Frank: As much as I love STAT, he is miscast in an iso setting at the end of games.

Perfectly articulated. This was always the big upgrade getting Melo –an iso player who could bring you home when all else went to shit. Felt, Wil, and Gallo–much as I loved them–did not have this capacity. Felt could get too out of control. Wil’s off the dribble game was uncomfortably improvisational, he would kind of stumble into moments of brilliance. And down the stretch Gallo turned into a spot-up jump shooter. With Melo, it’s that pure machine-like efficiency. One dribble, boom.

Also agree that Gasol is not the right guy for us at all. He should have dominated our small interior and instead he got destroyed by Stat. We need more of a defense/rebounding bodyguard type. Chandler would be perfect but not gonna happen. I was secretly hoping for Kendrick Perkins. Think he would have been perfect for us. On a Kendrick tangent I think the Celtics trade may have just cost them the title. Lakers interior looks monstrous and the Celtics got a lot thinner without Perk. Shaq’s hurt and is only good for 20 mins a night anyway. If I was a Celts fan I would be pissed about that. Anyone for a flier on Oden?

Re: Melo – he certainly has his weaknesses but we have not had a player like this since maybe Sprewell, and Sprewell is not nearly as good as Melo. A guy who when all else breaks down (and this happens a lot against good teams and in the playoffs), can put the team on his back and make a play at the end of the game. As much as I love STAT, he is miscast in an iso setting at the end of games. Too many turnovers, not good enough as a ballhandler etc. Obviously we would all love it if we ran great offense at the end of games and got a wide open layup or other such good shot, but good defenses (like Memphis) sometimes take those away. It IS important to have someone who has taken and made lots of high-pressure shots.

nicos: TD was very impressive for 3.5 quarters- if he can just run the offense a little bit (like he did for most of the night tonight) he could really be a great 6th man. His numbers while starting 16.6 ppg at a terrific TS of 70% and maybe even more impressive 6.6 apg with a 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio.

To me it’s very clear that TD needs at least 20 minutes a night, even once Billups returns. TD’s still young, he freezes up down the stretch, so put him on the bench then, but I’d have him playing most of the second and third quarters. He’s the only Knick right now other than Melo who can score off the dribble. His 3pt shot is sick. And his defense–to my mind–is quite a bit better than Chaunce’s. What do you guys think?

jon abbey: “Once Billups comes back things could really starts picking up even more.”I’m actually worried he’ll hurt our improving D, maybe he can sit the first three quarters and play the whole fourth. :)  

I think this is a valid concern that could be addressed simply by putting Billups on the 2 and letting TD or Landry take the PG.
Billups is big enough and strong enough to guard a 2.

Several posters questioned the minutes asked of Stat and Melo. I think this was a case of D’Antoni leaving the big guys in early to try and deliver a knock out punch. If the Knicks had been able to protect the ball better and get to the line, their early lead easily could have reach 25, and effectively that game was done.
But the Knicks never could get to the line and their passing game, they pass a lot comparatively, increases opportunities for opportunistic teams to come up with more steals.
Memphis is really excellent in defending with their heads up and filling passing lanes and playing angles. It truly was a study in defense we haven’t seen this year.
Given the Knicks were in a dog fight, the ops faded to get Melo and Stat rest. After all, going into a back to back, you absolutely must deliver a win on the front end. Without it, you’re not only tired for the second game, you’re now under intense pressure to win.
At least now, they have the win. A game with Dallas, one of the very best in basketball, won’t be a do or die situation.
As jon abbey noted last night, it is expecting a lot to beat both these teams. That the knicks beat a very game Memphis squad at home is something we all should feel very hopeful about.

Last point: the Knicks away record (18-13) bodes rather well for them come playoff time. They are beating the better teams in the league without their best players.

art vandelay: for some lighthearted late-night comic relief….I love watching this once again knowing what we know now…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM&feature=related  

Thank you for posting this – it went great with my morning coffee!

I’m actually worried he’ll hurt our improving D, maybe he can sit the first three quarters and play the whole fourth. :)