Knicks (12-9) v. TWolves (5-15) Pre-Game Analysis (12/06/10)
The Knicks are looking to extend their winning streak to five against a TWolves team that is better than it's record. Turiaf may return for the Knicks and Beasley may make an appearance for the young wolves as he returns from an ankle injury. (much more after the jump)
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KNICKS
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Overall Analysis and Expectations We have an excellent combination of analysis by College Wolf of Twolves Blog and KFB in a Q&A exchange. The sum of all the parts is that this should be a high scoring affair as the Knicks look to avoid a reprisal of Kevin Love's 31 point, 31 rebound embarrassment of the Knicks' front line. The teams are substantially different as we will face a rejuvenated Darko Milicic who has been playing like he belongs in the NBA and the Twolves will face a Stoudemire who is not trying to do too much and less likely to miss most of the game because of foul trouble. |
TWOLVES
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PG
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Felton (18.1ppg, 8.3 apg & 2spg) is doing a very good job running the Knicks' ship. Ridnour should not be able to handle Felton. He's averaging about 27 minutes per game while contributing 10.5ppg and 3.8 apg. Telfair may play more minutes as he is the better distributor of the two. His outside shooting has also improved a bit it seems. Douglas defense is grand but his offense has been erratic and a cause for concern. |
PG
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SG
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Fields (10ppg, 7rpg) continues his steady, heady play. He just continues to make smart plays at timely points in the game and plays so well without the ball. Walker is on the trading block as the Knicks search for another point guard to spell Felton. Brewer started the last game and had been slumping before a quality performance against the Cavs. What does that say about Cleveland. He may not start with Beasley looking to come back from injured ankle. |
SG
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SF
Williams |
Danilo is trying. He still looks lost out there with his shooting (39% fg% and 37% 3pfg%) a bit off even when he is open. He tries to do other things to help the team and D'Antoni continues to give him major minutes and support. The emergence of Shawne Williams as a three point assassin is nothing short of phenomenal and will make life much easier for Studdy if it continues. Rookie Wes Johnson is subbing for Beasley and doing a fine job. He scored 20 points in the shellacking of Cleveland. Beasley who has an ankle injury may see some time against the Knicks. Ellington is working his way into the rotation with some sharp shooting from the arc. He played 30 minutes and scored 16 points against the Cavs while going 4-6 from deep. |
SF |
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PF
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This is Stoudemire's team and he has given it his identity and swag. He has been beastly on the offensive end averaging 25 points on 52% shooting. He has 9.0 rpg and about 2 spg reflecting his relentless nature. However, on the defensive end, he and the Knicks are wanting. Kevin Love promises to be a tough cover and will be looking to have another good rebounding day. Chandler (17ppg, 6rpg, 2 apg & 2bpg.) has been an excellent side kick off the bench. When he is at his most aggressive the team benefits significantly. |
PF
Love
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C
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Darko has been turning in all-star performances, more than earning his unexpected $5mil contract. In the win against the demoralized Cavs. Darko had 14 points, nine boards and three blocks and was a plus-41. That was the highest such number for a Wolves player in nine years. Turiaf will try to make a go of it today. Mozgov's time has been limited as of late as he still tries to adjust to the NBA game. His teammates remain confident about his ability to contribute, |
C
Milicic
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Ridnour
Johnson
Brewer
Pekovic
