The Knicks return to action tonight in Cleveland to take on a revamped Cavaliers squad that has become the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. After convincing LeBron James to come home to Cleveland, the Cavs management was able to swing a deal for perennial All Star forward, Kevin Love. Those two superstars were added to an already promising young core of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson to form a very intimidating team.
The Knicks really struggled last night (that’s an understatement) so it is critical for them to bounce back tonight. With the bad news on Jose Calderon (out 2-3 weeks), the Knicks will rely on the young Shane Larkin to provide them with some stability at the point guard position. Last night, the Knicks struggled to get any sort of offense going against a very good Chicago defense. The good news for the Knicks is that outside of LeBron, the Cavaliers are a bad defensive team. Anderson Varejao is solid down low, but he is nothing compared to what the Knicks saw in Joakim Noah and Tahj Gibson last night.
It is critical for New York to get off to a good start tonight. This is a special night in Cleveland; the return of LeBron James to his hometown team. If the Knicks get off to a slow start, it could be a long night for them. It all starts with getting better shots on the offensive end. The Knicks shot a lowly 36.5% from the floor last game and settled for jump shots way too often. Combine that with 3-17 from downtown and you have a recipe of disaster.
One positive to last night’s game however was the Knicks took care of the ball for the most part. They only had 11 total turnovers for the game, and four of those were made in the fourth quarter by Cleanthony Early, Travis Wear, and Cole Aldrich. Larkin and Pablo Prigioni each managed zero turnovers, but combined for 6 assists. While the point guard’s role is minimized in the triangle, the Knicks will need them to do a better job getting guys easy baskets.
Expect the Knicks to come out aggressive and seeking vengeance after last night’s debacle. If they put their head down and give in like they did last night according to J.R. Smith, the Knicks will be in serious trouble.
Injuries:
New York: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon
Cleveland: None
What To Watch For…
- How Will the Knicks Respond to Last Night’s Game?
- After a brutal performance last night, the Knicks can either chalk it up to, “We’re actually not good,” or, “That’s only one game, let’s show them tonight.” Phil Jackson called them out for not being ready heading into the first game, but will the Knicks be ready for game two?
- LeBron’s Return:
- It’s going to be nuts in Cleveland. LeBron James is back and is the hero of the city again. Can the Knicks ignore the crowd and emotion of the Cavs and play their game?
- Amar’e Stoudemire is Back:
- Stoudemire got the surprise start at power forward in the opener, and he did not disappoint one bit. In the first quarter, he was the best player on the court for the Knicks, knocking down his first 4 shots. After the first quarter though, the Knicks played keep away from him, and STAT fell out of rhythm. Will Derek Fisher go with the veteran again tonight in the favorable matchup against Kevin Love?
Recap the night with us after the game. Hopefully it goes a heck of a lot better than last night. After all, they can’t play worse……right?