Pacers vs. Knicks - 1/31/09: Watch this, Donnie...
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:01 pm
VS 
I wish I could be at...
Starting Lineups
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It's not clear whether TJ Ford will be the starter tonight, but if he's healthy, he will get the nod. Chris Duhon has been great for the Knicks, averaging an even eight assists for his ball club. TJ Ford has been hot over the course of the last two games, sinking a high percentage of his shots. Chris Duhon may be a distributor first, but he has the ability to score. TJ Ford will not be lucky all the time, and at ny moment his shot can cease to fall, and he will have to move create for his teammates. His passing has not been as spectaculr as advertised as of late.
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Yesterday was Dunleavy's official welcome back party. His 28-minute restriction was removed, and he responded with his best offensive outing of the season, out-heating the Heat for 30 points. While Danny Granger still has slight knee issues, Dunleavy will be called upon to break through the tough defense of Quentin Richardson and defend Richardson's three. Dunleavy will move to the small forward spot if Granger does not play, and Jarrett Jack will man the 2 spot.
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Donnie Walsh is finally getting what he's always wanted from Al Harrington. The forward is averaging over 20 point a game in a Knicks uniform, and is an extremely potent offensive player. He also has the defense required to pester Danny Granger. Granger's stroke has been off since the knee started to really bother him, shooting 35% in the last eight games. Should he sit this one out, Mike Dunleavy will have his hands full guarding the versatile Baby Al.
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Troy Murphy and David Lee will race to a double-double. Troy Murphy has a 3-point shot that will stretch Lee outside of the paint. David Lee is more athletic than Murphy, so the Pacers will have to all commit to rebounding. Murphy hold continue his hot shooting from three-point land. A large percentage of his points come from threes, and he should also utilize the pump-drive when drawing opponents to the outside.
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Jeff Foster's effectiveness was cut short, and his minutes have been down due to foul trouble. However, his inside presence will be key in stopping a Knicks team weak in the 5 spot. In a game where Danny Granger may not bail the Pacers out, the rebounding margin may be hold the secret to victory.
The Key Reserves
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The Knicks have a deep bench, and they can all score. Nate Robinson will contend with TJ Ford for the honor of being the fastest on the court, and Wilson Chandler can score in bunches. The Pacers bench has had different contributors. Blastin' Baston (MAKE IT STICK) had a decent game against Miami. Marquis Daniels is the primary concern, as he is ice cold in his last two games, with only one made shot in ten attempts.
The Coaches
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Jim O'Brien has been criticized, but now the Pacers are looking better and better. Mike D'Antoni runs the offense O'Brien wishes he had. Since acquiring Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni, the Knicks have begun turning things around, and are planning for Lebron James. But in the present, the Knicks are still young, and still developing.
Injury Report
Knicks
Eddy Curry: 3-year-old son.
Pacers
Danny Granger-Knee
Final Points
-The game should be decided by which team has the more cancerous NY point guard: Stephon Marbury, or Jamaal Tinsley.
-Control the paint. Although the Pacers operate the offense on the perimeter, they should force the Knicks to also go outside.
-Clamp down. The game will be very high-scoring. The Pacers will need to gun with the Knicks, but also stop the point avalanche that is bound to happen.
Tradition
RUN N' GUN!!!
I don't care, she's beautiful to me...
SPIKE LEE!
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