You enjoy elite status as my third favorite Pharoah
[Ramses and Pharoah Sanders]
Excellent analysis and synopsis as always.
Again, was SO VERY HAPPY for Dennis last night, which marked the first game where he not only had his hoofs but was not overthinking things; his penetration, his ability to get to the rack and as one poster noted (BoA-ConStricter?) keep the defender on his hip, opened opportunities up for his own finishes and gorgeous reads and lobs to Mitchell. This was the first game where he wasn't over-thinking things, not giving up his pass too soon, looking to his strengths, not just as an offensive facilitator, but as an offensive creator. Again, very proud, very happy for the kid. Dennis and Mitch gave us not just a presence but an energy.
Likewise Frank finding his tenacious inner dog in the final stanza with five fucking fouls, and RJ finding ways to contribute when the fruit wasn't falling. As for his overall resume and work in progress status, he is STILL ONLY 21. Many point to his nascent offensive game, but Charlie Ward anyone. The manner in which Frank challenged KP (with whom he is clearly a homie) and Luka was impressive. A suicide mission dunking or blocking a dunk? Maybe, but a message,
How many of you recall how Charlie used to make a couple of those plays a game, and towards the final furlongs of his run as a Knick, turned into a pretty effective three point shooter.
There was a game, where Shaq made a drive towards the baseline, Charlie held his ground, and O'Neal simply obliterated him, like something that would happen to Wile E. Coyote. Ward did not even flinch, was driven back a few yards behind the baseline, and GOT THE CALL. Shooting percentages? Offensive acumen? That's a cat you want on your team.
Worth noting that Frank and Dennis were the #8 and #9 draft picks. And that Frank is still maturing into his body. And yes, like Luka, he needs to work on this trunk, his lower body, which would certainly facilitate his drives to the hoop, to be able to take a bump, give a bump AND FINISH.
Also...redundant, but bears repeating...
RJ [19]
Knox [20]
Frank [21]
Mitchell [21]
Dennis [21]
Trier [23]
Portis [24]
Randle [25]
Dotson [25]
Peyton [25]
Brazdeikis [20]
Rabb [22]
Allen [26]
Bullock [28]
Oh, and is it just me or did anyone else notice how much smarter Fizz looked [relatively speaking] being able to add Mitchell and Dennis to his rotations.
And how much smarter Randle looked [relatively speaking] not feeling compelled to force the issue and play hero ball. Enough with the treys for a nonce. That thunder butt backdown of KP was precious. Fizz, take Julius out to dinner, ply him with a couple of glasses of wine, then take him back to your crib to watch film of Anthony Mason.
Agree with everyone about the crowd, which was STUNNING in their intensity.
Man alive do Knicks fans want to cheer something.
Charlotte on the 'morrow a real gut check. These Knicks tend to play DOWN to their opponents, not that either the Bulls nor the Cav are without some really talented players (and good coaches).
How much of that is on Fizz, how much of that is on the players, begging the question, WHO ARE WE?
These Knicks need to get the crowd into the game straightaway, and keep them in the game. Other teams will have runs, other teams will have more talent, but we have to make things...unpleasant for fans coming on to our floor.
We're played some very competitive games, and we've played some stinkers, where you could just see the air rushing out of the balloon.
Some of that is on Fizz figuring out who he has, what his rotations are.
Some of that is on cats pounding the rock, trying to play hero ball, settling for quick fucking threes, not maximizing movement and creating easier opportunities.
Some of that is on injuries [again, Fizz looked 33% smarter being able to look down the bench and see Mitchell and Dennis].
PS: Finally, I am sure everyone is wondering which Elfrid Peyton is coming back, and can he stay healthy, Me? I am wondering what is up with Kadeem Allen? Last year he showed a genuine aptitude for getting into the lane and creating off the dribble, often in the form of those outdated, analytical-wanting mid-range jumpers. Somewhere, Earl Monroe is weeping. Get well soon Kadeem...OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS.
PPS: Let's see of Fizz can engender some snark among the troops against the Hornets.
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