Post by New York Knicks on Mar 23, 2023 2:41:52 GMT -6
Who's Hot
The New York Knicks have won a franchise best 10 consecutive games, and now have the best winning percentage (.719) in the Eastern Conference. During this winning streak the Knicks have notched some very important victories. Starting with a 26 point blowout win vs their division rivals Philadelphia. They followed that up by beating the 2000 ITP Champs Portland 119-98. Then came another key win against the 2 time reigning Eastern Conference Champs Orlando. But the most impressive victory was their most recent victory against the 55-12 Los Angeles Clippers. Not only do the Clippers hold the best record in the entire league, but they also have BY FAR the best defense in the league (1st in PPG allowed AND 1st in Opponent field goal percentage). Despite going up against this defensive juggernaut, the Knicks walked into the Clippers building and dropped 121 points on them (The most points the Clippers have allowed in over 2 months - Since day 45 when New York also scored 132 on them). The Knicks got some strong performances from everybody. Andrea Bargnani, Who got into foul trouble, scored 21 points in just 20 minutes. LaMelo Ball and David Thompson combined for 30 points off the bench. Len Kosmalski had 14 points 17 rebounds 6 blocks, and was named the player of the game. But the star of the game was Mighty Mouse himself. Damon Stoudamire was here to save the day, and put the Clippers away. He was up against a widely respected defender in Al Skinner (2 time all defensive team), but it didn't matter. Skinner had no answers as Damon proceeded to cook him the whole night. 45 points. 15 for 28 shooting. 6 for 12 from three point land. It was an offensive masterpiece for Stoudamire, who now leads the league in scoring (29.0). His running mate Andrea Bargnani is 4th in the league in scoring (27.3). Together they combine for 56.3 PPG, which will make them the highest scoring duo in the league for a 3rd consecutive season. The difference is they weren't winning the first two years. Year 1 they went 17-65. Last year they were 40-42. This year the Knicks are 46-18. That's a BIG jump. Can the Knicks keep this up? Can they win the Eastern Conference?
Who's Also Hot
Not if the Miami Heat have something to say about it. Today we're making a little exception, didn't just wanna praise my own team. So we're going to show some love for the Miami Heat as well. They've won 5 straight, and 8 of their last 9 games. That stretch included some layups against weaker West teams, but they also beat tough East teams like Orlando and Toronto. In the Toronto game, Heat guard Jimmy King tookover on both ends of the floor. He scored 29 points with 7 rebounds and 5 steals. While also holding all-star (and former Rookie Of The Year) Brandon Roy to 11 points on 5 for 15 shooting. Quietly Jimmy King has put together a strong season. He's averaging career highs in points (19.0), rebounds (6.6), steals (2.2 - 2nd in the league), field goal shooting (46.9 %), and three point shooting (41.9 %). And now with Michael Carter Williams injured, which we will go more in depth on later, Jimmy is gonna have to step up and be that #1 option. Is he ready for that promotion? Because in order for the Heat (47-19) to finish with the #1 seed in the East, they're gonna need him. Along with Nerlens Noel, Alex Lex, and Isaac Okoro to all step up as well.
Who's Not
The Warriors have lost 9 of their last 10 games. This is the Golden State of Decay. This franchise is decaying right in front of our eyes. New Proxy General Manager WHO (acronym for Wacky, Homophobic, and Obtuse) said he tookover the team to make it better for the next owner. But hes not doing that. Last year the team went 42-40. This year they're 24-38. From 2 games over 500, to 14 games UNDER 500. You're going in reverse Mr WHO. You're going backwards. And the reason for the regression is their anemic offense. They're 22nd in the league in field goal percentage (43.7). They're 20th in points (99.3). And 26th in assists (21.2). This isn't your real life, sharing the ball, passing the ball Warriors. No, this is an isolation heavy offensive slop bucket. This is vomit on a basketball court. And not even the most experienced towel boy could clean this Shit up. You got Kyle Lowry chucking for 3 consecutive seasons. His field goal shooting is down to a career worst 41.7 this season. Jorge Garbage-osa, who used to be known as Garbajosa when he averaged 17 PPG as a rookie in Toronto, is gonna be out the league within a year. Rudy Gobert is SOFT. Garfield Heard is named after a lasagna eating cat. The only bright spot here is Elmore Smith, and you KNOW he's counting down the days until his contract expires (Will be a free agent at the end of this season). 22 more days Elmore. Hang in there. And as for you Warrior fans? Well at least the 49ers got Javon Hargrave.
Injury News
Michael Carter Williams - Obviously we gotta start with MCW, who we mentioned earlier in the article. Carter Williams has been officially diagnosed with a torn hamstring, and his recovery period is 28 days. There are only 22 days remaining in the regular season, which means he would be able to return during the first round of the playoffs. That's a BIG loss for a Heat team thats battling for the #1 seed. Carter Williams is averaging 22.8 PPG 6.0 RPG 9.9 APG (1st in the league).
Mike Gale - Its not bad enough that the Heat starting point guard is out, now their backup PG is gonna miss some time as well. Mike Gale (20.4 MPG 6.1 PPG 3.6 APG) will be out for 4 days with a sprained ankle.
Killian Hayes - The Raptors lost Brent Barry earlier in the year, and now they're down another guard with Hayes breaking his finger. But the there's good news and more good news. Hayes will only miss 5 days. And Cory Alexander did a damn good job filling in for him last game (18 points 10 assists vs Houston).
Earl Tatum/Norm Van Lier - The Blazers are down 2 rotation guards as well. Their usual starting shooting guard Tatum (11.8 PPG 5.9 RPG) has already missed 14 games with his torn hamstring. He's expected to return around the last week of the regular season. While Van Lier will miss 4 days. Larry Steele has stepped up during these injuries. He's had a solid all around year (26.9 MPG 7.2 PPG 3.8 RPG 3.3 APG 1.6 SPG 50.6 FG %).
More News Around The League
- The Trade Deadline is approaching and we're seeing some trades being made. The first one was the Clippers trading upcoming second round pick for the Wizards future 05 second round pick. In the words of Brian Windhorst "Very strange trade". Why trade for what's projected to be the last pick of the second round? Whatever.
- Next Trade involved Daniel Gibson being dealt to the LA Lakers for Clyde Mayes, who's headed to the Brooklyn Nets. Mayes hasn't been getting much burn in LA (31 games played and 4.3 MPG), but he fits the 6'7 - 6'8 wing player mold that the Nets keep targetting. As for the Lakers they get a 22 year old guard in Gibson, who's scoring 10.2 PPG and shooting 40.3 % from three point range.
- The Lakers also recently posted a trade block. Now I understand there's a media narrative going around calling the Lakers "Dog Shit". But don't listen to those lies. They got some good players on that roster, that can help YOUR roster. Quinn Buckner is a quality point guard, that can serve as a backup for a contender. Seth Harvey is blocking 2.5 shots per game in only 23.5 minutes. They got some players down there in LA. So give them a call. Or a PM.
- Spurs are in their trade block bumping and talking rebuild. But we all know he's capping. Rebuild for What? With Nater, Cowens, Kunnert, etc this team got a great shot at repeating as champions. Why mess with that?
- The Wolves also had a trade block going. They announced a firesale, but that flamed out. So it looks like the Wolves are going to hold on to their pieces, as they try to hold on to the 8 seed in the Western Conference. They're 29-34, and are only 1 game ahead of 9th place Dallas.
- We mentioned Garfield Heard earlier. The Warriors posted: Garfield Heard need to be moved any takers...There have been no takers. And that's no surprise. Actually to be fair Heard is a double double guy averaging 10.2 PPG 10.8 RPG. I am a little surprised there hasn't been much interest in him around the league.
- From 1 W team to the next, the Washington Wizards seem to be eager to move Sherell Ford. But after giving him that 4 year 6 million dollar per contract in free agency, it looks like Washington is stuck with their overpaid small forward.
- Speaking of being stuck. Now we get to the 112 million dollar man Earl The Pearl Monroe.
18.7 Mil this year
20.6 Mil next year
22.5 Mil the following year
24.3 Mil the year after that
26.2 Mil in the final year of that deal.
Do the Rockets wanna move him? And would anybody want to take him and that contract? If it weren't for that contract I would take him right now. He just won player of the week for the 2nd time this season. He just bust Randy Smith's ass. And Smith is the best point guard in the league. And Monroe still dropped 46/11 on his ass. Any prediction on how the Monroe/Houston saga will end? He's still an elite level player, but he's 33 years old and the Rockets are in last place in their division (30-39 record). It doesn't make much sense for him to stay in Houston right? So what's gonna happen?
The New York Knicks have won a franchise best 10 consecutive games, and now have the best winning percentage (.719) in the Eastern Conference. During this winning streak the Knicks have notched some very important victories. Starting with a 26 point blowout win vs their division rivals Philadelphia. They followed that up by beating the 2000 ITP Champs Portland 119-98. Then came another key win against the 2 time reigning Eastern Conference Champs Orlando. But the most impressive victory was their most recent victory against the 55-12 Los Angeles Clippers. Not only do the Clippers hold the best record in the entire league, but they also have BY FAR the best defense in the league (1st in PPG allowed AND 1st in Opponent field goal percentage). Despite going up against this defensive juggernaut, the Knicks walked into the Clippers building and dropped 121 points on them (The most points the Clippers have allowed in over 2 months - Since day 45 when New York also scored 132 on them). The Knicks got some strong performances from everybody. Andrea Bargnani, Who got into foul trouble, scored 21 points in just 20 minutes. LaMelo Ball and David Thompson combined for 30 points off the bench. Len Kosmalski had 14 points 17 rebounds 6 blocks, and was named the player of the game. But the star of the game was Mighty Mouse himself. Damon Stoudamire was here to save the day, and put the Clippers away. He was up against a widely respected defender in Al Skinner (2 time all defensive team), but it didn't matter. Skinner had no answers as Damon proceeded to cook him the whole night. 45 points. 15 for 28 shooting. 6 for 12 from three point land. It was an offensive masterpiece for Stoudamire, who now leads the league in scoring (29.0). His running mate Andrea Bargnani is 4th in the league in scoring (27.3). Together they combine for 56.3 PPG, which will make them the highest scoring duo in the league for a 3rd consecutive season. The difference is they weren't winning the first two years. Year 1 they went 17-65. Last year they were 40-42. This year the Knicks are 46-18. That's a BIG jump. Can the Knicks keep this up? Can they win the Eastern Conference?
Who's Also Hot
Not if the Miami Heat have something to say about it. Today we're making a little exception, didn't just wanna praise my own team. So we're going to show some love for the Miami Heat as well. They've won 5 straight, and 8 of their last 9 games. That stretch included some layups against weaker West teams, but they also beat tough East teams like Orlando and Toronto. In the Toronto game, Heat guard Jimmy King tookover on both ends of the floor. He scored 29 points with 7 rebounds and 5 steals. While also holding all-star (and former Rookie Of The Year) Brandon Roy to 11 points on 5 for 15 shooting. Quietly Jimmy King has put together a strong season. He's averaging career highs in points (19.0), rebounds (6.6), steals (2.2 - 2nd in the league), field goal shooting (46.9 %), and three point shooting (41.9 %). And now with Michael Carter Williams injured, which we will go more in depth on later, Jimmy is gonna have to step up and be that #1 option. Is he ready for that promotion? Because in order for the Heat (47-19) to finish with the #1 seed in the East, they're gonna need him. Along with Nerlens Noel, Alex Lex, and Isaac Okoro to all step up as well.
Who's Not
The Warriors have lost 9 of their last 10 games. This is the Golden State of Decay. This franchise is decaying right in front of our eyes. New Proxy General Manager WHO (acronym for Wacky, Homophobic, and Obtuse) said he tookover the team to make it better for the next owner. But hes not doing that. Last year the team went 42-40. This year they're 24-38. From 2 games over 500, to 14 games UNDER 500. You're going in reverse Mr WHO. You're going backwards. And the reason for the regression is their anemic offense. They're 22nd in the league in field goal percentage (43.7). They're 20th in points (99.3). And 26th in assists (21.2). This isn't your real life, sharing the ball, passing the ball Warriors. No, this is an isolation heavy offensive slop bucket. This is vomit on a basketball court. And not even the most experienced towel boy could clean this Shit up. You got Kyle Lowry chucking for 3 consecutive seasons. His field goal shooting is down to a career worst 41.7 this season. Jorge Garbage-osa, who used to be known as Garbajosa when he averaged 17 PPG as a rookie in Toronto, is gonna be out the league within a year. Rudy Gobert is SOFT. Garfield Heard is named after a lasagna eating cat. The only bright spot here is Elmore Smith, and you KNOW he's counting down the days until his contract expires (Will be a free agent at the end of this season). 22 more days Elmore. Hang in there. And as for you Warrior fans? Well at least the 49ers got Javon Hargrave.
Injury News
Michael Carter Williams - Obviously we gotta start with MCW, who we mentioned earlier in the article. Carter Williams has been officially diagnosed with a torn hamstring, and his recovery period is 28 days. There are only 22 days remaining in the regular season, which means he would be able to return during the first round of the playoffs. That's a BIG loss for a Heat team thats battling for the #1 seed. Carter Williams is averaging 22.8 PPG 6.0 RPG 9.9 APG (1st in the league).
Mike Gale - Its not bad enough that the Heat starting point guard is out, now their backup PG is gonna miss some time as well. Mike Gale (20.4 MPG 6.1 PPG 3.6 APG) will be out for 4 days with a sprained ankle.
Killian Hayes - The Raptors lost Brent Barry earlier in the year, and now they're down another guard with Hayes breaking his finger. But the there's good news and more good news. Hayes will only miss 5 days. And Cory Alexander did a damn good job filling in for him last game (18 points 10 assists vs Houston).
Earl Tatum/Norm Van Lier - The Blazers are down 2 rotation guards as well. Their usual starting shooting guard Tatum (11.8 PPG 5.9 RPG) has already missed 14 games with his torn hamstring. He's expected to return around the last week of the regular season. While Van Lier will miss 4 days. Larry Steele has stepped up during these injuries. He's had a solid all around year (26.9 MPG 7.2 PPG 3.8 RPG 3.3 APG 1.6 SPG 50.6 FG %).
More News Around The League
- The Trade Deadline is approaching and we're seeing some trades being made. The first one was the Clippers trading upcoming second round pick for the Wizards future 05 second round pick. In the words of Brian Windhorst "Very strange trade". Why trade for what's projected to be the last pick of the second round? Whatever.
- Next Trade involved Daniel Gibson being dealt to the LA Lakers for Clyde Mayes, who's headed to the Brooklyn Nets. Mayes hasn't been getting much burn in LA (31 games played and 4.3 MPG), but he fits the 6'7 - 6'8 wing player mold that the Nets keep targetting. As for the Lakers they get a 22 year old guard in Gibson, who's scoring 10.2 PPG and shooting 40.3 % from three point range.
- The Lakers also recently posted a trade block. Now I understand there's a media narrative going around calling the Lakers "Dog Shit". But don't listen to those lies. They got some good players on that roster, that can help YOUR roster. Quinn Buckner is a quality point guard, that can serve as a backup for a contender. Seth Harvey is blocking 2.5 shots per game in only 23.5 minutes. They got some players down there in LA. So give them a call. Or a PM.
- Spurs are in their trade block bumping and talking rebuild. But we all know he's capping. Rebuild for What? With Nater, Cowens, Kunnert, etc this team got a great shot at repeating as champions. Why mess with that?
- The Wolves also had a trade block going. They announced a firesale, but that flamed out. So it looks like the Wolves are going to hold on to their pieces, as they try to hold on to the 8 seed in the Western Conference. They're 29-34, and are only 1 game ahead of 9th place Dallas.
- We mentioned Garfield Heard earlier. The Warriors posted: Garfield Heard need to be moved any takers...There have been no takers. And that's no surprise. Actually to be fair Heard is a double double guy averaging 10.2 PPG 10.8 RPG. I am a little surprised there hasn't been much interest in him around the league.
- From 1 W team to the next, the Washington Wizards seem to be eager to move Sherell Ford. But after giving him that 4 year 6 million dollar per contract in free agency, it looks like Washington is stuck with their overpaid small forward.
- Speaking of being stuck. Now we get to the 112 million dollar man Earl The Pearl Monroe.
18.7 Mil this year
20.6 Mil next year
22.5 Mil the following year
24.3 Mil the year after that
26.2 Mil in the final year of that deal.
Do the Rockets wanna move him? And would anybody want to take him and that contract? If it weren't for that contract I would take him right now. He just won player of the week for the 2nd time this season. He just bust Randy Smith's ass. And Smith is the best point guard in the league. And Monroe still dropped 46/11 on his ass. Any prediction on how the Monroe/Houston saga will end? He's still an elite level player, but he's 33 years old and the Rockets are in last place in their division (30-39 record). It doesn't make much sense for him to stay in Houston right? So what's gonna happen?
