I’m toying with the idea of theme music for this weekly feature.
To the original theme from “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids”
Hey, hey, hey…. it’s Thoooooomas B.
I’m gonna preview some games for you.
And Mike might add a word or two.
We’ll have some fun now, looking at these stats.
I’ll talk about what to watch for based on PERs and other facts.
Nah, nah, nah going to get some stats now.
Hey, hey, hey!
Hey it’s Thomas B. coming at you with four factors and fun.
And if you’re not careful, you might learn something before we’re done. Hey, hey, hey.
Nah, nah, nah going to get some stats now.
Now that I have that out my system, let’s get on with the fourth installment of Knicks’ Week in Advance. The Knicks start a five game road trip this week with games in Chicago, New Jersey, and Sacramento. While tough, road trips can be a good thing for a team. The team gets to pull together and that is just what the Knicks need as Harrington, Thomas, and Jeffries find their place in the rotation. Let hope the Knicks can improve on the 2-7 road record.
Tuesday, December 9 @ Chicago [First meeting of the teams this year.]
TEAM |
POSS |
EFF |
eFG |
TO |
OREB% |
FT/FG |
New York Knicks-Offense |
98 |
105.5 |
50.1 |
15.8 |
23.6 |
19.1 |
Rank |
1 |
19 |
12 |
15 |
28 |
30 |
Chicago Bulls-Defense |
94.8 |
106 |
48.4 |
16.5 |
29 |
25.6 |
Rank |
5 |
15 |
8 |
12 |
26 |
23 |
New York Knicks-Defense |
98 |
109.2 |
51.2 |
14.5 |
28.3 |
18.9 |
Rank |
1 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
20 |
2 |
Chicago Bulls-Offense |
94.8 |
103.4 |
47.1 |
16.5 |
27.6 |
24.1 |
Rank |
5 |
23 |
24 |
20 |
9 |
16 |
Another Tuesday brings another tough game for the Knicks. The Knicks are 0-4 on Tuesdays so far this year. Let’s see if we can turn this thing around.
The Bulls come into this game with numbers very similar to those of the Knicks. Like the Knicks, the Bulls push the pace with 94.8 possessions per game (5th). The Bulls’ offensive efficiency (103.4, 22nd) trails the Knicks’ offensive efficiency (105.2, 19th). Furthermore, the Bulls’ eFG% of 47.1 (24th) is well behind the Knicks’ 49.8 (13th). One reason for this could be the Bulls’ lack of inside scoring.
The Bulls’ big men are not efficient scorers from close range. Aaron Gray leads the big men with an eFG% of 46.6 in 14 minutes per game. Behind Gray, the Bulls have Noah and Thomas with eFG% of 39.6 and 34.4 respectively. Compare that to David Lee’s 56.2 eFG%, and *gulp* Tim Thomas’ 51.8 (I know, but what other big man do we have?). The Bulls’ inside scoring troubles bode well for the Knicks as they struggle defending big men who can score inside.
What to watch for: Defense. The Knicks should focus on limiting penetration from Rose and open looks from Gordon (51.1 eFG%, 37.3 3p%) and Hughes (53.2 eFG%, 47.7 3p%).
What to watch for 2: Q. Richardson vs. Hughes/Gordon. Nate Robinson’s injury has moved Q to the shooting guard spot. What Q gives up in speed, he makes up for in strength. Q should take the same approach he took with Jamal Crawford defending him and take Hughes inside. When Thomas or Noah help, move the ball for a good shot.
What to watch for 3: More of the high pick & roll. Seven Seconds or Mess did a great job showing how the high pick & roll worked for the Knicks against the Blazers. New York should should employ the same approach in this game. Inexperienced players usually aren’t good at defending the pick & roll, so the Knicks should go at Rose and Noah/Gray/Thomas early with it.
What to watch for 4: Chi-town ties. Q and Chandler are from the area so they should be comfortable for this game. Meanwhile former Bulls Duhon and Thomas may feel they have scores to settle against their old team. You ever notice how nobody ever leaves the Bulls on good terms? When have you heard, “I really enjoyed my time with the Bulls organization and I look forward to returning some day.”
Wednesday, December 10 @ New Jersey [First meeting of the teams this year.]
TEAM |
POSS |
EFF |
eFG |
TO |
OREB% |
FT/FG |
New York Knicks-Offense |
98 |
105.5 |
50.1 |
15.8 |
23.6 |
19.1 |
Rank |
1 |
19 |
12 |
15 |
28 |
30 |
New Jersey Nets-Defense |
91 |
111.3 |
51.3 |
15.3 |
26 |
29 |
Rank |
22 |
27 |
27 |
20 |
11 |
29 |
New York Knicks-Defense |
98 |
109.2 |
51.2 |
14.5 |
28.3 |
18.9 |
Rank |
1 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
20 |
2 |
New Jersey Nets-Offense |
91 |
110.2 |
50 |
14.4 |
26.8 |
26.8 |
Rank |
22 |
5 |
13 |
3 |
15 |
4 |
The Nets are a team of contrast. New Jersey is bad on defense, and their efficiency (111.3, 27th), and eFG% (51.3 %, 26th) are among the worst in the NBA. On the other hand, the Nets are strong on offense (110.2, 5th) and they take care of the ball (14.4 Turnovers, 2nd).
What to watch for: The Nets are over .500 due to the great play they are getting from Devin Harris. Harris leads all Eastern Conference PGs in PER (27.6), and scoring (24.5/36 min, 5th overall). He averages 0.8 3PM/36, which means he does most of his damage on the inside and at the free throw line (9.2 ftm/36). I have not seen him play this year, but those numbers indicate that Harris drives a lot. The Knicks need to give Harris room to take the jumper rather than let him get into his comfort zone of driving.
What to watch for 2: Defense. I have said this every week, but the Knicks need a strong defensive effort against teams that are efficient on offense. The Knicks’ defensive focus has to start with Harris. Duhon will need to play smart (stay out of foul trouble) as he may not have Nate to back him up.
Saturday, December 13 @ Sacramento [First meeting of the teams this year]
TEAM |
POSS |
EFF |
eFG |
TO |
OREB% |
FT/FG |
New York Knicks-Offense |
98 |
105.5 |
50.1 |
15.8 |
23.6 |
19.1 |
Rank |
1 |
19 |
12 |
15 |
28 |
30 |
Sacramento Kings-Defense |
92.7 |
112.9 |
52.8 |
15.9 |
29.5 |
25.8 |
Rank |
10 |
29 |
29.5 |
13 |
29 |
25 |
New York Knicks-Defense |
98 |
109.2 |
51.2 |
14.5 |
28.3 |
18.9 |
Rank |
1 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
20 |
2 |
Sacramento Kings-Offense |
92.7 |
103.7 |
49 |
17.2 |
26.7 |
21.7 |
Rank |
10 |
21 |
16 |
25 |
16 |
21.5 |
The Kings are rebuilding around Kevin Martin, John Salmons, and uh…not much else. Sacramento is one of the worst defensive team in the NBA. They are 29th in defensive efficiency (112.9), tied for last in defensive eFG% with Golden State (52.8), and they don’t do well on the defensive glass giving up 29.5% of available defensive boards (29th). Only one team does it worse – you guessed it, the Warriors again. Their leading shot blocker is Hawes (1.8 per 36 minutes).
What to watch for: The Knicks should take the same approach they took against the Warriors with one exception – play better defense. The Kings are not strong on offense coming in 21st in offensive efficiency (103.7) and 15th in eFG% (15th). The Kings frequently turn over the ball (17.2, 24th), so added defensive pressure should bring those numbers up.
What to watch for 2: The Knicks should run the high pick & roll with Lee and Duhon against the Kings’ slow frontcourt players.
What to watch for 3: Push the pace. This game is the second of a back to back for the Kings. The Knicks come into this game on two days rest. The Knicks should push the pace and try to wear the Kings down. Hopefully, Nate, JJ, and Mobley (I’m still holding out hope) will be able to give us around 20-25 a night and help us keep the pressure on the Kings.