2017-18 Game Thread: Knicks @ Bulls

Tonight will be a fascinating game.

The Knicks have been really poor on the road, but they’re still a good deal better, overall, than the Bulls. However, the Bulls are playing extremely well since Nikola Mirotic has returned and basically said, “Eff y’all for taking Bobby Portis’ side in our fight. I’m going to play out of my mind and show you that I’m awesome.” I find it a bit odd that they’re doing so well, since so many of their players are still not particularly good, but hey, maybe it’s a synergy-type thing?

Anyhow, since the Knicks own the Bulls’ second round pick, then…

A. It would be nice to give them more losses and
B. The Knickiest thing would be for the Bulls to suddenly become good enough for that second round pick to not be worth all that much

Anyhow, let’s hope that Kristaps Porzingis has a good game. I like it when he has good games.

Let’s go, Knicks!

Knicks Morning News (2017.12.27)

  • [NYTimes] The Fantastical Adventures of Fabulous Flournoy
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 7:21:47 PM)

    He is the beating heart of British basketball and his journey has taken him from the Bronx to Buckingham Palace. And, at 44, he is still going. “In his mind, age doesn’t apply.”

  • [NYTimes] On Pro Basketball: Who’s Fresher Than the Warriors?
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 2:38:30 PM)

    The outcome of the Christmas Day showdown with the Cavaliers was an apt reminder that the Warriors remain No. 1.

  • [NYDN] Knicks still don’t have return date for Tim Hardaway Jr.
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:16:05 AM)

    About three weeks after he was diagnosed with a stress injury, there’s still no timeline for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return.

  • [NYDN] Jeff Hornacek says these Knicks won’t quit like last season
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 9:17:05 AM)

    With Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose dominating minutes at two positions — and often the ball — the Knicks quit last season.

  • [SNY Knicks] GEICO SportsNite: Knicks on tough upcoming schedule
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:03:22 AM)

  • [SNY Knicks] Enes Kanter: Knicks can beat ‘every team on every court’
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:35:42 PM)

    Knicks C Enes Kanter is maintaining confidence in his team as the Knicks prepare for a key three-game road trip.

  • [SNY Knicks] Jeff Hornacek provides Tim Hardaway Jr. injury update
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 4:34:39 PM)

    Tim Hardaway Jr. is still without a timetable to return, though is progressing in his rehabilitation.

  • [SNY Knicks] By the numbers: Joel Embiid vs. Kristaps Porzingis
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 4:00:17 PM)

    In the Knicks’ 105-98 Christmas Day loss to the Sixers, all eyes were on Kristaps Porzingis and Joel Embiid. So who won the matchup?

  • [SNY Knicks] Porzingis candidly speaks about shooting troubles, promises adjustments
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 2:50:54 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis spoke candidly and maturely about his shooting struggles over his last nine games, promising improvements.

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks face tough road ahead — 16 of next 20 away from Garden
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 6:41:44 PM)

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  • [NYPost] Jeff Hornacek issues challenge to the Knicks’ two point guards
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 9:35:44 PM)

    The 76ers delivered the blueprint. Now it’s up to the Knicks to adjust — if they can. Sixers guard T.J. McConnell ruined Christmas at the Garden with his pressure defense, as Jarrett Jack and Frank Ntilikina struggled running the offense while being hounded by the reserve guard. Expect future opponents to do the same. “Even…

  • [NYPost] Tim Hardaway Jr. works on drills without a brace
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 8:48:57 PM)

    At least he’s not going backward. The stress injury to Tim Hardaway Jr.’s lower left leg is taking ample time to heal, but he is making progress, albeit slowly, it seems. Hardaway wasn’t wearing a brace on his left leg as he took jump shots, went through shooting drills and jumped off both legs after…

  • [NYPost] This is the year of James Harden — and the rip-off trades that weren’t
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 1:05:32 PM)

    On Dec. 25, 1947, a tradition was born. For the first time, an NBA game was played on Christmas, with the New York Knicks defeating the Providence Steam Rollers — one of the original 11 teams — 89-75. Twenty years later, the Christmas slate was broadcast on national television, so fans all across the country…

  • [NYPost] John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan have Christmas date at the Knicks game
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:46:53 AM)

    The two were seen at Madison Square Garden along with their sons.

  • [NYPost] We’re about to find out if these Knicks are a mirage
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:11:48 AM)

    The similarities are eerie — almost like looking into a mirror. A year ago at this time, there was optimism surrounding the Knicks, two games above .500 following a hard-fought Christmas Day loss at the Garden to a division rival. A tough three-game road trip was on tap. It became the precursor to a nightmarish…