Knicks Morning News (2016.04.12)

  • [New York Post] Knicks’ Kurt Rambis will be back next season (in some fashion) (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:40:43 -0400)

    INDIANAPOLIS — Whether Kurt Rambis is Knicks head coach for the last time Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse hasn't been determined. What has been determined is Rambis will return in some capacity next season — whether as offensive coordinator or assistant general manager, according to sources. That's part of the reason Rambis talks about the…

  • [New York Times] Rockets Home In on Playoff Zone After Early Turbulence (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 07:00:28 GMT)

    Houston Rockets scripted a stunning turnaround to stand one win away from salvaging their once-shaky playoff hopes following a tumultuous season.

  • [New York Times] Injury-Riddled Grizzlies Grinding Their Way Into Postseason (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 06:03:43 GMT)

    The Memphis Grizzlies are about to make NBA history in a season where they took their mantra of grit and grind to the extreme.

  • [New York Times] ‘Other’ Curry Has Big Night in Kings’ Victory Over Suns (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:54:46 GMT)

    Seth Curry had 20 points and tripled his previous career best with 15 assists and the depleted Sacramento Kings beat the Phoenix Suns 105-101 on Monday night.

  • [New York Times] Magic Dominant at Times, Beat Bucks in Home Finale, 107-98 (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:27:34 GMT)

    Mario Hezonja has certainly had challenges during his rookie season with the Orlando Magic.

  • [New York Times] N.B.A. Roundup: Cavaliers Cruise Past Hawks to Clinch Top Seed in the East (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 03:47:05 GMT)

    LeBron James scored 34 points in three quarters, Kyrie Irving added 35, and Cleveland ensured it would have home-court advantage until the N.B.A. finals.

  • [New York Times] Mavericks Clinch Playoff Spot With 101-92 Win Over Jazz (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 03:33:40 GMT)

    Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 and the Dallas Mavericks clinched the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a 101-92 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, leaving one remaining postseason slot.

  • [New York Times] LeBron, Cavs Clinch Top Seed in East With Win Over Hawks (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 03:19:01 GMT)

    LeBron James did all he could to downplay getting the No. 1 seed.

  • [New York Times] Jimmy Butler Scores 23 Points as Bulls Beat Pelicans 121-116 (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 03:13:18 GMT)

    Jimmy Butler scored 12 of his 23 points in the last six minutes and the short-handed Chicago Bulls beat the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans 121-116 on Monday night.

  • [New York Times] Harden, Howard Keep Rockets Alive With Win Over Wolves (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 02:42:43 GMT)

    James Harden scored 34 points and Dwight Howard had 19 points and eight rebounds to keep the Houston Rockets’ playoff hopes alive with a 129-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

  • [New York Times] Lin Has 25 Points to Send Hornets to 114-100 Rout Over Celts (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 02:12:31 GMT)

    Jeremy Lin scored 19 of his 25 points in Charlotte’s big second quarter, carrying the Hornets to a 114-100 win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

  • [New York Times] Wizards Score First 20, Pull Away Late to Beat Nets 120-111 (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 02:09:38 GMT)

    Ramon Sessions had 21 points and 12 assists, and the Washington Wizards recovered after blowing all of their 20-0 lead to beat the Brooklyn Nets, 120-111 on Monday night.

  • [ESPN.com – New York Knicks] Tuesday's Knicks Links: Another exit in early April weighs on Melo (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 05:27:15 EST)

    Tuesday's Knicks Links: Another exit in early April weighs on Melo

  • [ESPN.com – New York Knicks] Sources: Knicks interested in ex-Cavs coach Blatt (Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:36:28 EST)

    Sources: Knicks interested in ex-Cavs coach Blatt

  • ESPN.com: David Blatt among available coaches who interest Knicks, sources say

    Chris Broussard and Ian Begley report:

    New York Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis continues to get strong consideration to become the team’s full-time coach, but team president Phil Jackson does intend to speak to other available candidates, according to league sources.

    Sources told ESPN.com on Monday that former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt is among the names who interest the Knicks.

    This is where we are as Knick fans. We are legitimately excited when there are reports saying that the Knicks will interview other coaches, while wanting to keep their terrible current head coach.

    But hey, I’ll sure as heck take that over these reports not being out there.

    And really, I think this is such an easy call for Phil Jackson.

    Best case scenario, things go well, and the Knicks win more games next season and maybe even make the playoffs.
    Worst case scenario, things go the hell and Jackson can blame Blatt.

    I would say that this would also open up a scenario where Melo blanches at the idea of the Knicks hiring Blatt and then insists on being traded, but, come on, Melo isn’t going anywhere. We all know that. The only question with regards to Melo and the Knicks is what his next contract as a Knick will look like.

    I’m all in on Team Thibs (since Van Gundy is never coming back so long as Dolan is owner), but I can more than live with David Blatt. Then again, there are few options out there worse than rehiring their current terrible head coach (I’d even be willing to give Brian Shaw a chance at this point) – of course, the most likely option remains doing just that, as the ridiculous “continuity is important” narrative is now getting pushed by the team, because what we all know is that when you have a terrible team with mostly veterans on it, the most important thing is to not change as many things as possible.