SB Nation New York: All Posts by Charles Dunsonhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2012-05-04T15:56:33-04:00https://newyork.sbnation.com/authors/charles-dunson/rss2012-05-04T15:56:33-04:002012-05-04T15:56:33-04:00Mariano Rivera's Injury & What It Says About The Yankees Age Crisis
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<p>Mariano Rivera's career may be over after the 42-year-old, record-setting closer tore his ACL but it also reveals the Yankees problem; an aging nucleus of position players and an awful pitching rotation</p> <p>After tearing the ACL in his right leg while planting to catch a popup during pre-game batting practice, <span>Mariano Rivera's</span> career may be over. Before the season, Mariano Rivera announced that he'd made a decision around whether 2012 would be his final season. It was assumed that the choice would for the all-time saves leader to retire. Unfortunately, his last game may have come much earlier than he had planned.</p>
<p>If Rivera does call it quits, he'll retire with a record 608 saves, which is only seven more than second place <span>Trevor Hoffman</span> but 130 more than third place. Unlike Hoffman, however, Rivera did it for a single franchise with constant championship expectations on his back for 17 years.</p>
<p>Despite 608, the number that looms largest for Rivera and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> is 42. Its not just the number on the back of Rivera's jersey or his postseason record of 42 saves. It's also his age. </p>
<p>At 42, his rehabilitation will be long and strenuous. However, Rivera's freak injury is par for the course that has been the Bronx Bombers season.</p>
<p>It's only May 4th but Yankees pitchers have been dropping like the soldiers in Tom Hanks' 2<sup>nd</sup> Ranger Battalion. However, instead of Saving Private Ryan, Brian Cashman and Yankees management will seek to replace Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader.</p>
<p>Rivera's injury is just the latest in a long line of misfortunes to befall the Yankees pitching staff.</p>
<p>The Yankees have already had to demote <span>Freddy Garcia</span>, <span>Phil Hughes</span> is till struggling and <span>Joba Chamberlain</span>, whom many believed was one the heir apparent to Rivera, will likely miss the entire season after injuring his ankle in a freak trampoline accident. Even <span>Roger Clemens</span> is back on trial in federal court.</p>
<p>In the grand scheme of things, Mariano Rivera's injury signals the beginning of the end for the Yankees glory years.</p>
<p>Teixera may be 32 and A-Rod is just 36, however, athletes age in dog years under the bright lights of New York City.</p>
<p>Jeter has somehow avoided the effects of time and his .404 batting average leads the AL but the Yankees should look to stop handing out long contracts to older <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/teams/show?affiliation_key=l.mlb.com&team_key=l.mlb.com-t.32">All-Stars</a> and beginning getting younger before their clubhouse resembles a modern day Golden Girls reboot.</p>
<p>Soon a new crop of young leaders will have to emerge for the Yankees to remain atop or near the top of the American League.</p>
<p>However, unlike A-Rod, Teixera, Granderson and Sabathia, Jeter and Rivera were homegrown Yankees. They're also the last remaining members of the Yankees late 90's dynasty.</p>
<p>Hank Steinbrenner has been adamant that the post-Boss Yankees will be more fiscally responsible. Ultimately this requires the Yankees to show more commitment to their minor league system and emphasize better scouting.</p>
<p>Currently, the most highly touted recruit in the Yankees minor league system is the soon-to-be 40 year Pettitte.</p>
<p>In January, the Yankees traded <span>Jesus Montero</span> for 23-year old right-handed pitcher <span>Michael Pineda</span>. Two weeks ago, the Yankees announced Pineda would undergo season-ending surgery to fix a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder before he'd ever made a start in pinstripes.</p>
<p>Through 23 games as a Mariner, Montero is hitting .292 and is on pace to hit 24 homeruns and 78 RBI's.</p>
<p><span>David Robertson</span> will likely assume the role as closer for the remainder of the season but even if Rivera decides to return for 2013, the Yankees have to begin looking forward.</p>
<p>In <span>Nick Swisher's</span> absence, the Yankees have turned to 35-year old <span>Andruw Jones</span>, who is hitting .225. A-Rod is still on pace to surpass <span>Barry Bonds</span>' as the home run king but he is clearly on the downside of his career as he struggles more and more to make contact and his power numbers decrease.</p>
<p>Besides CC Sabathia, the rotation doesn't have a second ace that hitters fear.</p>
<p>While the Yankees lead the AL in home runs, the pitching staff ranks fourth in team ERA. They're also currently fourth in the AL East.</p>
<p>The Yankees may have a short term fix in Robertson at closer but in the long term, the franchise is headed for a cliff filled with aging position players and an awful rotation.</p>
<p>Injury and age may have finally caught up to Mariano Rivera but it should serve as a warning to the Yankees that it may be time to invest in a more youthful future.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/5/4/2999590/mariano-riveras-injury-what-it-says-about-the-yankees-age-crisisCharles Dunson2012-05-03T17:50:34-04:002012-05-03T17:50:34-04:00How Do New York Sports Figures Compare To DC And Marvel Superheroes?
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<p>How New York's most popular athletes compare to our favorite superheroes.</p> <p>At midnight tonight, Marvel comics' Avengers finally hits the big screen. In reality, athletes are considered role models in society but in comics superheroes occupy that role. So how do New York's top athletes compare to Marvel and DC Comics superheroes?</p>
<p><b><span>Eli Manning</span> - Billy Batson/Captain Marvel-</b></p>
<p>Billy Batson was a scrawny kid who was bestowed with the ability to transform into an adult superhero with amazing superpowers by uttering a single phrase. Likewise, Eli Manning has been perceived for 90% of his NFL career as the dorky, underachieving kid brother to Peyton. However, when the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> need him most, Eli somehow manages to summon supernatural abilities that have allowed him to overcome all obstacles and win two Super Bowls in shocking fashion.</p>
<p><b><span>Mark Sanchez</span> & <span>Tim Tebow</span> - Thor & Loki</b></p>
<p>Thor is the God of <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a> that is banished to Earth. His weapon of choice is Thor's hammer, which he can wield and toss like no one else. Conversely, <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a> fans wish Sanchez would throw the football with more precision. Loki is his adopted brother that eventually attempts to have Thor killed in an attempt to take his place. Sanchez is a Southern California kid that was drafted to be the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> starting quarterback. Tebow is the newly signed Jets backup quarterback who seeks to usurp Sanchez as the starting quarterback.</p>
<p><b><span>Jeremy Lin</span>- Spiderman</b></p>
<p>Peter Parker is the nerdy high school kid that was bitten by a radioactive spider. After gaining superhuman strength, agility, quickness and web slinging abilities, Parker becomes the most famous superhero in New York City. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/27488/jeremy-lin" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeremy Lin</a> is the Ivy League product that began 2011 as a no-name benchwarmer on the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a> bench. However, over the course of the season, Lin began putting up historic numbers while becoming the most popular player in the NBA.</p>
<p><b><span>Carmelo Anthony</span> - Batman</b></p>
<p>Like Bruce Wayne, Carmelo Anthony is a native son of the city but instead of cleaning up the crime-riddled streets of Gotham City, Anthony brought championship aspirations back to the real-life Gotham's once great franchise. Batman doesn't want sidekicks and Anthony doesn't work well with Amare Stoudemire. Unlike the majority of heroes, Batman is not endowed with super powers but compensates with unrivaled detective skills. While Anthony lacks elite athleticism he makes up for it with a superior basketball IQ.</p>
<p><b><span>Steve Novak</span> - Hawkeye</b></p>
<p>Hawkeye stands out among Marvel's Avengers because he doesn't have any other discernible skills besides his pinpoint accuracy with a bow and arrow. As the Avengers master archer, Hawkeye never misses a target. Conversely, Novak is a pinpoint shooter from behind the arc. In fact, this season he had one of the best three point shooting seasons in league history. On the negative side, spot up shooting was also his only discernible skill. Despite standing tall at 6'10, Novak didn't score a point inside the paint all season.</p>
<p><b>Jim Boeheim - Professor Xavier</b></p>
<p>Professor Xavier is the founder Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. While Boeheim doesn't have much influence of academics at Syracuse, he is the most well known figure at the Syracuse University. Instead of recruiting mutant through Cerebro, Boeheim finds talented athletes for his perennially ranked college basketball powerhouse and convinces them to play for him without the use of telepathy. The falling out between Fine and Boeheim last year is also reminiscent of the end of Xavier and Eric Lensherr/Magneto's friendship.</p>
<p><b><span>Derek Jeter</span> - Captain America</b></p>
<p>Captain America isn't the strongest or fastest member of the Avengers and he can't fly. However, he is the undisputed leader. Jeter doesn't have warning track power in his bat but for 17 years he's put out clubhouse fires and made game-saving plays as the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> leader for five World Series championships. Jeter isn't nearly old enough to have fought in World War II but the ageless Jeter has defied time by remaining a consistent hitter at an advanced age.</p>
<p><b>Brian Cashman - Nick Fury</b></p>
<p>Nick Fury is the brainchild responsible for assembling the superheroes that would become known as the Avengers. Cashman is the man responsible for the Yankees infinite payroll.</p>
<p><b>Rex Ryan - Booster Gold</b></p>
<p>Michael Jon Carter aka Booster Gold is the egotistical football star from the future portrayed in DC Comics for the first time in February of 1986. A few weeks earlier Buddy Ryan's <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> defense, earned a world championship in Super Bowl XX. Although Buddy's son, Rex isn't from the future he has made it a habit of boisterously predicting Super Bowls for the Gang Green.</p>
<p><b>Amare Stoudemire - Human Torch</b></p>
<p>Too soon? Originally, Stoudemire reminded me of the X-Men's Rogue because of their shared ability to steal energy from those around them (Rogue steals abilities, Stoudemire turns Carmelo Anthony into a mere mortal). However, the news of him attacking a fire extinguisher like it was his mortal enemy makes a ton of sense now.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/5/3/2997420/how-new-york-sports-figures-compare-to-superheroes-avengers-amare-fire-extinguisherCharles Dunson2012-05-02T11:16:17-04:002012-05-02T11:16:17-04:00The Disappointing Decline of Amare Stoudemire
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<p>Amare Stoudemire's hand injury won't derail his career but it's symbolic of the frustrating season he has endured on and off the court. More importantly, the question has to be asked will he produce at an All-Star level ever again?</p> <p><span>Amare Stoudemire</span> has encountered a ton of adversity this season. Anytime, ex-Mavs/<a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> malcontent <span>Lamar Odom</span> decides to whine about the adversity he's endured this season, he should look to Stoudemire's season for perspective.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On the court, Stoudemire averaged his fewest points per game since his rookie year, a career low in rebounds and his lowest field goal percentage since his second season.</p>
<p>In February, Stoudemire lost his brother and throughout the season he's had to confront the growing shadow of his basketball mortality. Every now and then, he flashes the athleticism that earned him Slam Dunk contest invites and highlight reels. But for the most part, he's been a shell of his former self and his decline was unexpected.</p>
<p>After Game 2 of the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a> loss to the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>, Stoudemire completed his meltdown in ironic fashion by punching the glass enclosure surrounding a fire extinguisher. Of all the adversity that Stoudemire faced this season, did anybody expect an inanimate fire extinguisher to be the tombstone on his tragic season? Watching him slink back to the team bus in a black hoodie and a sling around his bloodied arm, you couldn't help but it feels like this was the defining image of the next phase of Stoudemire's career. Ironically, Stoudemire has been injured so often throughout his career it's surprising he hasn't already earned the nickname Mr. Glass because of his fragility.</p>
<p>Monday night was another bizarre chapter (and possibly the epilogue) to an odd season for Stoudemire and the Knicks.</p>
<p>In Phoenix, Stoudemire took a backseat to <span>Shawn Marion</span> and <span>Steve Nash</span> but his signing with New York signified the Knicks return to relevance and made Stoudemire the leader of a franchise.</p>
<p>Prior to <span>Carmelo Anthony's</span> arrival in New York last February, Stoudemire was the midseason NBA MVP through the All-Star break. Soon after the All-Star break, the Knicks exchanged <span>Raymond Felton</span>, <span>Danilo Gallinari</span> and an assortment of role players for Carmelo Anthony. Anthony's arrival unknowingly spelled the end of Stoudemire's short reign as the toast of the town.</p>
<p>Anthony's arrival may have marked the beginning of Stoudemire's decline from All-Star to average. The Knicks performance over the remainder of this series may determine Stoudemire's fate for next season and beyond. His back may put the finishing touches on his career as an elite player just as it did to Larry Bird.</p>
<p>If the Knicks excel with Stoudemire out of the lineup and tie the series with Miami in New York, it will be more of an indictment of Stoudemire's negative impact on the Knicks than it will speak to the Heat's road woes or the benefit of Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>Stoudemire isn't new to injuries. At the age of 22, Stoudemire underwent microfracture surgery and experienced chronic knee issues. He was truly the first microfracture surgery success story. He also underwent eye surgery after suffering a partially torn iris that still requires him to wear protective glasses today.</p>
<p>He's also familiar with trade discussions. Throughout his <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> career, Stoudemire was the subject of trade scenarios and last summer he was involved in trade talks with New Orleans' <span>Chris Paul</span>. This summer the trade talks will escalate, however, his downward spiral will certainly lower his market value and the talent, the Knicks can expect in return.</p>
<p>However, there is a way back for Stoudemire. In combination with his $100 million contract, the Knicks are probably stuck with their vastly underachieving power forward.</p>
<p>Like Stoudemire, the aforementioned Lamar Odom had a difficult season emotionally and flamed out with the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a>. However, Stoudemire continued to play on.</p>
<p>Stoudemire's injury was only the latest in a string of odd injuries inflicted upon New York professional athletes. In 2009, Plaxico Burress was sentenced to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the leg with an unlicensed firearm and earlier this season, Joba Chamberlain suffered career threatening ankle injury on a trampoline. Ironically, Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain is one of Stoudemire's off-court friends.</p>
<p>Stoudemire's season is likely done but he can revive his career as a Knick. An emotionally draining season may have taken its toll on him physically and psychologically but an offseason could be the cure for an awful season. Stoudemire was unable to play basketball during the lockout after undergoing back surgery over the summer. Losing the additional bulk, Stoudemire added in the offseason may also return the extra bounce and quickness he appeared to lose this season.</p>
<p>However, if Stoudemire doesn't return to form next season, the Knicks will look back at the Stoudemire-Anthony era with the same apathy as they did the Spencer Haywood-Bob McAdoo experiment.</p>
<p>Like Stoudemire and Anthony, Haywood and McAdoo repeatedly got in each other's ways. What most forgot about that era is that Haywood, who was around the same age as Stoudemire, was traded after one season and his career immediately took a turn for the worse. He never averaged 20 points per game again.</p>
<p>With any luck, he'll undergo the same innovative German procedure that revived the spring in <span>Kobe Bryant's</span> knees, and legs. In the meantime, Anthony will set out to even the series with Miami minus Stoudemire and Shumpert. The odds say this series will not end well for the Knicks. Knicks fans must hope that either Stoudemire can return to an All-Star level or end the Stoudemire era before his career hits rock bottom and he drags the franchise's championship hopes with him.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/5/2/2993736/the-disappointing-decline-of-amare-stoudemireCharles Dunson2012-04-27T15:38:43-04:002012-04-27T15:38:43-04:00Will The Dormant Lebron-Carmelo Rivalry Finally Blossom?
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<p>Eight years ago, Lebron and Anthony were drafted with lofty expectations. Not only were they expected to bring championships to their respective cities but they were also expected to develop a rivalry that equalled Magic vs. Bird. After eight years and 15 ho-hum matchups they'll finally meet in meaningful playoff games. Can they finally deliver on the hype?</p> <p>It seems like decades ago that 18-year old phenom Lebron James and 19-year old national champion, <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> embarked on their NBA careers with a mountain of expectations on their teenage shoulders. James appeared destined to lift the moribund <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> franchise from perennial bottom feeders while Anthony brought relevancy and hope to the downtrodden <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>.</p>
<p>Part of the anticipation that surrounded their arrivals revolved around the expectation that they would be the greatest rivalry since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a> Johnson and Larry Bird graced the court in the 80's. However, those were large shoes to fill in a rivalry that involved the two most successful franchises in sports and eventually inspired a Broadway play.</p>
<p>The James-Anthony rivalry never came to fruition between Denver and Cleveland. Instead, James and Anthony have played each other in a slew of meaningless regular season contests.</p>
<p>Anthony has won the majority of their head-to-head meetings but James has posted slightly better numbers. In 15 career meetings, Anthony has a 9-6 advantage over James and averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. James has averaged 25.1 points, 7.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds.</p>
<p>Ultimately, neither was also able to bring a championship to their respective small market franchises but they did manage to play one exciting nail biter in 2010 when Anthony and James were still with their original franchises. With the score tied 116-116, Anthony received a pass on the wing and squared up and draining his signature pull up jumper over James' outstretched arms.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, they've been unable to replicate that type of drama. With any luck, a playoff atmosphere will breed the intensity necessary.</p>
<p>Tomorrow afternoon, however, they will meet for the first time as playoff opponents in hopes of waking a dormant rivalry. More importantly, it will involve a pair of franchises with built-in animosity.</p>
<p>The Nuggets and Cavaliers had no connection to one another. They weren't even in the same conference. Miami and New York despise each other. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> rivalry features indelible images such as Jeff Van Gundy underneath a pile of brawling players as he hung onto <span>Alonzo Mourning's</span> leg or <span>Allan Houston's</span> series winning floater in 1999.</p>
<p>Anthony has endured a roller coaster season. During the first three months of the season, Anthony averaged career lows in scoring and shooting percentage. After injuring his groin during <span>Jeremy Lin's</span> first start, he watched from the sideline as Lin replaced him as the face and darling of the franchise and fans.</p>
<p>Following his return to the lineup at the height of Lin-sanity, the Knicks went on another lengthy losing streak and Mike D'Antoni resigned after management refused to heed his request to trade Anthony. To make matters worse, Anthony then re-injured his groin in late March.</p>
<p>However, in the month of April, Anthony is playing the best basketball of his career and outperforming every player in the NBA including James, who is having the best season of his career and the most efficient one in NBA history.</p>
<p>This month, Anthony is ranked first in efficiency with averages of 29.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game and averaging 49.5 percent shooting. James is averaging 29.5/6.8/4.9 and 51 percent.</p>
<p>Anthony and James wont be alone. James will be accompanied on the playoff stage by his Heatles band mates, <span>Chris Bosh</span> and <span>Dwyane Wade</span> (and Gabrielle Union). Anthony's platoon includes <span>Amare Stoudemire</span>, <span>Tyson Chandler</span>, JR Smith and <span>Steve Novak</span> (and Spike Lee). For the Knicks to win, Amare Stoudemire will have to turn back the clock and play like the confident Stoudemire of old, like he did last night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Bobcats</a>.</p>
<p>The Broadway play Magic/Bird has been showing for two weeks, however, this week the real show will star Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony in Manhattan and South Beach. With any luck, their duel will be showing on the national stage for seven games and years to come.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/27/2981353/will-the-lebron-vs-carmelo-rivalry-finally-blossom-new-york-knicks-miami-heat-nba-playoffsCharles Dunson2012-04-26T13:30:56-04:002012-04-26T13:30:56-04:00Final Duns(TEN) Observations on the Knicks Regular Season
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<p>As the playoffs approach here are some final observations from the Knicks regular season.</p> <p><b>1)</b> Back when NBA fans were frivolously arguing over <span>Jeremy Lin's</span> inclusion in the Rookie-Sophomore Game, I was wondering why the same fans weren't clamoring for <span>Steve Novak's</span> inclusion in the Three Point Shootout. Novak was signed as a "stretch four" in Mike D'Antoni's offense and the Knicks' three-point archer has far surpassed expectations. Scratch that. There were no expectations for the unknown 6'10 power forward.</p>
<p>The Knicks are the NBA's have the league's ninth worst three-point shooting percentage but don't tell that to Novak. It doesn't matter that he literally hasn't shot the ball in the paint one time this season.</p>
<p>Not only has Novak usurped Aaron Rodgers as Mr. Discount Double Check but he's also having one of the best shooting seasons ever from behind the arc. Novak will finish with the most three pointers made per 48 minutes in a single season (6.3) and has the best three point shooting percentage in the NBA.</p>
<p>Surprisingly, this is not the first time he's had this type of season. During the 2008-2009 season, Novak came off the bench for the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> and sank the third most three pointers per 48 minutes in a single season. (Ironically, <span>J.R. Smith</span> holds the record for another few hours with 5.3) Then he was inexplicably banished to the Clippers, <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> and <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> benches for three years until <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> injured his knee in Jeremy Lin's first start.</p>
<p>Last night against the Clippers, Novak made the game-saving play-on defense. After another historic season, Novak won't be forgotten this offseason.</p>
<p><b>2) </b>Donnie Walsh is responsible for demolishing Isiah's Knicks and engineering the high profile acquisitions of Carmelo Anthony and <span>Amare Stoudemire</span> but Glen Grunwald is responsible for the supporting cast including Novak, Lin, Chandler, <span>Baron Davis</span> and J.R. Smith. He also brought in college teammate Mike Woodson to serve as "defensive assistant" to D'Antoni. The Knicks were wise to reward Grunwald by removing his interim tag on Tuesday. Now it's time to return the favor to Woodson.</p>
<p><b>3)</b> <span>Tyson Chandler</span> and Mike Woodson changed the entire philosophy of the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>. Rather than playing a reckless offensive style, they became a balanced team. Tyson Chandler has been the human defense system, that has made New York, the NBA's best interior defense and Secretary of Defense turned head coach, <span>Mike Woodson's</span> hiring completed the Knicks transformation into one of the best defensive teams in the league.</p>
<p><b>4) </b>Since Woodson became head coach, the Knicks have gone 17-6 and should improve to 18-6 with a win over the hapless <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a> (even if they played a hobbled Jeremy Lin and signed some Chinese point guard named Stephon Ma Bu Li to a one game contract). Most importantly, they've gone 11-1 at the Garden.</p>
<p><b>5) </b>The Amare Stoudemire of old hasn't shown up this year and the worry is that he may never re-emerge. However, the dynamic between Stoudemire and Chandler resembles the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>' frontcourt of <span>Joakim Noah</span> and <span>Carlos Boozer</span>. Stoudemire hasn't reached the point or carbon dating like Boozer but he is not performing up to his contract. However, both of their defensive deficiencies are alleviated by team defense and a towering post presence (Noah and Chandler).</p>
<p><b>6)</b> If the Knicks can escape the first round, Jeremy Lin should be ready for the conference semifinals. Baron Davis has been a capable backup (instead of the savior he was hyped as) but Lin brought an infusion of youth and athleticism offensively to the point guard position that has been missing since his injury.</p>
<p><b>7)</b> The Knicks are one of the best teams in the league at scoring in the paint and are far and away the best paint scoring team in the month of April. They are averaging 54 points per game in the post this month. Utah is second with 46 paint points.</p>
<p><b>8)</b> In the month of April, Carmelo Anthony has been the league's second most efficient player and since the All-Star break, the Knicks are fourth in efficiency as a team. In the month of April, Anthony is averaging 29.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Anthony is in elite company. Lebron James is in the midst of one of the most efficient seasons in NBA history is averaging 29.5/6.8/4.9 this month. Amazingly, Anthony's numbers include a few games where he sat out entire fourth quarters)Those numbers won't change as Anthony likely wont play against the Bobcats.</p>
<p><b>9) </b>I am convinced that Amare Stoudemire should spend as much time on the court with the second unit as humanly possible. When Chandler is in the post, he takes away his driving lanes to the basket and his pick and roll opportunities. When Chandler is out, Stoudemire always seems to experience an uptick in points scored in the post and doesn't fade out to shoot midrange face up jumpers.</p>
<p><b>10)</b> In the midst of a 66-game season, the Knicks have made their most strides over the past 22 games when Woodson replaces Mike D'Antoni. A full season would have given this team another 16 games to gel and to dig their way out of the hole they found themselves in under D'Antoni. If given a whole season, the Knicks could have been a top three seed in the Eastern Conference.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/26/2977414/final-duns-ten-observations-on-the-knicks-regular-season-carmelo-amare-stoudemire-woodsonCharles Dunson2012-04-25T11:54:43-04:002012-04-25T11:54:43-04:00Would Knicks Rather Run With Bulls or Sit in Heat's Hot Seat?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4_usH3X6vYCFzr0EMRNY2-cDyjo=/0x165:555x535/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6457040/142816053.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Pros & Cons of the Knicks Potential First Round Matchups Against the Heat or Bulls</p> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Knicks still have a faint hope of avoiding the East’s top two seeds, Miami and Chicago, however that pipe dream relies on the historically bad <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Bobcats</a> beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> without Superman. Even with the sixth seed out of reasonable reach, the Knicks share the Eastern Conference’s eight best record with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> and don’t know which team they’ll play in the first round with two games to go.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Based on matchups, styles of play and momentum would the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Bulls</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> be a better matchup for the Knicks in the first round while <span>Amare Stoudemire</span> finds his footing and <span>Jeremy Lin</span> heals his knee? Let’s examine the pros and cons:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIAMI HEAT</b></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pros: </b></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miami is slumping. After averaging 103.7 points per game in their new up-tempo offense inspired by Spoelstra’s summer tutorials from Oregon’s Chip Kelly, their plodding offense from 2011 has returned. Before the All-Star break, Miami averaged an NBA-best 103.7 points per game but are only averaging 94.6 since then.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the half court, Miami’s offense struggles while the Knicks have the league’s best interior defense. The Knicks are first in the NBA in points allowed in the post this season thanks to <span>Tyson Chandler</span>’s active presence in the post. Miami is 28<sup>th</sup> in offensive points scored in the paint.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Surprisingly, the Knicks are also fourth offensively. Before the All-Star break they were 12<sup>th</sup>. In April, they’ve averaged 56 points per game in the paint. The Bynum-Gasol-Kobe led <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> are second with 44.8 points. (For comparisons sake, Oklahoma City is averaging a league-worst 23.7 points in the paint.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Madison Square Garden is a home court unlike any and Dorothy of Oz didn’t look as lost as the Heat have on the road this season. Against playoff teams on the road, the Knicks have gone 2-10 since the All-Star break.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition, the Heat have the 27<sup>th</sup> worst scoring bench while the Knicks have one of the league’s best. Meanwhile, the Heat also have the league’s 20<sup>th</sup> ranked bench defense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cons: </b></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lebron James for three quarters is the best basketball player on the planet. Surviving his 36 minute onslaught and getting into his head before the fourth will be key for Anthony.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">. Carmelo earned 42 points the hard way against the Heat on April 15, but he’ll have to repeat his superhuman performances for the Knicks to have a chance in this series. This potential first round matchup will be a clash of strengths for both the Knicks and Heat. The Heat have the league’s best defense in regards to defending the pick & roll and isolation sets, which is where Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Anthony thrive. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the Heat have gone 2-10 on the road since the All-Star break against quality opponents, the two wins have come against Philadelphia and…New York.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHICAGO BULLS: </b></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pros:</b> The reigning league MVP isn’t close to 100% and has missed 38 of the Bulls 64 games to date. Defensively, the Bulls have consistently remained the NBA’s best in his absence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Last season, the Bulls and <span>Derrick Rose</span> literally limped past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a>. This season, they’ll be limping into the first round with <span>Luol Deng</span> recovering from a rib injury. These Knicks are better than last season’s Indiana Pacers squad and <span>Iman Shumpert</span> may have the defensive aptitude to slow down Derrick Rose’s onslaught.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Derrick Rose loves to drive inside but that may be a challenge against the league’s best interior defense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cons:</b> If Derrick Rose is full strength, even Iman Shumpert may not have an answer for the reigning league MVP. Unlike the Bulls, Chicago’s second unit does not relent on either side of the floor and are consistent on the road and at home. When Rose was out, the Bulls lacked a uniquely explosive talent at point guard but with Rose, they are formidable.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chicago is also the NBA’s best rebounding unit. Although, Chandler has improved New York’s interior defense, the Knicks have struggled all a season to grab boards. The Bulls are the best rebounding team in the league.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In their last two meetings, the Knicks have been outrebounded 80-110 by Chicago. Many of those woes could be contributed to Amare Stoudemire’s absence in the lineup as the Knicks are 29<sup>th</sup> in rebounding this month. However, against playoff teams this season the Knicks are still 20<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bulls have one of the best benches in the league and are first in the NBA in opponent bench scoring. Conversely the Knicks are 13<sup>th</sup> since the All Star break in bench points allowed.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">------------------------------</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As talented as the Bulls are however, they are clearly the best possible first round matchup for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a>. The Bulls have great depth but in the playoffs, superstars rise to the occasion and the Bulls star point guard risks injury to his groin and ankle every time he lifts off, lands or make explosive moments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Mike Woodson</span> has only had 21 games to implement his own system, however, in that team the Knicks have evolved into one of the East’s top four teams. Whomever, draws New York’s card in the first round will be in for a first round battle against a team that’s better than its seeding indicates.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/25/2974238/would-new-york-knicks-rather-run-with-chicago-bulls-or-sit-in-miami-heat-hot-seatCharles Dunson2012-04-22T18:01:00-04:002012-04-22T18:01:00-04:00Top (Duns)TEN Observations From Knicks Win Over Hawks
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<img alt="Mar 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts to hitting a shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ud1pt0ydTnYVeuVqYIlzyf-Jx8Y=/0x194:467x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6267663/20120330_ajw_sa2_212.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mar 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts to hitting a shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Ten Observations from the Knicks win over the Hawks on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p>1.) Even though coach Mike Woodson opted to rest his star center, this game solidified <span>Tyson Chandler</span>'s Defensive Player of the Year candidacy. With Chandler in the lineup, the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> have allowed 93.8 points per game and 44.8% from the field. Previously with Chandler out of the lineup, the Knicks had allowed 118.5 points per game. The Knicks allowed 112 points and the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> shot 54% from the field.</p>
<p>2.) <span>Amare Stoudemire</span>'s defense still leaves much to be desired. He spent much of the night struggling to guard <span>Marvin Williams</span> (29 points) and <span>Josh Smith</span> (14 points). Stoudemire used the knicks final foul before the Hawks reached the bonus by reaching in when he had Williams right in front of him. On the game's final play, Williams shook Stoudemire off of him and drove down the middle of the lane to flush down a potential game-winning dunk. Even though, time ran out before Williams missed the dunk, it shined a light on Stoudemire's defensive deficiencies. Williams was able to beat Stoudemire off the dribble and in the post all night. It time hadn't expired, Williams would have been shooting two free throws because of the contact he received from Stoudemire and Anthony on his dunk attempt.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_McrYUTNC-U" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>3.) Offensively, without Chandler in the lineup, Stoudemire found room to operate in the post.</p>
<p>4.) Here is shot chart from the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> game with Chandler in the post.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1076209/Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6.20.36_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1076209/Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6.20.36_PM_medium.png"></a> <br id="1335133318296"></p>
<p>Here is his shot chart from this afternoon's contest.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1076213/Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6.21.03_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1076213/Screen_shot_2012-04-22_at_6.21.03_PM_medium.png"></a> <br id="1335133430054"></p>
<p>Stoudemire had the same issues with Shaquille O'Neal clogging the post in Phoenix but if Woodson can figure out how to move Chandler from the block when Stoudemire gets the ball or utilize more pick and roll(which is where Jeremy Lin excelled and the Knicks have struggled in his absence) todays performance could become the norm for Stoudemire.</p>
<p>5.) Even if Chandler were leading the Knicks interior defense, he could not have stopped today's three-point barrage. Both teams combined for 27 three pointers on 42 attempts. Even in crunch time, the Hawks and Knicks were shooting threes at will. After <span>Joe Johnson</span> drained a three that put the Hawks up 112-111, Carmelo sank a long two with his toe on the line. It was the last point that either team would score.</p>
<p>6.) <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> does not like <span>Jeff Teague</span>. Anthony began jawing at Teague in the third quarter while Teague was at the free throw line. On the Knicks next possession, Anthony drained a three and got in Teague's ear about it. He also sent a message to Jeff Teague with a hard foul in the fourth quarter that sent Teague flying backwards on a layup attempt.</p>
<p>7.) When he was finished sending a message to Jeff Teague, Anthony also came through in the clutch on Sunday again. Two weeks after his heroics saved the Knicks twice against the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>. This isn't a blip on the radar for Anthony either. Here are his stats from each day of the week coming into this afternoon's contest:</p>
<p>Monday- 21.7 (7 games)</p>
<p>Tuesday- 21.7 (7)</p>
<p>Wednesday- 21.5 (13)</p>
<p>Thursday- 21.0 (5)</p>
<p>Friday- 23.3 (9)</p>
<p>Saturday- 17.4 (7)</p>
<p><b>Sunday- 33.8 (5)</b></p>
<p>Note to NBA schedule makers: schedule the Knicks for more Sunday afternoon tip-offs. He seems to love and embrace the spotlight. By comparison, Amare Stoudemire is averaging just 14.3 points in four Sunday games.</p>
<p>8.) <span>Baron Davis</span> appears to be rounding into shape (no pun intended). After sitting the last two games due to illness, Davis recorded his first double double off the season. Davis scored in a variety of ways. He drove into the paint consistently, shot 2-for-3 from behind the arc.</p>
<p>9.) Jeff Teague may have given Carmelo Anthony extra motivation and struggled to defend a revitalized Baron Davis but he also rose for the best missed jam in the NBA this season. Who knew Teague had that type of spring though? Look's like someone's been doing plyrometrics with Josh Smith in the off-season.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B4orTCSCtzI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>10.) Despite their loss to the Cavaliers on Friday night, the Knicks are still in contention for the sixth seed and an escape from a matchup with the Bulls or <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> in the first round. If the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a> lose the their next three games and New York wins out, they should send a thank you note to <span>Al Jefferson</span> who sank a game-tying fade away jumper that bounced around the rim multiple times in the waning seconds of Orlando's overtime loss to the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>. The odds are slim. The Magic won't be favored against the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> tonight or the <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> in their regular season finale. The Knicks hopes may come down to the Magic's matchup against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> on Wednesday. Unfortunately, for Knicks fans, the Bobcats may finish the regular season with the worst single season winning percentage in NBA history and are in the midst of a 19 game losing streak.</p>
<p>10.) Stoudemire and Anthony combined to score 61 points (22 for Stoudemire, 39 for Anthony). It's a good start but they should be combining to score at least 50 points every night. Those are the expectations. The reality has seen them struggle to score 40 combined points, which is unacceptable. With any luck, this is the new norm for the Knicks before the playoffs begin Saturday.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/22/2967456/duns-ten-observations-from-new-york-knicks-win-over-hawks-carmelo-anthony-amare-stoudemireCharles Dunson2012-04-21T14:50:27-04:002012-04-21T14:50:27-04:00Disappointing Duo of Amare and Carmelo Lead Knicks To Disappointing Loss
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<img alt="April 20, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: New York Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire (1) during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AAdA03hdWg5xvLlPI1stUDFIDPM=/0x14:1000x681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6572238/20120420_ajw_aq4_159.jpg" />
<figcaption>April 20, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: New York Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire (1) during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An deflating loss in Amare Stoudemire's return to the starting lineup leaves the Knicks searching for answers, again.</p> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday night’s 98-90 loss by the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> to the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> in <span>Amare Stoudemire</span>’s return to the lineup stoked the fears that Knicks fans have been harboring during <span>Carmelo Anthony</span>’s recent hot streak.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anthony came crashing down to Earth with a 12-point, 5-for-13 performance, along with four turnovers. Anthony scored 11 of his 12 points in the first half and attempted just one field goal in the second half. Woodson scratched <span>Landry Fields</span> from the starting lineup, and pushed Anthony back to small forward for Stoudemire. However, Stoudemire could only muster 15 points and wasn’t any help on defense.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cleveland’s <span>Samardo Samuels</span> and <span>Tristan Thompson</span> combined to score 25 points on Stoudemire.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; color: #262626;">"His movement and how he’s alert defensively — that’s my big concern," Woodson said. "I’m more concerned with five guys on the floor, helping one another defend and rebound the ball. I think offensively we’ll figure it out."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #262626;">Stoudemire has always been an awful defender. He’s even acknowledged it in the past by claiming he was never taught defense until his final season in Phoenix. Woodson won’t solve Stoudemire’s individual defensive deficiencies in the next few days. However, rediscovering the MVP caliber post scorer should be his prime mission.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These Knicks are vexing. Stoudemire and Anthony play better when the other is out the lineup but also don’t have enough firepower without Stoudemire to beat the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> or <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> in a playoff series.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They’ve got an unselfish yet ball dominating point forward and an athletic face-up power forward. Both are top-15 individual NBA talents but their small forward (Carmelo Anthony) plays better at power forward) and their power forward (Amare Stoudemire) is a shell of his former self. Meanwhile, the most popular Knick is a dribble-drive point guard that scores in the lane about as frequently as <span>Tony Parker</span> but has a penchant for turnovers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The end result: (STAT) + (Melo) < Melo – STAT = <span>Jeremy Lin</span> + Melo – STAT + D’Antoni</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s confusing and that’s the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inserting Jeremy Lin back into the point guard position may be the answer. Or perhaps putting the ball in Lin’s hands and out of Anthony’s hinders the offense further.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">However, in the past Chandler and Stoudemire thrived on the pick and roll with Lin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A great point guard is invaluable. Cleveland’s <span>Kyrie Irving</span> proved that last night by scoring 21 points in his second game back. Jeremy Lin may not be as skilled as the No.1 overall pick in his draft but it’s possible he became just as important to the Knicks as Stoudemire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hopefully, Friday night’s return by Stoudemire was an aberration as he’s integrated back into the lineup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> spoiled <span>Kobe Bryant</span>’s return Friday, however, San Antonio is the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed. Cleveland is a lottery team that just lost to Detroit by 39.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Knicks also may have subconsciously scaled back their efforts after clinching a playoff berth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"I’ve seen this happen over the years,’’ Woodson said. "You clinch a spot. It’s like a sigh of relief. They stop playing and they think they can gear it back up.’’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">However, Stoudemire and Anthony’s history together tells us this was not an aberration.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These Knicks are too inconsistent. Most worrisome is that Anthony and Stoudemire are only part-time superstars working with full-time CEO salaries. Championship caliber teams don’t have to explain these types of lapses constantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Stoudemire-Anthony led Knicks are more reminiscent of the Rocket’s failed <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Yao Ming</a> and <span>Tracy McGrady</span> experiment. While the pair was expected to compete for championships as the answer to L.A.’s Kobe and Shaq but they were never consistently healthy at the same time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Knicks fans haven’t seen Woodson’s Knicks at full strength because Anthony, Stoudemire and Lin have each been nursing one injury or another. Anthony, Lin, Stoudemire, Woodson and D’Antoni have been a jigsaw puzzle for basketball fans 10 and up. They still haven’t figured it out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Barring a Stoudemire trade, the Knicks may have to wait until next season to find out.</span></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/21/2965091/disappointing-duo-of-amare-stoudemire-and-carmelo-anthony-lead-to-disappointing-lossCharles Dunson2012-04-19T13:42:55-04:002012-04-19T13:42:55-04:00Can The Knicks Imitate The 2011 Dallas Mavericks?
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<img alt="Apr. 8, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson and small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) on the sidelines during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YKsdmh62B3gdikNerp1Z6ueQNLE=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6402893/20120408_kkt_aw8_274.jpg" />
<figcaption>Apr. 8, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson and small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) on the sidelines during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Basketball Gods won't favor the Knicks in a first-round matchup against the Heat or Bulls. However, thanks to Mike Woodson and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks are hoping to ride Anthony's hot hand and Tyson Chandler's shutdown post defense into a Dallas Mavericks-like playoff run.</p> <p>Before March 26, <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> was enduring the worst season of his NBA career. It appeared things would only get worse as <span>Amare Stoudemire</span> was sidelined as a result of another lingering back issue. Since then, the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a> forward has been scorching hot and the Knicks are surging at a blistering pace.</p>
<p>In his last three games, Anthony has scored 42 against the Miami <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a>les, contributed a 35/12/10 triple double against the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> vaunted defense and scored 33 points in 34 minutes on Wednesday night against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Nets</a>.</p>
<p>Three weeks ago, it appeared the<b> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/2/2920463/new-york-knicks-feeling-wrath-of-basketball-gods-again-jeremy-lin-injury-amare-stoudemire">basketball gods</a> </b>were poised to pummel the Knicks into submission once again. However, it appears the deity of defense has shown favor upon them.</p>
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<center><i><b>Related: </b><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-knicks/2012/4/18/2957532/new-york-knicks-carmelo-anthony-mike-woodson-amare-stoudemire-2012-nba-playoffs" target="_blank">The Positive Outlook For The Knicks</a></i></center>
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<p>One of the most famous stories in Greek mythology tells the tale of how the titan Prometheus brought fire to humans. You can't start a fire without wood and <span>Mike Woodson</span> is New York's Prometheus. Watching Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks catch fire on both sides of the floor with Woodson's coaching has been remarkable.</p>
<p>Anthony is displaying more commitment to defense than he has in his entire career and has repeatedly discussed how Woodson holds players accountable. Somehow, Woodson has had the complete opposite effect on Anthony than he had on superstar <span>Josh Smith</span>, who helped force Woodson out from Atlanta. Anthony's team first attitude can never be questioned.</p>
<p>The last time New York marched into the postseason during a lockout shortened season they forced out the No. 1-seeded Heat in the first round. If this were an 82-game season, the Knicks would still have 20 games to make up the four game distance between themselves and the fourth seeded Celtics. However, they don't have time on their side and because of that they'll have to begin the first round playing their basketball of the season against Miami.</p>
<p>The Knicks current run is also reminiscent of Dallas' sprint to the title last May. The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> also stitched together a makeshift roster just as a number of their stars approached free agency. They rode <span>Dirk Nowitzki's</span> redemption tour.</p>
<p>Likewise, Anthony's redemptive play has transformed his alter ego, Cameo Anthony, who would make quick appearances on the box score before disappearing for much of the night and returned into full-fledged Carmelo status.</p>
<p>Both are prolific scorers from the post and the wing and in similar fashion, Anthony rediscovered his game right before the Knicks doomsday clock struck midnight.</p>
<p>In <span>Caron Butler's</span> absence, the Nowitzki and Mavericks unit stepped it up a notch. In Amare Stoudemire and <span>Jeremy Lin's</span>, the Knicks have done the same.</p>
<p>Over time, this team has blossomed. Feb. 4 was the first time the vast majority of Knicks fans had heard of Jeremy Lin or <span>Steve Novak</span> and <span>J.R. Smith</span> was still in China. Since then, Novak has displayed the hottest trigger finger in the NBA from behind the arc. J.R. Smith signed with the Knicks in February and has been Jekyll and Hyde from the field.</p>
<p><span>J.J. Barea</span> was a welcome surprise in the Mavericks rotation during the post season. The Knicks would be fortunate for Jeremy Lin to make a surprise return before the Knicks season is over.</p>
<p>While Anthony is the legend whom New Yorkers will recount tales about, Chandler, who was also signed in the off-season along with Woodson, is his on-court emissary.</p>
<p>Since Chandler departed from Dallas in free agency, the Mavericks defense has not been the same. However, Dallas' loss has been New York's gain on both sides of the floor. This season is simply Year 1, T.C.</p>
<p>Last season, the Knicks allowed the 27<sup>th</sup> fewest points per game. According to <u>Basketball-Reference.com</u> they've allowed the 11<sup>th</sup> fewest and the second fewest since Woodson and Chandler delivered defense to The Garden.</p>
<p>Another stat that speaks to Chandler's importance involves the Knicks interior defense. The Knicks ranked 26<sup>th</sup> in points-allowed in the post pre-Chandler. Post Chandler, they are ninth, which is a major reason why Chandler is considered a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.</p>
<p>The scary truth is that the 2012 Knicks are more talented individually than the 2011 Mavericks. Jeremy Lin will miss the entire first round but Stoudemire and his achy breaky back will reportedly return this week. What role he'll play remains to be seen. For the Knicks, it has just been a matter of finding the right glue to piece together their roster but they don't have long for it to dry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">The real work begins soon. The gift of sound defense was nice but if Mike Woodson and Carmelo Anthony can deliver a Mavs-like run through the postseason to Knicks fan, they can forget the hyperbole. Woodson will literally be treated like a sports god to New Yorkers and management will reward him with the long-term contract he deserves.</span></span></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/19/2960386/can-the-new-york-knicks-imitate-dallas-mavericks-carmelo-anthony-tyson-chandlerCharles Dunson2012-04-16T14:58:15-04:002012-04-16T14:58:15-04:00Tim Tebow Is Not A Starting Quarterback, He's A Closer
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<img alt="Mar 26; Florham Park, NJ, USA; Newly acquired New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow addresses the media at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ugkowapb-OaxXe_9_pMNXQ5t45c=/0x0:999x666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6210597/20120326_ajw_se8_029.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mar 26; Florham Park, NJ, USA; Newly acquired New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow addresses the media at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The New York Jets offseason program begins today, which means Mark Sanchez will begin feeling the pressure from backup Tim Tebow. However, Jets fans shouldn't expect Tebow to save the Jets or even become the starter. Here's why Tebow may be the Jets' Mariano Rivera.</p> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> offseason program began this morning with the NFL's most talked about offseason acquisition in attendance. While <span>Tim Tebow</span> has been busy doing the media rounds since getting traded to the Jets, <span>Mark Sanchez</span> has spent the last few weeks training with embattled receiver <span>Santonio Holmes</span> under the beating sun at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once Sanchez and Tebow report to the Jets practice facility, the Orlando sun won’t be the only star from Florida to bear down on Sanchez this summer. Sanchez has likely begun feeling the pressure from Tebow up close and personal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, as much as the media wants to ring the quarterback controversy alarm, Tebow has a lot of work to do before he can seriously challenge Sanchez as the Jets starting quarterback.</p>
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<center><i><b>Related: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-jets/2012/1/2/2676900/new-york-jets-rex-ryan-bart-scott-santonio-holmes">Complete Jets Offseason StoryStream</a></i></center>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Every season we see that the margin of error between basking in the resplendent glory of a Lombardi Trophy and agonizing defeat are as miniscule as the chain links on fourth and inches. Tebow will see plenty of snaps on those plays but as remarkable as it was to witness Tebow’s improbable fourth quarter heroics he leaves plenty to be desired through three other quarters.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As often as he rallied his <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> late, Tebow also put the Broncos in a hole through his inability to produce points early. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>His first half play against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> was so atrocious that they completely crippled the Broncos defense by surrendering defensive touchdowns and tremendous field position.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tebow makes the best of his unique improvisational skills, however, he’s known as an awful practice player. That speaks to his inability to execute conventional plays<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (which are usually what is emphasized in team drills when the quarterback wears a red jersey in the pocket) i</i>n the passing offense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Intangibles that Tebow possesses will allow him to maximize his ability but his skillset is severely limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intangibles are immeasurable factors that are best when they supplement strong fundamentals but he lacks the fundamentals variable in the starting quarterback equation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Besides his uncharacteristically muscular frame for a quarterback, which hinders his throwing motion, Tebow doesn’t possess great measurables either.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best way to describe Tebow is with a baseball analogy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tebow has a closer’s mentality. We’ve all witnessed his raw emotion in the huddle and especially on his game-winning drives. Closers also thrive on emotion but many couldn’t thrive in rotations as starters because they lacked the precision and pitches to throw for seven to nine innings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If I were to describe a pitching ace that earned a 15-8 record as starter you’d probably agree that he’s got a bright future ahead. However, if I then told you he also had 30 home runs hit against him and boasted 6.70 ERA but was fortunate to receive the best run support in Major League Baseball, your perception of him would change.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pitchers with high ERA’s that receive plenty of run support in their starts come down to Earth once the magic runs out. If the Jets throw Tebow into the starting role this season, the same will happen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Broncos defensive performance was a major factor in Tebow’s wins last season. Nine times last season Sanchez’s Jets scored 24 points or more. Tebow only did so twice. In five out of Tebow’s seven wins, the defense allowed 15 points or fewer. However, the Broncos offense was 28th in punts per play, 25th in first downs per play and 24th in yards per play.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are a ton of backups who have played outside their minds in spurts. In AJ Feeley's second season he led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 4-1 record. However, the lifetime starters at quarterback are consistent. Skip Bayless and the pro-Tebow crowd can point to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a> games as proof that Tebow can throw the ball.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, that type of shortsightedness would be akin to claiming Fidel Castro is a great role model for world leaders because Cubans have free healthcare. Tebow repeatedly missed open receivers with off target throws. Inconsistency like that is why <span>Derek Anderson</span> and numerous other quarterbacks are lifelong backups.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the 2007 season, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> quarterback <span>Derek Anderson</span> was described as a gamer with awful practice habits. In 2007, (ironically with <span>Brady Quinn</span> backing him up) he threw for 3,800 yards 19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and completed 56.5 percent of his passes. He led the Browns to a 10-5 season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, Anderson could never duplicate the magic of his 2007 season and his game deteriorated from that point. Tebow may be a fill-in starter someday. At this point Tebow lacks any semblance of consistency but the bar was set so low for Tebow that the slightest overachievements are touted as proof of his greatness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tebow can’t make the routine plays therefore, he improvises. His constant need to improvise will only lead to greater inconsistency. Mike Vick discovered that truth after his heralded career dissolved with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>. The difference is that Vick was a more naturally gifted left handed passer, possesses a cannon for an arm and is still superior scrambler.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mark Sanchez isn’t a great starter but he is an upgrade over Tebow because he can actually move the offense on a consistent basis. Fans have short memories of the quarterback that led them to consecutive AFC Championship Games in his first two seasons. Most importantly, even though his interceptions increased last season as his attempts rose, Sanchez has progressed every season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tebow is the Jets closer. It’s plain and simple.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of pitching a ninth inning for the final three outs luiek his Yankee counterpart Mariano Rivera, Tebow should be utilized on fourth down conversions in all four quarters. For decades, the status quo has been to punt on fourth on short situations. However, this summer AdvancedNFLStats.com founder Brian Burke <a target="_blank" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/04/football-statistics-show-teams_n_1254352.html">studied fourth down situations utilizing</a> thousands of games and data. His study arrived at the conclusion that going for it on fourth down improves a team's chance of winning. With a weapon like Tebow in the Wildcat, the Jets can best utilize their celebrity backup.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the Jets need a few yards for first downs and touchdowns, manager err… head coach Rex Ryan should hand the ball to Tebow. But not for every snap.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, barring the implementation of a quickened throwing motion, a vastly improved on-field ability to read and react to pass coverages as well as a leaner body frame Tebow will never be a full-time starting quarterback of the Jets. For now, the Jets are Mark Sanchez’s team.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/4/16/2952591/tim-tebow-is-not-a-starting-quarterback-hes-a-closer-new-york-jetsCharles Dunson