayless type deal.
December 11th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week:Greg Oden, C, Knicks Western Conference Player of the Week: Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Clippers
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 8th (+4)
ESPN.com reports a three-way trade involving the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Bobcats. The Knicks have sent G Jerryd Bayless to Charlotte and PF Markief Morris to Oklahoma City. The Thunder send a 2013 first round pick and a 2013 second round pick to New York along with veteran SG Jerry Stackhouse. The Thunder also send PG Sharron Collins to Charlotte. The Bobcats send PG Jose Calderon to OKC along with their 2012 second round pick, and send SG Jodie Meeks to New York.
December 12th
Game 21: T-Wolves (11-10) @ Knicks (13-8)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
T-Wolves
6
14
20
18
58
Knicks
25
31
18
29
103
Minnesota was completely lost, and the Knicks again submitted a great defensive performance.
The Knicks destroyed the Wolves, leading 25-6 after one quarter and never looking back. Kevin Love was great again with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Greg Oden submitted another great game, 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 blocked shots. Rookie Marshon Brooks also scored 21. Shaun Livingston filled in fine for the injured Ricky Rubio, adding 10 points and 6 assists.
The Wolves got very little from their team. Caron Butler scored 19 and had 11 rebounds. Chauncey Billups had 11 points. That was basically it. The Wolves shot a total of 21 for 83, and 6 for 22 from 3 point land.
December 13th
Game 22: Knicks (13-9) @ Pacers (15-7)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
18
18
13
39
88
Pacers
39
23
22
33
117
The Pacers clamped on the Knicks, holding NY to 49 points through three quarters and holding on for the easy victory. Only Kevin Love seemed to have anything, putting up another spectacular game with 28 points and 17 rebounds. Ryan Anderson added 23. No one else scored more than 7. In his 2nd start, Shaun Livingston had 3 points and 2 steals with an assist. Greg Oden, riding a hot streak, was completely useless in 21 minutes scoring 1 point, recording one rebound and blocking 2 shots.
Mo Williams went bonkers for Indiana, scoring 27. Eric Gordon added 24-6-6. Rudy Gay had 22.
It’s okay. I’m working hard and smartly to make sure I stay on the court this season.
How are the knees?
Again, they are alright. I’m working with Coach to make sure I don’t fall apart later this season. I’ll be okay.
You’ve been a very positive force on the court this season, especially on the defensive end. What’s helped you become the player you are, especially after the injuries you’ve obtained in your short career?
I watch a lot. I study a lot. I think I’m good at helping in spots I need to. I’ll do all I can to bother anyone that comes down the lane and help our team win games rebounding as well.
December 15th
Game 23: 76ers (9-12) @ Knicks (13-10)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
76ers
33
24
39
25
121
Knicks
31
30
28
24
113
The Sixers were all over the place in the Garden tonight, and the Knicks had little answer. Deron Williams absolutely torched the Knicks for 29 points and 15 assists and Nick Young had a season high 30 points.
Kevin Love (15 pts, 4 reb) was shut completely down by the traditionally defense-less David Lee. Shaun Livingston scored 9 and assisted 7, but shot 3 for 10. Only Marshon Brooks (21 points) and Danilo Gallinari (17-8 on 7 shots) seemed to have anything going.
A bright spot for the Knicks is that injured PG Ricky Rubio should be back for the nationally televised game against the Clippers.
December 16th
Nothing today.
December 17th
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 24: Clippers (14-11) @ Knicks (13-11)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Clippers
35
21
31
30
117
Knicks
22
24
34
32
112
After a disasterous 1st quarter, the Knicks kept it close for the rest of the game, but never got over the hump.
And despite an amazing comeback game on offense for Ricky Rubio, he defensively was horrible.
Rubio (11 pts, 21 ast, 5/16 shooting) allowed Brandon Knight (31 pts, 15 ast) to do basically what he wanted, and it cost the Knicks. Dirk Nowitzki was huge as well, scoring 28 and having 11 rebounds. Kevin Love was neutralized again with 15 points and 12 rebounds on 5 for 16 shooting, although he hit three 3 pointers. Tracy McGrady led the Knicks with 21, but they all came in the 1st half.
The Knicks were forced to dig out of an early hole, and while they brought it within three in the 4th, Nowitzki, Knight, Shane Battier (16-6) or James Harden (16-9 w/4 threes) hit a big shot to keep the distance.
The Knicks had to be encouraged by a great game from Greg Oden, who scored 19 and had 11 rebounds in 40 minutes, playing more since DeJuan Blair is still injured and Love was in foul trouble.
This is the third straight loss for the Knicks.
December 18th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week:Ricky Rubio, PG, Knicks Western Conference Player of the Week: Kevin Durant, SF, Suns
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 13th (-5)
December 19th
Game 25: Grizzlies (11-12) @ Knicks (14-11)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Grizzlies
21
24
24
20
89
Knicks
42
22
28
31
123
The Knicks put an end to their recent losing streak with a dominating first quarter. It was never close after that. Kevin Love ended his slump with 32 points and 8 boards. Ricky Rubio scored 9 and had 15 assists. Danilo Gallinari added 19.
Only Al Jefferson (26-14) and Jameer Nelson (20-9) did anything of note for the Grizzlies.
December 20th
Nothing today.
December 21st
Game 26: Jazz (15-11) @ Knicks (14-12)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Jazz
17
21
23
39
100
Knicks
23
25
28
17
93
The Knicks blew a lead in the 4th quarter at the Garden against the Jazz. Evan Turner had probably the best game of his career with a 29-10-11 triple double. Kevin Garnett had 17-14, and Anthony Morrow, mostly playing for Paul Pierce, who was injured in the game, scored 21.
Past Ricky Rubio (24-8-9) and Kevin Love (22-20), the Knicks got little help. Only rookie Marshon Brooks was in double digits with 11 points.
The Knicks are 5-6 in the month of December, falling to 14-12 overall before they play two games against Chris Paul and the Celtics in the next 4 nights.
December 22nd
Game 27: Knicks (15-12) @ Celtics (12-12)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
36
27
31
30
124
Celtics
25
46
17
28
116
The Knicks won a wild game at Boston. They took Chris Paul’s best (29-6-15-6 stl) and survived. Ricky Rubio had another great game on the offensive side, clearly positioning himself as an early Rookie of the Year favorite. He had 24-5-13-4 stl. Kevin Love was great again, with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Danilo Gallinari had a great game with a perfect 5 for 5 on threes and 22 points, but got injured late in the fourth quarter. Danilo has been diagnosed with a stress fracture and will miss somewhere from 2 weeks to a month.
The Knicks play Boston again on a Nationally televised Christmas Day game, in Madison Square Garden for their next game.
Coach, coming into the holiday season how do you feel about the Knicks season so far?
We’re in good shape. We just won a big game at Boston to hold onto the lead for the division. We’re in good shape.
Has the team’s inconsistency worried you at all this month?
We need to just worry about the games ahead. We definitely lost a game or two we could have won, but right now the important thing is to win the next few.
How will the loss of Danilo Gallinari affect the team the next few weeks?
It’ll hurt our three point shooting for sure, but it should give some other guys some time. Ryan, T-Mac and Shump should see some increase scoring chances out there.
Merry Christmas Coach, good luck against Boston.
December 24th
Nothing today.
December 25th
Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Chris Paul, PG, Celtics Western Conference Player of the Week: Dwyane Wade, SG, Spurs
Knicks Power Ranking Position: 9th (+4)
Spoiler: click to toggle
Game 28: Celtics (13-12) @ Knicks (15-13)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
OT
2OT
Total
Celtics
14
26
21
36
15
19
131
Knicks
26
19
32
20
15
3
115
The Knicks blew it.
Leading 77-57 late in the 4th, the Knicks allowed the Celtics to come storming back and lead 97-94 with mere seconds remaining.
But, not even heroics from Kevin Love could save New York. Love, who scored 30 and had 14 rebounds despite taking 32 shots, hit the game tying three pointer in both the end of regulation and the end of the first overtime period. But it still wasn’t enough.
The Celtics’ Luis Scola had a huge 30-15 game, mostly in the 2nd half and OT, to lead Boston past the Knicks. Ricky Rubio was fantastic again, and even somewhat limited Chris Paul. Rubio had 13-8-17 with 3 blocks and 3 steals, while Paul only had 14-6-10 taking 22 shots.
The difference may have been rebounding. Greg Oden fouled out in the 4th quarter and the Knicks couldn’t contain Serge Ibaka (15-17) otherwise. Even Jared Dudley had 13 boards.
The Knicks got a big game from rookie Iman Shumpert (18 pts, 4 stl), who was efficient offensively and very effective defensively and was rewarded with 53 minutes of playing time. Shumpert replaced the injured Danilo Gallinari. Still, it wasn’t enough.
December 26th
Nothing today.
December 27th
Nothing today.
December 28th
Game 29: Knicks (16-13) @ Warriors (17-13)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
39
26
23
26
114
Warriors
16
32
25
34
107
The Knicks took care of one of the West’s best teams with a balanced effort. Marshon Brooks had 21, Greg Oden snapped out of his funk with a 20 point, 12 rebound effort. Kevin Love was great with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Ricky Rubio continues to show he is the next great point guard in basketball with a 19 point, 5 rebound, 10 assist, 5 steal effort.
Golden State was led by Andrea Bargnani’s 28-13, with Andre Iguodala and Al Horford adding double-doubles as well.
The Knicks face Steve Nash and the Blazers next.
December 29th
Game 30: Knicks (16-14) @ Trail Blazers (15-12)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
23
19
15
23
80
Trail Blazers
33
19
24
28
104
Zach Randolph embarrassed Kevin Love.
The entire game can be described based off of that one statement.
Randolph scored 41 and had 15 rebounds on 15 for 22 shooting while Love scored 8 with 12 boards on 2 for 14 shooting. While the Blazers needed little help other wise (Steve Nash had 13 and 11), the Knicks needed all they could get. Unfortunately, all the Knicks got was 16 points from Marshon Brooks and 10 from DeJuan Blair.
Ricky Rubio had 8 and 9, and Greg Oden had 6 and 7. Portland dominated.
December 30th
Nothing today.
December 31st
Game 31: Knicks (17-14) @ Clippers (16-15)
Team
1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
Total
Knicks
24
29
27
23
103
Clippers
23
20
26
22
91
Kevin Love made up for his disastrous game against Portland by wrecking one of the other best power forwards in the league.
Love rebounded with a 34-11 night against Dirk Nowitzki’s 12 and 3, and the Knicks defeated the Clippers.
Knicks were led by love and a scorching Marshon Brooks, who scored 25. Greg Oden had 12 and 12. The Knicks’ only worried is that the hot streak of Ricky Rubio may be coming to an end, he only had 4 points and 5 assists.
The Clippers were led by Shane Battier and his 18 points.
End of the Month Information
Stats: As of January 1st
Player
G
GS
MPG
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
TPG
FG
3P
FT
Ryan Anderson
32
2
20.0
11.0
4.5
0.6
0.3
0.5
1.2
.481 (111/231)
.425 (62/146) (8th 3PM)
.893 (67/75)
Armon Johnson
8
0
6.1
1.5
0.5
1.3
0.4
0.0
0.7
.154 (4/26)
.000 (0/8)
.500 (4/8)
DeJuan Blair
23
3
17.7
5.0
5.7
0.7
0.3
0.6
0.9
.479 (46/96)
.000 (0/0)
.590 (23/29)
Marshon Brooks
31
31
25.9
12.0
3.7
1.3
1.0
0.4
1.5
.411 (139/338)
.321 (35/109)
.734 (58/79)
Danilo Gallinari
27
27
31.9
14.3
5.9
1.4
0.9
0.7
1.3
.502 (135/269)
.433 (55/127)
.833 (60/72)
Kevin Love
31
31
36.6 (2nd)
24.4 (10th)
12.6 (1st)
2.1
1.2
0.8
1.8
.459 (274/597) (8th FGM)
.444 (71/160) (T-3rd 3PM)
.797 (137/172)
Tracy McGrady
31
0
21.2
10.8
3.7
2.2
0.7
0.2
0.9
.429 (132/308)
.333 (18/54)
.768 (53/69)
Shaun Livingston
12
3
17.0
6.4
1.7
4.0
0.9
0.0
1.7
.426 (29/68)
.000 (0/3)
.826 (19/23)
Greg Oden
26
26
27.1
11.8
9.0
1.1
0.5
1.7 (T-4th)
0.8
.573 (121/211) (2nd %)
.000 (0/1)
.646 (64/99)
Ricky Rubio
26
24
29.0
9.6
3.8
10.0 (T-1st)
2.0
0.2
3.6 (1st)
.415 (88/212)
.329 (23/70)
.735 (50/68)
Iman Shumpert
31
4
20.8
5.8
2.5
2.2
0.9
0.3
0.8
.374 (64/171)
.293 (12/41)
.800 (40/50)
Tiago Splitter
14
0
2.3
1.3
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
.455 (5/11)
.000 (0/1)
.800 (8/10)
Hassan Whiteside
15
2
12.1
1.2
3.1
0.3
0.0
0.3
0.6
.571 (8/14)
.000 (0/1)
.400 (2/5)
Jodie Meeks
28
0
12.0
2.3
1.3
0.3
0.5
0.1
0.6
.409 (18/44)
.424 (14/33)
1.000 (14/14)
Jerry Stackhouse
23
0
7.7
3.5
0.8
0.6
0.2
0.0
0.4
.286 (24/84)
.225 (9/40)
.920 (23/25)
Eastern Conference Player of the Month: Stephen Curry, PG, Cavs Western Conference Player of the Month: Kevin Durant, SF, Suns Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month:Ricky Rubio PG, Knicks Western Conference Rookie of the Month: Brandon Knight, PG, Clippers
PPG Leader: Kevin Durant, SF, Suns, 33.8 RPG Leader:Kevin Love, PF, Knicks, 12.6 APG Leader: Steve Nash, PG, Trail Blazers and Ricky Rubio, PG, Knicks, 10.0 SPG Leader: Chris Paul, PG, Celtics, 3.2 BPG Leader: Brook Lopez, C, Magic, and DeAndre Jordan, C, Mavericks, 1.8 Single Game Points: Dwyane Wade, SG, Spurs, 58 (11/29 @ Nets) Single Game Rebounds:Kevin Love, PF, Knicks, 23 (12/10 vs. Bobcats) Single Game Assists: Steve Nash, PG, Trail Blazers, 24 (12/4 @ Lakers) Single Game Steals: Rajon Rondo, PG, Bucks, 10 (12/16 @ Pacers) Single Game Blocks: Serge Ibaka, PF, Celtics, 8 (11/20 vs. Warriors)
Award Races MVP 1. LeBron James, SF, Rockets 2. Kevin Love, PF, Knicks 3. Kobe Bryant, SG, Bulls 4. Tim Duncan, C, Heat 5. Jeremy Lin, PG, Heat
Rookie of the Year 1. Ricky Rubio, PG, Knicks 2. Kemba Walker, PG, Thunder 3. Kyrie Irving, PG, Magic 4. Brandon Knight, PG, Clippers 5. Kawhi Leonard, SF, Spurs
Sixth Man of the Year 1. D.J. Augustin, PG, Kings 2. Lou Williams, PG, Raptors 3. Earl Boykins, PG, Warriors 4. Tracy McGrady, SF, Knicks 5. Ryan Anderson, PF, Knicks
Defensive Player of the Year 1. Marc Gasol, C, Thunder 2. Kevin Love, PF, Knicks 3. Dwight Howard, C, Lakers 4. Kevin Durant, SF, Suns 5. Josh Smith, PF, Hornets
Most Improved Player 1. Jeff Teague, PG, Suns 2. Jarrett Jack, PG, Hornets 3. Spencer Hawes, C, Raptors 4. Shannon Brown, PG, Heat 5. Ty Lawson, PG, Nets