NY Knicks: Going in to last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers were feeling good about themselves, having won three out of their previous four games, including impressive victories over Western Conference heavyweights Denver and the Clippers. New York on the other hand still had the stench of Sunday’s sickening 41 point blowout performance at Madison Square Garden. Bringing with them the same lethargic energy that has become the unofficial staple of this team, once again losing in despicable fashion, 109-94.
New York had to fight their way back from another huge first quarter deficit following an 18-2 run by Cleveland, led by Kyrie Irving who had 8 points during that stretch. In two subsequent games since New York’s mini two game winning streak, the team has been outscored 65-30 in the first quarter. Even with the Knicks briefly pulling even they were never able to take the lead. Heading to halftime being down by three wasn’t such a bad thing. However, slow starts were not just reserved for the opening stanza as the Knicks would once again come out “sluggish” as Amare Stoudemire(15pts. 5reb. 2blks) put it to open the second half.
Cleveland never looked back controlling the action the rest of the way. Seemingly toying with the Knicks at every opportunity, Irving especially who dazzled all night long with his ball handing prowess. Particularly on one possession where he left Knicks G Pablo Prigioni feeling dizzy following some nifty dribbling that resulted in a highlight reel 3 pointer. The three year guard had the entire repertoire on display scoring at will. Lighting up New York’s deplorable defense to the tune of 37 points and 11 assists in 36 minutes.
Head Coach Mike Woodson who recently received a vote of confidence from Knicks Chairman James Dolan could soon be on his way out if he cannot get this ship turned around, quickly. It was Dolan if you remember that placed lofty expectations on this team believing at least publicly that this group could contend for an NBA Championship, this season. Even if you felt Dolan was reaching with that bold claim I would be hard pressed to believe anyone who would’ve said to me that 5 and 15 is where this team would be after 20 games. After the game Carmelo Anthony(29pts 8reb.) was asked “what has to change?” to which he replied “I don’t have the answer to that” and “you can’t coach or you can’t teach effort and things like that,” putting the onus squarely on the players and not his head coach for the poor beginnings to each half and throughout the game. Knicks Assistant General Manager and former star, Allan Houston has been rumored to be a leading candidate to succeed Woodson on an Interim basis should Woodson be relinquished of his duties. Houston has no coaching experience.
NOTES
New York was without Kenyon Martin who sat for the second consecutive game due to a balky ankle. Metta World Peace started in his absence. Raymond Felton believes he pulled a muscle in his leg and is questionable for tomorrow’s nationally televised game against the Chicago Bulls. This is the worst 20 game start to a season for the Knicks. According to ESPN this is the fifth time NY has started 5 and 15, the last of which came was the 09-10 season.
Picture Courtesy: fansided.com
Wilson Caicedo:PureSportsNY