- Clippers-Blazers Game Info Page | Media notes (PDF): Knicks, Heat
Yes, the Knicks lost on Monday to the lowly Nets but they rallied with an impressive rout of the Hawks on Wednesday where they showed signs of Carmelo Anthony, J. R. Smith, and Baron Davis adjusting Linsanity. Yet despite the massive hype surrounding New York during the last two weeks, facing the Heat in Miami is the best chance yet for the Knicks to prove that their recent spectacular successes are legit.
At this point in the season, the Heat have their collective mojo working and, thus far, are the best team in the East if not the entire league. Their three leading lights are in synch, and their supporting players are likewise at the top of their respective games. Miami’s aim is to stuff Linsanity into a straitjacket.
HOW THE KNICKS CAN WIN
Jeremy Lin must hit his perimeter jumpers, repeatedly penetrate and make accurate kick-out or drop-passes, generally keep the ball moving, and play a modicum of man-to-man defense. While he’s far from being a speedster, Lin can read defenses and anticipate where the driving lanes will materialize. Once these openings manifest, Lin’s long strides, slick left-to-right crossovers, and ability to find air-space at the rim are virtually unstoppable. If his straight-up defense is merely ordinary, Lin’s quick hands and extraordinary help-decisions enable him to come up with frequent steals and run-outs. In any event, Mario Chalmers isn’t the kind of dreadnaught scorer who can consistently embarrass Lin.
- Although ‘Melo will need more time to get in gear after his long layoff, he remains the most versatile scorer in the game — able to rack up points from far, near, and all points in between. Even as he readjusts to NBA action, Anthony will at least compel LeBron James to fully exert himself on defense. More importantly, despite his insistence that he be the one to take every last do-or-die shot, it’s incumbent upon Anthony to accept the fact that the Knicks are now Lin’s team.
- Amar’e Stoudemire has already made accommodations with the Knicks new look. Except for a few pin-downs and pops, precious few plays are now run for him. Indeed, Stoudemire scores most of his points off ball — and — player movement, and on put-backs. He has to at least match the point production of Chris Bosh, certainly not an unimaginable circumstance.
- Landry Fields starts at the shooting-guard slot and is on the short-end of a matchup against Dwayne Wade. Fields’ talents as a baseline slasher will be rendered useless by Miami’s highly coordinated interior defensive rotations. What will be available are open 3-point shots and opportunities to run himself into easy scores.
- Smith, who will get most of the daylight in place of Fields and can also backup Anthony, is a dynamic (if erratic) scorer. Smith has no trouble getting a makeable shot off under the tightest defensive pressure, and his range approaches basketball-infinity. Still, he has a penchant for taking too many ill-advised shots, which makes him the kind of player who can keep both teams in the game. On defense, he compensates for his considerable flaws by fiercely attacking inbound passes.
- Tyson Chandler is the backbone of New York’s defense. Since Joel Anthony’s meager offensive skills can be ignored, look for Stoudemire to be given this lightweight defensive responsibility and for Chandler to spend most of his time guarding Bosh. This is an advantageous matchup for the Knicks, forcing Bosh to live or die by his mid-range jumper — and therefore keeping him away from the offensive glass. Also, Chandler can run the court like a guard, adding a fifth dimension to New York’s uptempo game.
- Jared Jeffries‘ length, experience and diligent defense will also serve to diminish Bosh’s impact.
- Any meaningful production from the ghost of Davis will be a huge plus.
- Whenever Steve Novak misses a 3-ball, the area’s seismographs must be consulted to check for minor tremors that shook the rim. Lin always knows where Novak is, and so should the Heat.
- In the unfriendly environment of the AmericanAirlines Arena, the Knicks must stretch Miami’s defense to the breaking point by burying a high percentage of their treys.
- With fantastical emergence of Lin, the Knicks can score with anybody, and their defense is tighter than it has been in recent memory. Still, they must make quicker and more precise defensive recoveries after executing double-teams, the bigs must avoid overreacting to dribble penetrations, and one and all must fully exert themselves in defensive transitions.
- The Knicks will certainly not be intimidated by the Heat, yet they will need to maintain their focus and their energy from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
HOW THE HEAT CAN WIN
Lin has some serious holes in his game that can be attacked. For example, he drives right about 90 percent of the time; after his right-to-left crossover the ball is too high and far away from his body; his pull-up jumpers going left are mostly bricks; his left-handed finishes are simplistic which force him to come back with his right hand under pressure; his interior passing is somewhat shaky when surrounded by trees in the shadow in the basket; and, as Deron Williams demonstrated on Monday, his defense can be attacked for profit by a skilled point-maker.
- LBJ will have his way with ‘Melo’s haphazard defense, but he must hit his jumpers. Also, James has the size, strength, and willingness to bother Anthony’s still-recuperating offensive skills. James must minimize his domination of the ball and make quick decisions to keep New York’s defense always on the move — and therefore liable to make mistakes.
- Wade can take the ball wherever he pleases when tagged by Fields — and even more so when guarded by Smith. Yet, like LeBron, he must avoid overhandling the rock. At the other end, Wade is nothing less than a stopper who can reduce both Fields and Smith to afterthoughts.
- Neither Bosh nor Stoudemire can effectively defend one another. When matched up against Chandler, Bosh will have to discomfort NY’s big man by moving away from the basket and knocking down mid- and even long-range jumpers.
- Chalmers is more of a shooting guard than a point guard, so attacking Lin’s quick-handed defense (and Davis’ invisible defense) is what he really wants to do. However, he will need considerable help on defense when Lin is presented with perpetual high-screens.
- Joel Anthony has the bounce, the skills, and the willpower to negate Stoudemire’s offense, and also to cover lots of ground in defending the baseline as well as screen/rolls.
- Mike Miller’s long-distance dialing has to make the Knicks pay dearly for focusing their defense on LeBron and/or D-Wade.
- Shane Battier can provide gritty defense against either ‘Melo or Amar’e. Moreover, Stoudemire’s inability to complete complicated passes makes him an attractive target for quick double-teams.
- Norris Cole’s attitude is when-in-doubt-air-it-out. A certain amount of confusion is understandable in a rookie, but he has to be more conscious of the shot-clock when launching precipitous 3-balls.
- As good as Miami’s defense can be there is still room for improvement. Since they are often too ball-centric they are vulnerable to backdoor cuts. Their transition defense can’t depend on someone (like LeBron) making sensational chase-down blocks—overall team hustle is necessary here. Bosh has to curtail his propensity to wander and turn his head when he’s playing off-ball defense.
- The Heat have to take better care of the ball than they usually do. Guys like Smith and Lin are steal-conscious and yielding too many easy scores could be disastrous in a competitive game.
- Miami should view this game as an opportunity to knock down-and-out a team of pretenders who falsely believe they can contend for mastery in the Eastern Conference.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR
- Plenty of cross-matches, the most important one being Wade guarding Lin.
- Where in Carmelo the Knicks have only one dangerous post-up player, the Heat have LeBron, Bosh, and Wade. This means New York must resort to frequent double-downs which, once out- and reversal-passes are executed, makes closing out perimeter shooters difficult. Look for Miami to get more uncontested long-ball opportunities than New York.
- During his remarkable resurgence, Lin has averaged about 37 minutes per game—which is too much for someone who is constantly playing with or against the ball. Look for him to be weary by the endgame.
- Miami wants to avoid getting dragged into a bang-it-out halfcourt game and, when Lin gets a blow on the bench, so do the Knicks. Points off turnovers might well be the deciding statistic.
- Will Carmelo move without the ball and move the ball quickly? Or will he revert to his stationary, iso-minded, sticky fingered habits?
Charley Rosen is a former pro basketball player and coach and author of 16 books on basketball.
Can´t wait for this..NY now with Lin, Carmelo, Amare, Chandler, Davis and J.R Smith seems like an all star to me…against the real BIG 3..could be epic-..NY should dethroned first the Bulls before we can say that they can stand up for the Heat..NY has a better bench right now with Smith and Davis added than the Bulls..all they need is the best chemistry and they could possibly stand up to any team including trashing the west teams like what they did with the Lakers and Spurs and possibly OKC..I can see the 2nd round of the playoffs here…Miami by 7…
not sure if troll or just an idiot…
You’re saying JR Smith looks like an all-star in the 3 NBA games he’s played this season?
Smith is caught up with every other player if not better because he has been playing since before Christmas unlike other NBA players. Meaning that he’s more conditioned and also back in the swing of the game. Given that the FIBA would have let him come back earlier, he could/can start for partically any NBA team & could have very well been in the All-Star game.
Interesting game to watch. If Lin score or dish heavily during the first 2 quarter of the game, expect coach Eric to ask LBJ guarding LINsanity. Im rooting for Heat since the big 3 arrived plus the fact that coach Spo roots from my homeland, but i followed Lin basketball life since i watched him in one video during his harvard year and when he join GSW and other team..really like the guy (LIN)…anybody ball games, If MH win by big margin (10+) if NYK win by hairline…Its hard to beat the run and gun offense of Heat spescially LBJ and DW plus their motion defense but NYK come to life with the arrival of JL + healthy Carmelo and Amare…wth the addition of smith and the defense of Chandler..NYK will give MH a great game
If anything LBJ will guard Lin until the 4th quater not midway thru the game, I think Miami’s defense as a team will be enough to keep Lin in check
Exited as can be about tonight’s game. Can’t wait. Go Knicks!
I think this game is overhyped, yet I hope the Heat teach who is Boss in this game. Dwayne will probably be the X-factor here as he is way superior to the competition, not just that but Knicks tendency to turnovers is W juices for the hungry Heat. Heat has a history of pounding new york in the open court, yet has been rather weak on the half court game. these days around thought, the Zone defense has been cracked by the Heat and it seems that they are unstoppable.
The weakest game against the Kings, where Sacramento fought until the 3rd quarter when Heat just took the game over by the deep bench. Making it a point that the heat starters are playing well but the 2nd team is also shinning through. Bosh has also been a huge of an x-factor since he leads the second team and has been efficient overtaking games.
Good thought.
i am a knicks fan since days of ewing so rooting for the knicks. Melo will play his heart out for this one. for some reason every time melo play james, he play his heart out (should play every game like that tho) and he won more games in head to head Vs James so i like my knicks odd.
with Linsanity new york is rising again and i think these 2teams gonna be the 2 titans in the east for coming seasons.
finally the revival of NY-Miami rivalry is complete (oh how i miss the days of Ewing’s Knicks Vs Zo’s Heats)
Great article, except for comparing Joel Anthony to Stoudemire. One is a perennial All-Star, while another is a starter only due to lack of centers in the NBA. You tell me who’s the better player.
Lin hasn’t lost a game to winning team yet. I hope it stays this way.
Win for Linsanity!
I can’t wait to watch this game, With Lin and everyone all working together, I think they might just do fine. But the turnovers by Lin have to be reduced for the Knicks to win the game. Great game to watch, and seeing many great people all competing.
The Knicks are no where in par with the Heat.
They need to prove that they can win against teams who have lock down TEAM defense like the Heat.
Knicks have not proven anything. I am not at all impressed with their defense.
But… Lin is 100% better than LBJ in terms of being a human being…. I really like Lin. He has been my inspiration lately.
I hope this will be a really close game. I think it would have been better if this game is in Madison Square Garden so at least the Knicks will have a more competitive edge.. (I just dont think the knicks are in the same level with the heat and bulls) They had a game yesterday and are now traveling to Miami.
Go HEAT!
straight out for The KING , Miami is going to win quite true new york has been great for a two weeks now ,but miami have been outsanding the whole season James , wade and bosh are hard to beat , give LIn is playing well cant wait to see charlmers D his butt mell we all know has no D same with JR smithand and Amare so Miami WIns on D and fastbrak points GO HEAT , GO KING James
Ha ha Charley Rosen you old cranky Knick hater…”team of pretenders who falsely believe they can contend for mastery in the Eastern Conference.” Times are going to be tough for you watching the Knicks become relevant again.
You’re lying to yourself if you think the Knicks are not contenders in the east. It’s not just Lin, with their depth and improved defense you’d have to rate them 3rd behind the Heat and Bulls. Baron, JR, Shumpert, Jeffries…they have a capable bench that can score and defend behind a very talented starting 5. These guys are winning and will only improve as roles get defined, players get healthy and acclimated.
Sure they’re not on Miami’s level but to say they’re pretenders just shows you’re a joke or simply haven’t been watching. The Knicks will begin to overwhelm most of the league with their depth and you will be chewing a fat plate of crow.
I started to speak on that pretender comment. Like you said, they might not be on the level with Miami but they are not pretenders. If everyone rotates on defense and the three’s are going down along with Carmelo playing good the Knicks win. Also they need to make those free throws. They’ve been giving away double figures in missed free throws.
Good luck to all NYK fANS………..WE WILL SEE THE NEW STRATEGY OF BIG-3 TONIGHT…..ITS GONNA BE A FANTASTIC GAME.LOL
Knicks will prove the Linsanity in Miami *
If the Heat shoot 3 pointers like the Nets did the other night I like their chances but those on here saying the Knicks don’t play defense have not seen much of them. Shumpert is among the leaders in steals and very good perimeter defender. He won’t go tonight but Fields, Jeffries and Chanlder are all above average defenders. Baron Davis I know can play defense with the best of them its a matter of his mood. I’ve seen him not care and I’ve seen him defend Kobe capably before…hope we see more of the latter in NY but right now the guy looks like he’s still getting in shape.
The Heat play really great help defense and recover to contest shooters. Their transition game and the Knicks weakness of tunrovers could spell doom for the Knicks. If the Knicks take care fo the ball I like their chances of getting this win in Miami.
A couple things aren’t working in the Knicks’ favor outside of the Heat being one of the best teams in basketball: (1) they’re on the road, (2) this is the second game of a back-to-back, (3) they’re turnover prone which doesn’t bode well for the opportunistic Heat. If I was a betting man, I’d put money on the Heat regardless of the spread (although in all honesty, I’d like for the Knicks to win)
@ JZA, You made a very vital point that tells me you watch Miami games a lot just like me. The second unit led by Bosh is key especially when Bosh connects with Miller its always play a major factor in MH games.
I don’t see JL on Lin. I think Wade might do a better job on lin and let james run after Carmelo or Stoud.
Can’t wait to see.. I find it something special with Lin!!! watch him tonite.. we’ll see something magical…
@ JZA, You made a very vital point that tells me you watch Miami games a lot just like me. The second unit led by Bosh is key especially when Bosh connects with Miller its always play a major factor in MH games and Charmers playing solid game too would spend a wreck into NY.
I don’t see JL on Lin. I think Wade might do a better job on lin and let james run after Carmelo or Stoud.
New York has ridiculous offensive talent. Stoudamire, Carmello, JR and Baron? If you add their best seasons on points per game, you have 28.9 ppg for Carmello, 26 ppg for stoudamire, 15.4 ppg (in 27 minutes) for JR Smith, 22.9ppg for Baron Davis. That’s a total of 92 ppg total. I don’t think Lin needs to hit outside jump shots or anything like that. What he needs to do is run the offense efficiently. He needs to make solid decisions and put the ball in the right hands in the right time. He needs to manage the game while making sure to score when the opportunity presents itself – with this many offensively talented players, the opportunity WILL present itself because someone will have to be double teamed. The best gauge for how will the knicks do is how many points Chandler scores. If he had a good day, it means this team of individuals played team ball which should mean dunks. There is no doubt that NY is a a group of talented players. Whether they are an accomplished team has not yet been established. The synergy has not been created, but if it is the whole NBA better take notice.
While the Heat have been in great shape for a while, The Knicks just got their pieces back to roster (Melo, Baron Davis & JR Smith) and they’re kinda in the progress of building the chemistry, and haven’t practiced as a team at all. That’s why I think it’s gonna be brutal for the Knicks. I’d like to see them play each other in playoffs.
I think the Knick’s chemistry issues will be glaring tonight… Miami will take every mishap by the Knicks for 2 points the other way. Lin needs to keep his TO numbers down if the Knicks even want to have a shot at winning. The deciding factor in this game will be points off turnovers. If the Heat get over 15, its over for the Knicks. Cole should keep Lin in check for most of the game, but Lin will find a way to score a few points. The key match up for me is JR/Fields against Wade. They need to do whatever they can to stop him, if there effort is any less than all of it, Wade takes over and HEAT go for 8th straight win. And By the way… anyone who thinks the Knicks or Bulls will outlast, and out play the Heat in a 7 game series… Wake Up, theres a new team to beat in the NBA, and its the HEAT.
Go KNICKS!! What you said bout my KNICKS? That does it, LIN-Sanity for you buddy, Along with a healthy dose of the Tripple LIN-DY. We are playing a HOME game in the AAA and all the Heat fans know it. Their will be more cheers for KNICKS baskets than the Heat. Now, that “has got to be getting under their skin”. No, Championship is coming back to Biscayne Blvd this year.
Its all speculation. Carmelo is 9-4 all time against Lebron. Carmelo, Lebron, Bosh do not have any rings. Tonight might be the D-Wade show. Who will Rage Quit?
and yours too!
Everybody knows defense wins ball games, especially in the playoffs. This is not the playoffs, but expect playoff-like intensity at times. The Knicks’ offense is looking better than it has in years, but I’m sure nobody really thinks that the Heat and Knicks are in the same league as far as defense goes. Wade and Lebron are some of the toughest defenders I’ve seen, and in particular one of NY’s secret weapons (Carmelo Anthony) will be seriously challenged by Lebron.
If Wade defends Lin on rotations, I fear that his number of turnovers is going to increase (!) We’ve seen how Lin is vulnerable to fast, athletic guards, and Wade at the extreme end of that spectrum.
As much as I’m rooting for the Knicks tonight, it would take some serious mental lapses on Miami’s part for the game to be even close. The fact of the matter is, NY has had it’s full roster together for all of 2 games, and anyone that’s paying attention knows that Miami has been demolishing opponents for quite a stretch now.
If Steve NOVA-KANE can get clear he’s almost a can’t miss.It’s good to watch his confidence rise with each make.
If the Knicks just play like we know they can play we have a very good chance of leaving with a win.
Keep our composure and play within the system, rotate on defense and I believe we win. They can’t double everyone.
Funny how we are comparing teams and players, spme of whom were drafted #1′s while others like Lin were never given a second glance. So, what is the point? D. Williams spent more than a few days waiting to ambush Lin because, as an NBA superstar, he felt disrespected by Jeremey. He obviously lost a lot of sleep between the first and the last game. And, although he supposedly got his revenge, he never gave any credit to a player who was not god enough to be drafted, yet exposed Williams for at least one day. Now, we come to the Heat and their group of superstars/Olympiams.Obviously, they should be favorites going into the game and shuld win it . However, the disrespect shown to Lin by the Nets is being handled differently by the Heat because they are not too sure of what to expect, especially since Lin helped beat both LA and the Mavs. So, let us all sit back and support our team while enjoying what should be a great game, even if one team is using an undrafted player to lead them agains the “BEST” Team in the league. This is the beauty of sports and the egoes that come to light when one team is being lead to an expected/predicted slaughter! Guess which one it will be!
NY is Lin’s team??? Not with Melo around…
the knicks is not at same level as heat is, so heat will win tonight, no question about it.
I’d like to see the Knicks win even though I am not a knicks fan
But Heat is a very solid team, plus, they has been waiting at home while the knicks must be exhausted with playing games back to back and traveling on the day of the game.
But there’s still possiblity for the knicks to win if the knicks really carry out their best and JLin continue to play smart and diligently…
But no matter which team is going to win, tonight will have the most interesting game for the season.
Honestly, I’m excited for tonight’s game. It seems that some people have forgotten that the Knicks beat Dallas just a couple of nights ago. If the Knicks come out with the same energy they came out against Dallas and the Lakers then it’s going to be a really close game and they might even win. The problem is that they are playing in Miami and going in a back to back. And they played Dallas on Sunday and Nets on monday. And not forgetting that the team hasn’t been able to practice together with all the new additions. They are kinda building their chemistry during their games. Knicks can be a really strong team and we have seen bursts of that during games in the last two weeks. The question is, could they be consistent throughout the whole game.
Such an intersting game it will be. Many will say Miami will wins bcs Knicks are the underdog. Go NY Knicks!
I’m a Miami fan but have been enjoying the Linsanity. I think we’ll see a solid 1st half for both teams with NY leading by 4pts. then a even match through the third, and then in the fourth Miami will take a big lead and win.
” it’s incumbent upon Anthony to accept the fact that the Knicks are now Lin’s team.” LOL?
Knicks fans under the impression that picking up smith was a good idea.. LOL. Carmelo and JR did wonders in the past, right?? No. And to the knicks fans who think they are a top 3 team in the east (a few of you mentioned being better than CHI).. LOL. What it really comes down to though, is the fact that Carmelo Anthony is currently the most overpaid athlete in the world. Mix in an aging/handicapped Amare, a coach that does not know the first thing about defense, and a sub-par (at best, sorry but let’s be real) point guard in Jeremy Lin- yet Knicks fans declare the franchise championship ready.
LOL, get real.
ANyone else notice the blatant bias on this article towards the knicks??
dwade will put lin onlock and lebron will put anthony on lock and bosh and amare are pretty even
this team is still new as the heat, this is the second year where the big 3 has been playing together. For the knicks, this will be their 4th game with JR Smith, 3rd game with Melo and I think 2nd game with davis??
Give it a month and let the heat play them again.
JR smith is super athletic and fast, im sure he would play an excellent job at helping Melo defend James.
NOVAK, why dont they keep this guy on? This guy can score 3s like its no tomorrow. Lin, Amare, Novak, Smith, Melo.. Star line up right there, or they can take out either amare or Melo and add in Chandler instead… thats a starting line that cant be beat
#TeamKingJames
Go Heat.
LBJ will have a trip double
NY is melo’s team lin is the point guard
You guys do realize that if it was playoff time then this would be exactly the first round match up right? Miami Heat (1) vs New York Knicks (8).
In as much as i would love Knicks to win because of JLin, i think Miami has more depth and chemistry than NYK. Common people, you don’t Put together a team in two days and travel to Miami’s home to beat them. be REAL!
Both are strong teams its going to be a great game, but its all upto the coaches to see what they can cook up to disrept the other team.
Miami wins with a buzzer beater
I am definitely a Heat fan but I hope Camelo Anthony has a good game. Everyone has been bashing this dude and trying to make him be something that he is not. He is an offensive player and he does that well. It’s rare that you get a player that excel at everything. In any case, the match up will be the Heat vs Knicks. No one player on either team will win it alone.
I have a dream last night that the heat(james and wade) will give this game to the knicks for the fans of Lin to be happy.
NYK will win this by a buzzer beater shot by lin.
I believe for the Knicks to win, their bench will play a big factor here.Their first 5 will be covered a lot by the big 3 with the addition of Shane Battier so if they want to win and prove to the world that they are legit, they should come up with their A- game and surprise the Heat.Miami always have the big 3 on the floor thus leaving the fact that only 2 spots among the team have fresh legs always.knicks should be able to capitalize on that and spread the floor and the minutes of everyone involve here so that they can match up with the Heat!Lin will commit a lot of TO in this ballgame but he must recover quickly if he really wants to be a winner.
Lets Go NYC!
Mello can shut LBJ when he feels like he has too. He’s done it before go back and watch the games. I think Miami has too much for NY right now but it has nothing to do with Mello vs. James. Mello is the best one on one player in the NBA, that hasn’t changed. If LBJ does guard Lin, then who’s gonna defend Mello? Wade has to stay with Lin, he’s by far their best defender anyway. Knicks make it interesting but Miami wins at the end.
The knicks cannot win this game without Iman Shumperts. He’s the only one who can defend Wade. Why is everyone talking about this game; the knicks are going to be blown out.
its all about chemistry and NY is developing it quite nicely, it’s taken Miami two years to get to where they are now the Knicks have been doing it for two plus weeks. Take note all the Knicks really needed was a point guard. no excuse for overlooking Lin however he’s there now it wouldn’t be wise to sleep on them. I was born a Knick fan from the days of Clyde Willis Bradley and the rest of the gang. don’t sleep on the Knicks they have a real chance to win.
king james will play the crucial role not only as a leading scorer but as a defender, unlike last season, the heat chemistry is evident, and bench score had help them all through out the season…. so probably it will be a battle but sorry NYK fans…HEAT WILL WIN THIS TIME!!!! LETS GO HEAT!!!
sorry for the knicks, but this game will be one-sided win for the heat.
Is this guy serious???. All i heard is Lin, Lin, Lin. I got news for you little fellah, this is a team game. Lin is not the choosen one by the force. If New York want to win, they must work as a team. Doesn´t need any heroism. Lebron understood that, and that´s why the decision.