Guest Post: Knicks Beat NBA's Best

Last night I turned on the Knicks figuring they were set to lose another game against a top team. But much to my surprise, they kept fighting the San Antonio Spurs until finally Greg Popovich decided to wave an early white flag. The Knicks don't play like normal teams--it's offense first, second and third--but they have found a way to make their formula successful. Wilson Chandler had a huge game playing the 3 in place of Gallo and the Knicks played like a team that could do some damage in the playoffs. But enough analysis from me. Let's get to our latest guest post from Alex O:

"Yes, Wilson Chandler wears Ponys.
I didn’t know Ponys existed anymore either." - Alex (UniWatch)

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Unless you live in Idaho or Washington State then you definitely did not win the big MegaMillions jackpot last night. If you are a LOST fan and played Hurley’s numbers you got 3 plus the bonus and won $150. But I digress...

The Knicks had their best win of the season last night beating the San Antonio Spurs who came in at 29-4. Nine teams in NBA history have started the season at 30-4 and the Spurs could not become #10. I had to write this after telling Andrew yesterday I thought the Knicks would get blown out.

Let’s throw out some numbers: Final was 128-115, most points Spurs have given up in over 10 years. 243 points was most points in a NBA game this year. The announcers kept talking about how their was defense being played but let’s just say it was not successful D as both teams shot around 54% (even though both shot under 30% from 3). Spurs played at the Knicks pace and the Knicks executed better. #1 stat to look at was turnovers. 16 for the Spurs (Knicks had 9 steals) and only 6 for the Knicks. Only 2 turnovers in the whole second half and one was a dubious traveling called on Stoudemire (I think Clyde called it “Incredulous”). Felton played over 36 minutes and had no turnovers.

The big question for Knicks fans going in was who would get Gallo’s minutes (he is out 2-3 weeks with a knee), and who would score his points (15+ppg). Walker, T.Douglass and Shawne Williams only shot a combined 9-26 but they played well enough on D and allowed Amare and Felton some good rest in the 2nd Quarter. Wilson Chandler was the star of the game with a season high 31 and he continues to get better and better…… 13-19 shooting including 3-6 from 3. It makes the statement that Denver was not interested in him early in the season all the more laughable: Will is averaging 18 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 1.5 blocks, and has done whatever is asked of him including guarding both bigger guys and smaller quicker players. He is the X factor for this team’s success this year. The other major factors of course have been career years so far from Amare (in discussion for MVP) and Ray Felton playing better then ever.

This was a huge win and gives the Knicks good momentum as they head West to play at Phoenix (Friday night), then Lakers, Portland, and the Jazz. They need to beat the Suns since I could see them losing the other 3. This is the tough part of the Knicks schedule and a great test for them. Last six games they have played well: blew out OKC at home, nice win vs. the hot Bulls on Jesus’ Birthday, , 2 losses in Florida to Heat and Magic (played respectable—but an L is an L), ugly win vs. Indy Sunday (need to beat teams they are fighting with for playoff spots), and then of course the big W last night against the former Mrs. Eva Longoria and co.

Random notes: Pringles (D’Antoni) was asked if he was surprised Popovich pulled his starters with 3 minutes left down 10 pts. He said he was “relieved”, he remembers all the late game meltdowns of the last couple seasons. Spurs may have been saving a bit for their game against the Celtics tonight.

I read a good discussion on Chandler vs. Gallinari which pointed out that Gallo has been to the line twice as much as Will (even though Will drives more) and that Chandler has a better shooting % from 3. This analysis was on postingandtoasting.com which is a great blog for hard core Knicks fans. The link is to their discussion of how Gallo was drafted by the Knicks--it was not because of D’Antoni (if story is true). I am a little skeptical since the post fails to mention how D’Antoni roomed with Gallo’s Dad in the Italian League, and remains friends.

I guess there was a mid-flight brawl between Tony Allen and OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies over money owed after a card game call Boo-Ray or Boure’ .

This was the same game that lead to the mess between Arenas and Crittendon on the Wiz last year. Doesn’t anyone play Go Fish any more?

Let’s hope for the best out west! LET’S GO KNICKS!