The Knicks were missing Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin again on Wednesday night but that didn't stop Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler from dominating the Magic.
Carmelo stepped up in a much needed way. Anthony who put up 25 points in the first 3 quarters of play, gave the Knicks a big lead and some much needed rest in the 4th quarter. Anthony sat out the final quarter as he is still battling a groin injury that has effected him in a major way, the last week.
But Anthony is throwing the pain away and fighting through it to help the Knicks push through this difficult stretch run. "It's been a rocky season for us. A lot has been going on, a lot happened, but right now with the coaching change, we've been playing extremely well. We've been really locked in," Anthony stated after the big win in regards to the head coaching change and the injuries to Stoudemire and Lin.
Rookie Iman Shumpert also contributed big with a career high in points with 25. Shumpert was strong from the field including a 4-10 night from behind the three point line. After the game Shumpert said, "They're double-teaming 'Melo and I haven't been shooting the ball much and I do shoot it, I haven't been shooting it well so they are leaving me open. I am going to get more shots and I have to step into it with confidence and knock them down."
It was a big win for the Knicks who now sit 2 and a half games ahead of the 9th place Milwaukee Bucks for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks go to Atlanta on Friday for another big game with a playoff team.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
At 34, Ochocinco takes Paycut to Stay
Chad Ochocinco may be changing his last name back to Johnson, but his team is not changing. It was reported that Ochocinco agreed to take a $2 Million paycut to stay in New England.
Ochocinco, who the Patriots acquired last off-season to be the Patriots deep threat to make the offense more dynamic, but Ochocinco struggled. Ochocinco who had only 15 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown, denied rumors he would take a paycut on Twitter.
Ochocinco later swallowed his pride and stated he wants to earn his worth in New England. According to Ochocinco's agent, Ochocinco said, "he has un-finished business in New England" and wants a full off-season to work on learning the in-depth playbook. Ochocinco had trouble catching on to the offense as he could not work on the offense throughout the NFL Lockout that occurred leaving him less time to adapt.
With New England bringing in a deep threat in Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez, and former Patriot Donte Stallworth, Ochocinco is in a very deep competition to make the team. But the Patriots must want to give Chad a full off-season to claim his worth to the team.
If there's one thing that has to be earned through all this, it's that Ochocinco is sticking to his word. He wants to win and wants to help the Patriots at any cost.
Ochocinco, who the Patriots acquired last off-season to be the Patriots deep threat to make the offense more dynamic, but Ochocinco struggled. Ochocinco who had only 15 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown, denied rumors he would take a paycut on Twitter.
Ochocinco later swallowed his pride and stated he wants to earn his worth in New England. According to Ochocinco's agent, Ochocinco said, "he has un-finished business in New England" and wants a full off-season to work on learning the in-depth playbook. Ochocinco had trouble catching on to the offense as he could not work on the offense throughout the NFL Lockout that occurred leaving him less time to adapt.
With New England bringing in a deep threat in Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez, and former Patriot Donte Stallworth, Ochocinco is in a very deep competition to make the team. But the Patriots must want to give Chad a full off-season to claim his worth to the team.
If there's one thing that has to be earned through all this, it's that Ochocinco is sticking to his word. He wants to win and wants to help the Patriots at any cost.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
New York Jets acquire Tebow
The New York Jets did what they have done best of late, try to create buzz. The Jets acquired Tim Tebow who had a great stretch run in last season leading the Broncos to the playoffs. Tebow then upset the Steelers in the first round of the playoffs before being ousted by the Patriots. Tebow mostly known for his "Tebowmania", is ready to bring his talents to the east coast.
Tebow said that he was looking forward to playing for the Jets and that he was thankful they have faith in him as a player. Tebow who was acquired to run the "Wildcat" offense in New York that Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano ran in Miami.
What the Jets don't seem to see, (or maybe they do), is the idea that this could cause even more craze than needed. Many sports broadcasters feel that this is a mess waiting to happen. Many analysts and fans believe that this could just be a move for media buzz and money.
But I guess we will see what happens when Sanchez throws his first interception in the pre-season. The crowd will chant for Tebow. Will the media, the hype, and the fans be able to force Sanchez out of town and Tebow into the spotlight as it did to Kyle Orton and the Broncos. Only time will tell.
Tebow said that he was looking forward to playing for the Jets and that he was thankful they have faith in him as a player. Tebow who was acquired to run the "Wildcat" offense in New York that Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano ran in Miami.
What the Jets don't seem to see, (or maybe they do), is the idea that this could cause even more craze than needed. Many sports broadcasters feel that this is a mess waiting to happen. Many analysts and fans believe that this could just be a move for media buzz and money.
But I guess we will see what happens when Sanchez throws his first interception in the pre-season. The crowd will chant for Tebow. Will the media, the hype, and the fans be able to force Sanchez out of town and Tebow into the spotlight as it did to Kyle Orton and the Broncos. Only time will tell.
Johan Santana looks ready in loss
Johan Santana has given doubts that he may not be ready for the regular season. Until yesterday. Santana pitched against a full St. Louis Cardinal lineup and he seemed back to his vintage self. Santana got saddled with the loss in his efforts, 2-1.
Santana went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 earned run, and striking out 6. Santana also walked 0 batters which was a great sign for going forward. Santana looked prime for Opening Day, a sign that the Mets desperately needed.
Jordany Valdespin was also a bright spot for the Mets in the loss. The Mets were down 1-0 in the 9th inning when Valdespin hit a solo homer to tie the game at 1. His clutch home run I'm sure will stick with Collins as he considers players for call-ups as the season progresses.
With opening day on the horizon, the Mets need to have more bright spots like these and less injuries.
Santana went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 earned run, and striking out 6. Santana also walked 0 batters which was a great sign for going forward. Santana looked prime for Opening Day, a sign that the Mets desperately needed.
Jordany Valdespin was also a bright spot for the Mets in the loss. The Mets were down 1-0 in the 9th inning when Valdespin hit a solo homer to tie the game at 1. His clutch home run I'm sure will stick with Collins as he considers players for call-ups as the season progresses.
With opening day on the horizon, the Mets need to have more bright spots like these and less injuries.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Patriots add Defensive Lineman Fanene
The Patriots made their first move of the off-season and it was to add some more depth to their defensive front. The Pats reportedly have given a large signing bonus of $3.85 million which shows how much they truly value Jonathon Fanene the ex-Bengal.
Fanene is 29 years old who played his first seven years of his career with the Bengals after being selected in the seventh round in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Utah. This seems like a perfect player the Patriots look to draft and must have just missed out the first time around.
Fanene is the perfect fit for the 3-4 defense as he can play defensive tackle as well as defensive end. Fanene has the versatility the Patriots like in their defensive linemen. It seems as if Fanene will be an upgraded version of reliable defensive lineman Mike Wright who has helped to anchor their defensive front with Vince Wilfork in recent years.
In 2011, Fanene made 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks in sixteen games played (two starts). Fanene has not been a consistent starter throughout his career but the Patriots seem to be very interested in Fanene and hope that he can help to add major depth to the front 7 of their defense.
Fanene is 29 years old who played his first seven years of his career with the Bengals after being selected in the seventh round in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Utah. This seems like a perfect player the Patriots look to draft and must have just missed out the first time around.
Fanene is the perfect fit for the 3-4 defense as he can play defensive tackle as well as defensive end. Fanene has the versatility the Patriots like in their defensive linemen. It seems as if Fanene will be an upgraded version of reliable defensive lineman Mike Wright who has helped to anchor their defensive front with Vince Wilfork in recent years.
In 2011, Fanene made 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks in sixteen games played (two starts). Fanene has not been a consistent starter throughout his career but the Patriots seem to be very interested in Fanene and hope that he can help to add major depth to the front 7 of their defense.
D'Antoni walks, Knicks roll
It was a very eventful day for Mike D'Antoni and the Knicks. D'Antoni reportedly met for 3 hours with upper management and agreed to resign shortly after their meeting. Mike Woodson had become interim head coach. Woodson delivered with a blowout 121-79 win over the Trail Blazers.
It seemed as if they ran D'Antoni's offense to perfection last night with Steve Novak hitting 6 3-pointers (20 points) and J.R. Smith hitting 7 3-pointers (team-high 23 points). The Knicks tied a franchise record with 19 three-pointers.
Carmelo Anthony brought his "A-game" on Wednesday night. Anthony scored 10 of his 16 points in the first quarter to jumpstart the Knicks. He also had seven assists in 25 minutes before sitting much of the second half. Coach Woodson stated this about Anthony, "He came out ready and pushed himself I thought. I tried to utilize him early in the game, help him get going, and he responded. I thought everybody rallied around him and responded. It was a good team effort."
The Knicks play a home game and then an away game, both against the Pacers. These will be a big test for the Knicks who are right on the bubble of the post-season.
It seemed as if they ran D'Antoni's offense to perfection last night with Steve Novak hitting 6 3-pointers (20 points) and J.R. Smith hitting 7 3-pointers (team-high 23 points). The Knicks tied a franchise record with 19 three-pointers.
Carmelo Anthony brought his "A-game" on Wednesday night. Anthony scored 10 of his 16 points in the first quarter to jumpstart the Knicks. He also had seven assists in 25 minutes before sitting much of the second half. Coach Woodson stated this about Anthony, "He came out ready and pushed himself I thought. I tried to utilize him early in the game, help him get going, and he responded. I thought everybody rallied around him and responded. It was a good team effort."
The Knicks play a home game and then an away game, both against the Pacers. These will be a big test for the Knicks who are right on the bubble of the post-season.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Rondo, Celts take down 9th place foe
The Boston Celtics have sat in the 7th or 8th position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and the last two nights they were given the opportunity to solidify their lead playing the 9th and 10th place teams and that is exactly what they did. The Celtics were led by All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo who posted his third triple-double of the season, the Celts beat the Milwaukee Bucks 102-96.
The Celtics' veteran Kevin Garnett was on top of his game as well. Garnett scored a team-high 25 points accompanied with 10 rebounds. Garnett scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics needed it most. Many people thought KG was starting to drop off heading into this season and he has shown no signs of this. The man is showing he is 35 years young and ready to pounce on opposing teams.
Doc Rivers spoke with a clear sense of relief after the game. Thanks to Garnett, the Celts went off offensively over a 6:40 stretch during the third quarter, where they outscored the Bucks 23-6. Doc Rivers had this to say after the game, "I'm just glad we're back to .500. And we've won the first two after the break and both games were grind games. Our guys are buying into that."
The Celtics have three big games to try and build off a hot start to the second half. This starts with playing the New Jersey Nets, followed by the Knicks, and then the Houston Rockets all at home. This team seems to be getting back in stride and with a few home games in a row, the Celts will look to capitalize and extend their cushion in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics' veteran Kevin Garnett was on top of his game as well. Garnett scored a team-high 25 points accompanied with 10 rebounds. Garnett scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics needed it most. Many people thought KG was starting to drop off heading into this season and he has shown no signs of this. The man is showing he is 35 years young and ready to pounce on opposing teams.
Doc Rivers spoke with a clear sense of relief after the game. Thanks to Garnett, the Celts went off offensively over a 6:40 stretch during the third quarter, where they outscored the Bucks 23-6. Doc Rivers had this to say after the game, "I'm just glad we're back to .500. And we've won the first two after the break and both games were grind games. Our guys are buying into that."
The Celtics have three big games to try and build off a hot start to the second half. This starts with playing the New Jersey Nets, followed by the Knicks, and then the Houston Rockets all at home. This team seems to be getting back in stride and with a few home games in a row, the Celts will look to capitalize and extend their cushion in the Eastern Conference.
Lin, Knicks thump Cavs 120-103
The Knicks are getting hotter, and it seems they are showing no signs of slowing down. They have plenty of players who can shoot the rock. As Wednesday night showed, they have plenty of people willing to dish it out as well. While starting point guard Jeremy Lin had 19 points and 13 assists, also back up and getting healthy, point guard Baron Davis in 15 minutes off the bench had 4 points and 8 assists. So when your team dishes out 21 dimes between your point guards, you're looking crisp and ready for a post-season run.
On a night where assists were at a premium at the Garden, Carmelo Anthony had a solid night with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. There is also an argument that Steve Novak may have been the player of the game. The Knicks did not lead the Cavs until late in the third quarter where Novak drained back to back three's. Novak had 17 points which included going 5-8 from behind the three-point line.
The Cavaliers were playing much better of late until their recent slide. The Cavs have now lost 3 straight to drop to the 10 seed in the East. The teams they are chasing for the last 2 playoff spots in the East both took them down on back-to-back nights in the Knicks and Celtics who are now comfortably in the post-season situation.
The Knicks now go on a 4-game road trip with the Big East tournament swarming the Garden. They will play at Boston on Sunday, followed by Dallas, San Antonio, and then the 9th place Bucks. This could be an essential set of games to see what this team can look like come post-season on the road. Can the Knicks continue to shoot as they have at the Garden?
On a night where assists were at a premium at the Garden, Carmelo Anthony had a solid night with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. There is also an argument that Steve Novak may have been the player of the game. The Knicks did not lead the Cavs until late in the third quarter where Novak drained back to back three's. Novak had 17 points which included going 5-8 from behind the three-point line.
The Cavaliers were playing much better of late until their recent slide. The Cavs have now lost 3 straight to drop to the 10 seed in the East. The teams they are chasing for the last 2 playoff spots in the East both took them down on back-to-back nights in the Knicks and Celtics who are now comfortably in the post-season situation.
The Knicks now go on a 4-game road trip with the Big East tournament swarming the Garden. They will play at Boston on Sunday, followed by Dallas, San Antonio, and then the 9th place Bucks. This could be an essential set of games to see what this team can look like come post-season on the road. Can the Knicks continue to shoot as they have at the Garden?
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