With last night’s loss to the Cavs, our 2014-2015 Knicks now hold the distinction of having the worst start in franchise history. Before last night’s game, Jemele Hill took the opportunity to rip Carmelo Anthony as player that’s only concerned with money and not winning.
It’s interesting to see how narratives are adjusted depending on the player. Usually when a player bolts rather than tough out a clear rebuilding period, they are called “ring-chasers” and “unloyal.” Now when we have one that stays, and he’s painted as a money-hungry and unmotivated.
Despite the injuries and some horrid shooting nights, Melo is our most consistent player and has had a decent start to this season (23 points ppg, 6 reb, 3 asst, 45% FG). The rest of the team, the majority of which will probably not be here by next year, is the problem. If Melo was clearly phoning it in, I could see this argument more.
By the time the first quarter ended, the Melo-less Knicks had scored a just 13 points on 30% shooting and were looking at a 17-point deficit. Being a “Knicks loyalist” feels more like being a sadist these days, as the team never got within striking distance and ended up losing 105-78.
WESTBROOK UNSTOPPABLE: In his first game back from a broken right hand, Westbrook was a terror on the Knicks’ hapless defense. He slashed to the rim for dunks and layups, hit pullup jumpers, and even dished the ball when necessary. He ended up with 32 points and 8 assists, with most of his damage being done in the first 24 minutes with OKC scoring a season-high 59 first half points. New York was held to just 33, the second fewest all season by an OKC opponent.
EMBARRASSING DEFICITS: Jose Calderon’s return has seen a marked improvement in the ball movement, but the team is still composed of too many players that can’t create their own shots and have to settle for long, contested jumpers. The Knicks were 2/19 from three-point land and could only muster 39% shooting from the field.Only two players managed double figures (Stat, 20 points and Hardaway, 11 points). In the second quarter, the Knicks were down 40-13. By the third, the deficit had ballooned to 37 points.
ALARMING NUMBERS: Right now, the Knicks are out of the playoffs by about 4 games. However, the team has went 0-3 on this road trip and 1-9 in their last 10 games.The schedule gets much tougher in December, meaning if the NY doesn’t find some type of continuity in the next several weeks, it’s likely they’ll be a lottery team headed into 2015.
MELO UPDATE: Our leader spoke to the media before the game and advised he’s getting “closer” to coming back from back spasms that started during the first quarter of the Rocket game. In addition, he’s still dealing with some nagging left knee soreness.
UP NEXT: New York gets their first crack at the new look Miami Heat on Sunday night at MSG. Although nowhere near as bad as the Knicks, the Heat are also off to a sluggish start with an 8-7 record.
Carmelo Anthony delivered his first statement since resigning with the New York Knicks, stating that his heart always remained in New York throughout the free agency process.
In an official statement posted on http://www.ThisIsMelo.com titled “My City, My Heart” , Anthony said his decision to opt out of his contract was simply a routine business move to “explore all of the options available to me.”
Anthony concluded by affirming his desire to work closely with Knicks president Phil Jackson, who Anthony praised as a “champion who builds championship teams.”
At press time, the details of Anthony’s new five-year contract have not been disclosed. You can read the entire statement below.
A few years ago I dreamed of coming back to New York City, the place of my birth, and on February 23, 2011 that became a reality. This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team. At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered.
During this journey I met with some quality organizations who have amazing talent and leadership. I thank them for their consideration, belief in my talent, and opportunity to imagine the possibilities.
I will always remember this chapter in my life. In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.
We finally have footage of Derek Fisher’s new role as head coach courtesy of yesterday’s practice for the summer league team. As you’ll see from the YouTube comments, fans are already claiming this clip has more ball movement than we saw all season with last year’s team. Jokes aside, it’s great to see Fish and new assistant coach Kurt Rambis drilling home importance of moving the ball for open shots. Our offense was such a struggle last season on all fronts that the massive change in culture Phil Jackson is attempting to implement needs to start early. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Just one day after officially opting out of the last year of his contract with the New York Knicks, I’m already over “Melodrama 2014.” Unfortunately, the drawn-out process has just begun. For Knicks fans, don’t give up hope yet, as this interview with Vice Sports shows that Melo is still leaning towards staying home. In this short but informative video, Melo talks about his family loving New York and dismisses the much-reported story that his main reason for opting out is that he wanted to “win now.”
One very important thing to keep in mind — this video was reportedly filmed on June 3. A lot could have happened with Melo’s mindset in the last 21 days.
After two bad blowouts on this West Coast trip to the Lakers and Suns, the Knicks gave themselves a playoff gut check last night against the Warriors in pulling out a critical road game to pull within a game of Atlanta for the last playoff spot. Like most games this season, the Knicks played good basketball in spurts and had an atrocious fourth quarter that nearly lead to the game being stolen in the final minutes. Luckily, New York got defense from a surprising source to keep their post-season hopes alive.
CURRY ON FIRE, BUT NOT WHEN IT MATTERED MOST: Steph Curry lit the Knicks up, going for 32 points (10/21, 6/12 from downtown). Raymond Felton was once again the victim, getting killed on screens and not being able to close out. Pablo Prigioni got ran around in circles during the fourth and couldn’t keep up with the roaming sharp-shooter, allowing for an open three that tied the game at 81 with 2:42 remaining.
The game hung in the balance with both teams exchanging bad fouls and clutch shots that lead to the Knicks clinging to a 87-84 lead after two free throws from Carmelo Anthony. Curry got the ball with five seconds left and went up for a three. Felton closed out well on him, forcing Curry into a bad pass which Shannon Brown picked off for a clear path foul that iced the game. The play was reminiscent of last year at the Garden when Felton forced a late turnover on Curry to spoil Steph’s 54-point effort.
Despite the overall futility of Felton game numbers (2 points, 4 assists), Felton’s game-ending play might be the one that saves our playoff hopes.
MELO THE INEFFICIENT: Whether it was due to Andre Iguodala’s defense or mentally not being engaged, Melo had a struggle-filled night from the field. Foul trouble limited him to 10 minutes in the first half. In the second, he chucked numerous long jumpers completely out of the offensive flow. At one point in the fourth, he was 0/5.
Starting at the 4-minute mark, our leader settled down and made several key plays. The first one was dishing to Tim Hardway Jr. for a three-pointer that made it 81-75. At the 1:23 mark, he nailed a tough mid-range jumper that pushed the Knicks ahead 85-81. And at the 45 second mark, he drew a shooting foul on Iguodala and swished two free throws to make it 87-84. It wasn’t pretty, as New York only managed 15 points in the fourth, but Melo was another catalyst that willed this win through.
JR n STAT: With Melo sitting most of the first half, JR Smith carried the load with a deadly and varied offense. Whether driving to the lane for circus shots or bombing threes, our reigning Sixth Man of the Year couldn’t be stopped. His hot hand sparked a 15-0 run to enter halftime with a 56-44 lead.
While Stoudemire had a seesaw game on the offensive front (5/14, 15 points), but he took full advantage of David Lee’s absence. Stat grabbed 13 rebounds with six of them coming on the offensive glass. He was key in helping the Knicks not blow their lead in the third, and provided strong minutes in the fourth. He was briefly sat for a few minutes in favor of Tyson Chandler, but Coach Woodson quickly realized his error and let Stat close out the game.
DEFENSE AND LUCK: The Knicks had some strong defensive moments in the first half. Their close-outs and help defense limited the Warriors to 35% shooting overall. What’s a little deceiving is that the Warriors had plenty of open shot opportunities in the fourth (particularly Klay Thompson), but just couldn’t covert. The aforementioned Thompson was 3/11 from three.
The Knicks wrap on their West Coast swing tonight at 9 p.m. in Utah. Like all the remaining games, this is one is a “must-win.”
Phil Jackson makes his first appearance as Knicks team president this morning at Madison Square Garden. What are his thoughts on Melo? Coach Woodson? The lineup? Where did the team go wrong this year? Will he relocate? There will be tons of questions and the Zen Master is sure to have all the answers. Click on the link below to watcht the entire presser.
*****UPDATE******
Live tream is now closed. The entire presser with media answer session included below.
The Zen Master has come home. Over 40 years after winning two titles as a player with the Knicks, and then subsequently keeping his old squad from a title during the Jordan years, Phil Jackson has agreed to a deal that will bring him in as New York’s President of Basketball Operations.
The deal had been in its final stages since last weekend, with the two allegedly ironing out final details such as salary and even a minority stake in the team. According to the New York Post, Jackson is set to make at least $15 million per year in his new role. Despite living in Marina Del Ray, California, the 68-year old former coach is expected to relocate to New York during the season.
The role will be Jackson’s first front office role after previously winning 11 titles as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
At press time, an official press conference introducing Jackson to the team has not been announced.
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If you have a bad word to say about this move, you either hate the Knicks, Jackson or just don’t like basketball. The Knicks are in dire need of direction and focus, and Jackson can assist greatly in that capacity. Throughout his career, he’s specialized in getting the maximum effort out of all the talent that’s surrounded him, and you know he’s sees this as his biggest challenge.
The big question mark most fans have as if president James Dolan will let Jackson do his job without micromanaging and meddling. Jackson is a strong personality who has no patience for office politics, as we saw during his time with the Lakers. How he works around some of these horrible contracts and recruits will make the Knicks a very interesting club to watch over the next two seasons.
This news also takes away a lot of the drama surrounding Melo’s off-season decision. Sure, Melo said the news “won’t affect” his free agency, but let’s be real — no way will Melo pass up working with a legend like Jackson to put a championship team around him.
The Knicks extended their winning streak to five games with a wire to wire win over a fiesty but ultimately hapless Boston Celtics team playing without Rajon Rondo. New York was short-handed as well, missing Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, but got a strong double double from an unassuming big man making his first NY start.
ALDRICH DELIVERS: While Melo put up the big points, Cole Aldrich was the game’s most essential player. In 25 minutes, he scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and swatted 3 shots. His presence was a +19 on the floor, and he provided much-needed rim protection in the early fourth quarter when the Celtics made a run behind a monster night from Jeff Green (27 points).
Aldrich isn’t the most polished player, but this game is a good indicator that he can provide solid spot minutes. The early second and fourth quarters, when the Knicks are prone to blow leads, would be an ideal place to incorporate Aldrich.
MELO’S EFFECTIVE AND INEFFECTIVE GUNNING: Carmelo Anthony was gunning for most of this game. In the first half, it wasn’t a problem as he scored 19 points (3/4 from downtown). The Knicks as a whole were pretty much hitting everything, shooting 61% from the field for 68 points.
The shot selection became an issue in the third with Anthony going too heavy into iso mode and chucking well contested shots. On the other end, Green was driving to the rim and hitting jumpers, allowing the Celtics to pull within 9 points (84-75) after being down by as much as 24.
Thankfully, Melo and company settled down early in the fourth. On the first play, Melo drove and kicked to Prigioni for an open trey. Later, a shot-clock beating three from Melo made it 95-77, and the Celtics never fully recovered.
HARDAWAY CONTINUES TO SHINE: After a spell of bad games, Hardaway Jr. looks to have regained his confidence. No longer relying on just threes and aggressive drives, the rookie has incorporated a very reliable mid-range jumper. Last night, he got big minutes (38) off the bench and delivered 22 points on 7/11 shooting.
EVERY GAME CRUCIAL: The Knicks moved within 3 games of the eighth and final playoff spot, currently held by Atlanta. The Knicks will need a lot of help to make it, but their play on this streak indicates they’re up for the task.
After seven games of futility, the Knicks finally played a solid game and took a much-needed wire to wire win over the Timberwolves. Outside of a horrid third quarter which saw the Wolves outscore them 31-22 and pull within 1 point, the Knicks were wholly dominant with the backcourt hitting their shots, Chandler making Kevin Love’s life miserable, and Melo being the usual scoring machine. The entire starting lineup of Melo (33 pts), Stoudemire (18 pts), Chandler (15 pts), JR (14 pts) and Felton (18 points) hit double figures for only the second time this year.
Speaking of Felton, he arguably had his best game of the year, adding 8 assists, 4 steals in completely outplaying Ricky Rubio (11 pts, 8 assists, 6 turnovers).
Knicks fans also got a second look at Kevin Love, who will undoubtedly be a free agent target in 2015. The Wolves big man had 19 points and 8 rebounds, but was a liability on defense, giving up repeated Chandler alley oops and other easy buckets inside. Chandler seemed to relish matching up with Love, even going as far in his halftime interview to say Love doesn’t play any defense. K-Love would definitely be an asset in New York, but pairing him with Melo might not be the best idea unless there is a strong defensive center added to the mix.
The Knicks have the Utah Jazz tonight in another “must-win” with just 20 games left.
![[Video] Jemele Hill Goes in on Melo – “He is not about winning!”](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/smugmelo.png?w=424&h=510&crop=1)
![[Video] Returning Westbrook and OKC Maul Knicks 108-75](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/shumpert_westbrook.jpg?w=718&h=510&crop=1)
![[Video] Ball Movement! All Access Knicks Summer League Practice 7/9/14](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/derekfisher_knicks.png?w=639&h=348&crop=1)
![[Video] Drama in Oakland – Knicks 89, Warriors 84](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/stat_warriors.png?w=718&h=463&crop=1)
![[Video] The Bleeding Stops: Knicks 118, Wolves 106](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/stoudemire_wolves.png?w=715&h=478&crop=1)
NEW YORK KNICKS LOYALIST 