"Let's get these 2 home games"

[Power-forward]

All we need is game 3. Lin coming back in game 4 will give us all the energy we need.

NY has it locked-up, like Paco!

[BaChacho]

plus, no Stat on the floor= more space for Melo and Chandler to work and it just spaces the floor more

[TKF]

sorry to do this to you but.......................inb4 the lock.

no need to lock it.. lets address it..

I will..

now we know that melo and amare and chandler don't mesh.. amare is out and honestly I think we were a bit too hard on amare.. it is up to melo to find a way to make this team work.. I mean he is the star here right?

Ok.

I say put melo at the 4... and melo has to find ways to get shots for his teamates that can't for themselves.. and save some energy for the 4th qtr...

woodson has to be creative.. use harrelson and Jordan.. he has to.... if lin can come and give us some minutes.. GREAT!!

All it takes is a win on thursday and we have a new series.. just plant a little doubt in the minds of miami.. we are going to see if they can still keep hitting shots.... if they do, we are done... but lets not give up.. I really don't think they are that good..

[KnicksGod]

sorry to do this to you but.......................inb4 the lock.

no need to lock it.. lets address it..

I will..

now we know that melo and amare and chandler don't mesh.. amare is out and honestly I think we were a bit too hard on amare.. it is up to melo to find a way to make this team work.. I mean he is the star here right?

Ok.

I say put melo at the 4... and melo has to find ways to get shots for his teamates that can't for themselves.. and save some energy for the 4th qtr...

woodson has to be creative.. use harrelson and Jordan.. he has to.... if lin can come and give us some minutes.. GREAT!!

All it takes is a win on thursday and we have a new series.. just plant a little doubt in the minds of miami.. we are going to see if they can still keep hitting shots.... if they do, we are done... but lets not give up.. I really don't think they are that good..

Love your optimism. Just feels like we're not in the series. Game 2 was better but not much. Our D was still bad. Our energy and confidence are not there.

But if we play crazed in Game 3, we can turn it around yes. You never give up hope as a player.

As a fan, I'm dying here.

[lilmeloj]

Some of u guys have no heart its called home court for a reason role players tend to play way better at omeas we saw with the heat scrubs but now we are at home we wont see Chambers making Derrick rose floters we wont see mike miller and Shane batter make 3 poiners 5 feet behind the line so stop acting scared and be real fan

[BaChacho]

sorry to do this to you but.......................inb4 the lock.

no need to lock it.. lets address it..

I will..

now we know that melo and amare and chandler don't mesh.. amare is out and honestly I think we were a bit too hard on amare.. it is up to melo to find a way to make this team work.. I mean he is the star here right?

Ok.

I say put melo at the 4... and melo has to find ways to get shots for his teamates that can't for themselves.. and save some energy for the 4th qtr...

woodson has to be creative.. use harrelson and Jordan.. he has to.... if lin can come and give us some minutes.. GREAT!!

All it takes is a win on thursday and we have a new series.. just plant a little doubt in the minds of miami.. we are going to see if they can still keep hitting shots.... if they do, we are done... but lets not give up.. I really don't think they are that good..

Stat's defense 1 on 1 isnt bad at all, but his team defense and defensive awareness is worse then a middle school basketball player, Im sorry to say but Melo and Amare dont work right now, at least for now, i do believe they could be a awesome tag team , they never had a training camp or a full season together or a proper coach to mix them together good... but Stat needs to learn defense like crazy over the summer honestly because Stats defense is awful. i used to say it wasnt that bad but just one play that Stat did last night convinced me 100% that he has no defensive iq or awareness and that he really is just bad on defense

[BaChacho]

and by the way, i still believe 100% that we can win the series, we have 2 home
games coming up with the playoff Garden crowd roaring, Lebron and Wade and the Heat team have not experienced a crowd like this ever and it will be LOUD. Our offense did look much better the 2nd game and i do expect it to be a little better for game 3, but our defense was bad( guys jogging back to the defensive end knowing Miami is a running team, not fighting through screens, not closing in on people, and doing dumb double teams knowing the ball can whip around the perimeter for a open man) the team just has to execute better and play a little smarter honestly

[fubu05]

I kind of feel confident for 2 reasons.

1) Amar'e loss should mean the team plays better defense. And I think what we lose on offense from him can be made up with more shots for the likes of Baron, Jr, Novak, Tyson at the Rim, and even Harrellson(who looked great in game 1 against Miami in garbage time). The spacing on offense should be a lot better and hopefully that can make things easier for us on that end.

2) Woodson has always been a great home-court coach. Remember that one series with Atlanta against Boston in the 1st round, they get blown out 1st 2 games at Boston, come back home and win 2, and push the eventual NBA Champs to 7 games all because of their home-court play.

Plus, who knows if this act is Amar'e taking himself out of the game for the betterment of the team ala D'Antoni. Maybe everyone (the 8 players we have left) come together and play some incredibly inspired basketball.

[KingzAndQueenz]

Agree with the OP. We have absolutely no chance at beating Miami. I don't get if you guys watch the games or just look at the boxscore, but the Miami Heat is an unstoppable team this year.

There's one main reason for the Miami Heat being so good: Unity

The Miami Heat are committed to one another and it SHOWS in both these games so far. It's not about LeBron chasing the spotlight, or Dwayne Wade arguing with LeBron for more looks. That doesn't exist on that team. Every single person KNOWS their role and plays their role to the best of their ability. It's as if LeBron infused them all with the same championship mentality he has. There's no feelings of animosity towards one another. They are all united for one reason: TO WIN. Imagine the Jared Jeffries/Tyson Chandler mentality in every single one of their players. On defense, there is no getting by them, and on offense they move the ball around SO WELL. If they have no moves, they give it to LeBron, Bosh, or Wade, and hope for magic.

Our team? Sloppy defense, bad fouls, bad turnovers. And on offense we do ONE **** THING. Give the ball to Melo. Didn't anyone here ever watch Hey Arnold? Passing the ball to Tucker does not work!

Not to be a hater here, or a negative nancy, but the Knicks have absolutely no shot at going ANYWHERE in the playoffs until they are committed to one another, until everyone knows their role, and until Melo is recognized as the 1st option, just like LeBron is recognized as the 1st option on his team. I don't know whether we need more practice, a full squad, or what, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere until they trust one another, and believe in one another.

Think about the run during Linsanity. Why did it go so well? Well, Lin was recognized as the #1 option, the team was committed to winning, and there were NO EGOS anywhere. THE TEAM WANTED TO WIN AND WE PLAYED LIKE A TEAM.

Think about the run with Melo in april without Stoudemire. Why did it go so well? Melo was recognized as the #1 option, and the guys around him were all committed, as he was, to one thing: WINNING! There are never two #1 options. There is always a #1, and #2. I don't know if Stoudemire is ready to except a lesser role. Maybe that is why he is punching glass.

The Miami Big 3 put up similar numbers to New York's in Game 2 in terms of points and rebounds, but had 17 assists to just one for the Knicks.

That spells everything right there. Commitment to one another.

[NoLayupRule]

The only problem with putting Melo at the 4 now is that we don't have Shump to play the 2

So that means we either start Smith or Novak


Bad stuff

The reason we are better with Melo at the 4 is because we are better defensively.

The heat can use Barsh at the 5, LeFlop at the 4, and whatever else since we can't do jack share from the perrimiter anyway.

This team went from deep, composed, dangerous and a challenger to small, thin benched, low confidence and totally emotionally unraveled in a total of two games.

Sucks

But I'm still hopeful for a rally

[makeitstop]

Our team? Sloppy defense, bad fouls, bad turnovers. And on offense we do ONE **** THING. Give the ball to Melo. Didn't anyone here ever watch Hey Arnold? Passing the ball to Tucker does not work!

Not to be a hater here, or a negative nancy, but the Knicks have absolutely no shot at going ANYWHERE in the playoffs until they are committed to one another, until everyone knows their role, and until Melo is recognized as the 1st option, just like LeBron is recognized as the 1st option on his team. I don't know whether we need more practice, a full squad, or what, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere until they trust one another, and believe in one another.

Think about the run during Linsanity. Why did it go so well? Well, Lin was recognized as the #1 option, the team was committed to winning, and there were NO EGOS anywhere. THE TEAM WANTED TO WIN AND WE PLAYED LIKE A TEAM.

Think about the run with Melo in april without Stoudemire. Why did it go so well? Melo was recognized as the #1 option, and the guys around him were all committed, as he was, to one thing: WINNING! There are never two #1 options. There is always a #1, and #2. I don't know if Stoudemire is ready to except a lesser role. Maybe that is why he is punching glass.

But Amare has accepted a lesser role. He deferred to Melo and I don't remember him complaining about it publicly at all during the season. I might have just missed it, but I don't think I did.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but in one paragraph you're saying the only thing the team does offensively is pass the ball to Melo, then you're saying that the team has to realize that Melo is the number one option.

Isn't that contradictory, or am I missing your point or reading it wrong?

[NYKBaller]

Being a knicks fan is like a wife to a woman beater, you want to leave but something keeps bringing you right back. Sigh

[KingzAndQueenz]

Our team? Sloppy defense, bad fouls, bad turnovers. And on offense we do ONE **** THING. Give the ball to Melo. Didn't anyone here ever watch Hey Arnold? Passing the ball to Tucker does not work!

Not to be a hater here, or a negative nancy, but the Knicks have absolutely no shot at going ANYWHERE in the playoffs until they are committed to one another, until everyone knows their role, and until Melo is recognized as the 1st option, just like LeBron is recognized as the 1st option on his team. I don't know whether we need more practice, a full squad, or what, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere until they trust one another, and believe in one another.

Think about the run during Linsanity. Why did it go so well? Well, Lin was recognized as the #1 option, the team was committed to winning, and there were NO EGOS anywhere. THE TEAM WANTED TO WIN AND WE PLAYED LIKE A TEAM.

Think about the run with Melo in april without Stoudemire. Why did it go so well? Melo was recognized as the #1 option, and the guys around him were all committed, as he was, to one thing: WINNING! There are never two #1 options. There is always a #1, and #2. I don't know if Stoudemire is ready to except a lesser role. Maybe that is why he is punching glass.

But Amare has accepted a lesser role. He deferred to Melo and I don't remember him complaining about it publicly at all during the season. I might have just missed it, but I don't think I did.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but in one paragraph you're saying the only thing the team does offensively is pass the ball to Melo, then you're saying that the team has to realize that Melo is the number one option.

Isn't that contradictory, or am I missing your point or reading it wrong?

Melo being the #1 option doesn't mean pass the ball to Melo instantly. It means that when a play can't be made, give the ball to Melo and hope he works his magic. It means when you need someone to score, give it to Melo. All Our team does is gives the ball to Melo at 24 seconds, he holds it till 9 seconds and then tries to hit a shot.

I feel Stoudemire has not accepted a lesser role because he hasn't changed his game at all on the court. He stands in one spot on offense all game and acts as though he is still that #1 option as if he's waiting for the ball to come to him. Rarely does he try to set up picks for Melo (that could benefit both himself and Melo) and rarely does he try to benefit anyone else on the team except himself. I feel hostility in his play; correct me if y'all think differently.

I feel this team doesn't have a clear cut leader, as other teams have. Dirk on the Mavs, Derrick on the Bulls, LeBron on the Heat, Kobe on the Lakers. Too often are we questioning, but what about Stoudemire?

[BaChacho]

Agree with the OP. We have absolutely no chance at beating Miami. I don't get if you guys watch the games or just look at the boxscore, but the Miami Heat is an unstoppable team this year.

There's one main reason for the Miami Heat being so good: Unity

The Miami Heat are committed to one another and it SHOWS in both these games so far. It's not about LeBron chasing the spotlight, or Dwayne Wade arguing with LeBron for more looks. That doesn't exist on that team. Every single person KNOWS their role and plays their role to the best of their ability. It's as if LeBron infused them all with the same championship mentality he has. There's no feelings of animosity towards one another. They are all united for one reason: TO WIN. Imagine the Jared Jeffries/Tyson Chandler mentality in every single one of their players. On defense, there is no getting by them, and on offense they move the ball around SO WELL. If they have no moves, they give it to LeBron, Bosh, or Wade, and hope for magic.

Our team? Sloppy defense, bad fouls, bad turnovers. And on offense we do ONE **** THING. Give the ball to Melo. Didn't anyone here ever watch Hey Arnold? Passing the ball to Tucker does not work!

Not to be a hater here, or a negative nancy, but the Knicks have absolutely no shot at going ANYWHERE in the playoffs until they are committed to one another, until everyone knows their role, and until Melo is recognized as the 1st option, just like LeBron is recognized as the 1st option on his team. I don't know whether we need more practice, a full squad, or what, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere until they trust one another, and believe in one another.

Think about the run during Linsanity. Why did it go so well? Well, Lin was recognized as the #1 option, the team was committed to winning, and there were NO EGOS anywhere. THE TEAM WANTED TO WIN AND WE PLAYED LIKE A TEAM.

Think about the run with Melo in april without Stoudemire. Why did it go so well? Melo was recognized as the #1 option, and the guys around him were all committed, as he was, to one thing: WINNING! There are never two #1 options. There is always a #1, and #2. I don't know if Stoudemire is ready to except a lesser role. Maybe that is why he is punching glass.

The Miami Big 3 put up similar numbers to New York's in Game 2 in terms of points and rebounds, but had 17 assists to just one for the Knicks.

That spells everything right there. Commitment to one another.

your right with the team player knowing their roles and unity, and your also right about the month of April and how Melo was balling out and so was the team, but that is what i am saying now we could revert back to that for the rest of the series with Amare out and just maybe we start playing better. They will now know Melo is the absolute number 1 option on offense instead of deciding to whether give the ball to Amare or Stat and with Stat out it provides more spacing on the floor and better team defense. The Knicks score 10 more points when Amare is out the whole game... that is just sad honestly, youd think 2 major all star offensive weapons would score crazy points but the team scores less with both Melo and Stat on the floor.

[KingzAndQueenz]

Agree with the OP. We have absolutely no chance at beating Miami. I don't get if you guys watch the games or just look at the boxscore, but the Miami Heat is an unstoppable team this year.

There's one main reason for the Miami Heat being so good: Unity

The Miami Heat are committed to one another and it SHOWS in both these games so far. It's not about LeBron chasing the spotlight, or Dwayne Wade arguing with LeBron for more looks. That doesn't exist on that team. Every single person KNOWS their role and plays their role to the best of their ability. It's as if LeBron infused them all with the same championship mentality he has. There's no feelings of animosity towards one another. They are all united for one reason: TO WIN. Imagine the Jared Jeffries/Tyson Chandler mentality in every single one of their players. On defense, there is no getting by them, and on offense they move the ball around SO WELL. If they have no moves, they give it to LeBron, Bosh, or Wade, and hope for magic.

Our team? Sloppy defense, bad fouls, bad turnovers. And on offense we do ONE **** THING. Give the ball to Melo. Didn't anyone here ever watch Hey Arnold? Passing the ball to Tucker does not work!

Not to be a hater here, or a negative nancy, but the Knicks have absolutely no shot at going ANYWHERE in the playoffs until they are committed to one another, until everyone knows their role, and until Melo is recognized as the 1st option, just like LeBron is recognized as the 1st option on his team. I don't know whether we need more practice, a full squad, or what, but the Knicks aren't going anywhere until they trust one another, and believe in one another.

Think about the run during Linsanity. Why did it go so well? Well, Lin was recognized as the #1 option, the team was committed to winning, and there were NO EGOS anywhere. THE TEAM WANTED TO WIN AND WE PLAYED LIKE A TEAM.

Think about the run with Melo in april without Stoudemire. Why did it go so well? Melo was recognized as the #1 option, and the guys around him were all committed, as he was, to one thing: WINNING! There are never two #1 options. There is always a #1, and #2. I don't know if Stoudemire is ready to except a lesser role. Maybe that is why he is punching glass.

The Miami Big 3 put up similar numbers to New York's in Game 2 in terms of points and rebounds, but had 17 assists to just one for the Knicks.

That spells everything right there. Commitment to one another.

your right with the team player knowing their roles and unity, and your also right about the month of April and how Melo was balling out and so was the team, but that is what i am saying now we could revert back to that for the rest of the series with Amare out and just maybe we start playing better. They will now know Melo is the absolute number 1 option on offense instead of deciding to whether give the ball to Amare or Stat and with Stat out it provides more spacing on the floor and better team defense. The Knicks score 10 more points when Amare is out the whole game... that is just sad honestly, youd think 2 major all star offensive weapons would score crazy points but the team scores less with both Melo and Stat on the floor.

I would agree with you if Shumpert wasn't injured. But our all of a sudden feels very small. And you're right. It's sad that we're a better team without Stoudemire. I feel Stoudemire needs to go, or the Knicks need a coach that could utilize our members properly. IT shouldn't be ISO BALL.

When you guys are watching the next game, watch the Miami Heat on offense. Bosh is always running around, guys are setting picks all over the place, there is always movement and cutting. Knicks stand around idly.