Ah yes, 2 daytime games in 2 days. Always tough for me to catch those afternoon games. But, I did manage to watch most of the action. Here’s what I took away from it.
- Eddy Curry looks as good, if not better, than my most optimistic outlook was going into the season. I really thought it’d be painful to watch him, and that his being on the court would simply be a transparent attempt at showcasing. But, thus far, he’s actually a nice dimension to bring off the bench. With a few more games under him, I think he might be a difference maker. Additionally, he’s really, really into it on the bench! He’s jumping, towel waving, rooting on the guys – it’s great. You need some spirit on the bench. He’s a galvanizing presence – and it has nothing to do with his waistline.
- The Knicks held it together against a desperate, desperate Nets team with Devin Harris back in the mix. That could’ve been a disasterous loss, and almost was. But, again, Al Harrington came up big in the 4th quarter, with a huge 3. Man, I’d like him so much more without all the posturing and histrionics, and if he learned how to pass.
- Al again, had some huge moments in the 4th quarter against the Celts on the offensive end of the action. He really took it to the basket and gave the Celts fits. But, yikes, 2 defensive breakdowns in OT really hurt — including the game-winning shot by Garnett. The first Al related D breakdown was the Pierce drive when neither Nate or Al came into the paint to help. Al just didn’t want to take the foul or have his man get the dish off and subsequent layup. Breen and Clyde went bananas because of the lack of defensive help. On the game winning shot, I just have no idea what Al is doing underneath the basket. There is no time for a rebound – he isn’t guarding anyone. Is he cheating, thinking Pierce is going to get to the hoop?? His man, Rasheed, is floating in the opposite corner of the play. When the play starts, Pierce, being guarded by Chandler, uses the Garnett pick. Garnett is being guarded by Lee. Chandler gets over the pick, but a nervous Lee stays on Pierce (I can’t really blame him, Pierce is the man you’re most scared off on the play). Garnett doesn’t roll, he stays high. Someone, (Al H.) has to defensively rotate since Lee is caught doubling Pierce. It doesn’t happen. Maybe Al’s expecting Garnett to roll to the hoop – I don’t know. Anyway, you know the rest of the story. Garnett takes a last second 20 footer with no one within 10 feet of him. Sigh. Garnett pounds his chest, yells a couple of “MF’s”, acts all “I’m a warrior,” blah, blah, blah. Eat it, Garnett. You suck this season.
- Gallo isn’t getting the crunch time minutes. This is pretty disappointing. I guess with a more versatile Al taking the offense on his back in the 4th, and Wilson being a quicker defender, D’Antoni is being forced to leave Gallo on the bench. Hopefully that changes, but honestly I can’t question that decision.
