5 things the Knicks should address before packing thy bags to Indiana

With the series even at once a piece, the New York Knicks will venture to troubled waters once more. This is the first time for the Knicks this playoffs to be on the road and not enjoying the lead on the series. We all remember how they went to Boston with an emotionally charged up crowd yet they still managed to take a commanding 3-0 lead on the series until the Celtics refused to give up and forced the series to game 6.  It is important to remember when Indiana nabbed game 1 in MSG with a dominant performance limiting 'Melo and JR to take the home court advantage out of the hands of the second seeded Knicks, they weren't the same team we saw on game 2, however, when the Knicks, behind Carmelo Anthony, trounced them with an outstanding spurt starting from the 3 minute mark of the 3rd Q down to the end of regulation resulting to a 105-79 blowout. Should we still expect another see-saw type battle now that Indiana will have to dress white jersey, will Knicks get fired up and pull an upset in front of 24,000 fans or, will the Pacers take the comfort of playing at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and protect their home turf?

With the season series split 2-2, we could hardly predict who will the series and proceed to the Eastern Conference Finals. For the Knicks to proceed they need to look at this blog post and insert it on there game plan.

1. Losing Composure

They say, an angry mind is an empty mind and anger reduces IQ making you act foolishly without the thought of regretting it afterwards. Certainly true! The inability to control one's emotion could result to a technical foul, 2 shots and a ball possession, worse comes to worst when Paul George sinks in a triple or David West mauls you deep in the paint and gets a bucket and-1, then you get a five point swing. Now the Pacers' fans gets involved energizing the home team and your rhythm  has gone discombobulated causing Coach Woodson calling a 20 sec timeout, if not a full, then you just cost an untimely timeout. Imagine how costly it would be to go out uncontrollably addressing your feelings during Playoffs; it could cause you the lead, the momentum, and even the series. So the next time you get a 'no call', keep your head up and dash back to other side of the court to defend because the last thing you want is you not getting the right call, causing a 4 against 5 defensive possession, and getting a technical foul for excessive complaining. You will have all the time talking to the official on the next dead ball. 

Known to have hot heads on their revamped roster, NYK has the reputation to end a game with at least one player with a technical foul. 'Melo, JR, Chandler, and even coach Mike; now that Stat is said to suit up this game 3, add another man on the list. 

Expect the Pacers to come out more than the expected physicality now that they're back on their home floor, expect questionable calls, expect big runs if not blowouts, and please New York, show us you now have matured. 

"The best fighter is never angry," says Lao Tzu so it is imperative to stay on the floor poised, emotionally stable, and mentally prepared. This is the reason why staying composed is number 1 on the list.

2. 'Melo on 2!

The first one was to contain themselves, outdoing there perceived limitations, and stay focused to come away victorious. Second thing to address is the team's most valuable player. 

Two is the magic number for Carmelo Anthony. The league's scoring champion has got to play the type of basketball the way he did on game 2 and not like the 'Melo on the past two years. Typical 'Melo stats  would give us 29.3 points per game, roughly a 39% shooting, 20% beyond the arch, 1 assist, 7 rebounds, and  3 turnovers.  Anthony adjusted with accuracy on game 2, delivering a statement... 50% shooting, went 40% beyond the arc, 3 assists, 9 rebounds and zero turnovers. Did I forgot to mention he chipped in 32?

Melo has got to be involved in 2 man games too, whether be it on and off the ball because with his ability to shoot when open or bully his way inside on the open floor could create problems for the defensive team. It would be interesting to see if the Knicks would run 1-4 pick-and-roll with 'Melo and Felton specially when the slower David West is guarding Anthony. And if Indiana opts to put George on Carmelo, 'Melo should run a pick-and-roll with whoever Hibbert is guarding; exposing a hole in the paint is when Hibbert needs to help and when the 7'3 center will be more concern of the paint than Anthony's shooting touch and decides not to help on the screen, 'Melo would most likely hit jumpers that are uncontested. More importantly, 'Melo must never forget that there are more ways to win the game than just plain individual scoring. He is the man where his team mates draw their will to win, he has to show leadership by example especially on the road against a very determined team. Two departments where he needs to shine for them to have a better chance of winning: rebounding and assists. 

That explains it, 'Melo on 2!

3. BIG numbers

Whoever gets an edge on rebounds wins the game that is the story so far. On a heartbreaking home loss on game 1 Indiana were +14 and on the bounce back victory on game 2 Knicks were +2 on the same department. It is obvious that how you clear the glass and providing your team extra possessions could clearly affect the flow of the ball game. Furthermore, the Knicks' so called 'anchor in the defense’ Tyson Chandler has got to match Roy Hibbert's activity on the floor for he has been outplayed by Hibbert for two consecutive games already. Last year’s defensive player of the year awardee had a terrible series thus far, only averaging 3.5 rebounds per game and has been plagued with foul troubles on battling Roy Hibbert.  Good thing K-Mart picked up the slack providing solid numbers off the bench despite the fact of being clearly undersized over the taller Hibbert with an impressive 11.0 points per game and 2.0 blocks per game.

Now the Amar'e is back, he would surely bring upheaval for the Knicks in the battle of big men but it should be emphasized that Lance Stephenson was a guard yet monster on the boards so rebounding has got to be everybody's concern. 

4. The back courts

Statistically and schematically the Knicks plays better when they have two point guards on the floor that means on this part Felton, Prigioni, and Kidd are to be scrutinized on their effectiveness.  

Raymond Felton: Being the second man next to Carmelo on scoring is the Raymond Felton we expect. The veteran guard who could score, convert himself into a playmaker, and sometimes a defensive hasn't been a problem for the Knicks since the start of the playoffs. If the same Felton would show up in their game against Indiana, win or lose, we could live with that.

Jason Kidd: This crafty very experienced guard is currently not a big factor in the game. With zero contribution on scoring and not finding his range, JKidd could only provide his leadership to the team. Not forgetting his ability to find open team mates and some nifty stops on the floor, New York still needs him on the floor, and what my friend once told me, JKidd rises up in the occasion when you least expect. With all being said, this 40 year old athlete might be the X-factor of the series.

Pablo Prigioni: Make no mistake on this Argentinian for he had displayed a very eye catching old school type of basketball on game 2. After being cold on game 1, Pablo Prigioni showed why he belonged to the league of the stars; providing 10 points on a perfect shooting night, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and no turnover all that on a productive 21 minute exposure. Not only he captured Mike Woodson's attention but of the vigilant sports writers on his style of play to come along with his unique basketball journey being the oldest rookie ever to play the league. Pair him with either Felton or Kidd, you get a double dose of lethal guards.

Now we shift our attention to the 2's. Disregarding Quentin Richardson since only played five minutes for this series, JR Smith and Iman Shumpert we go.

JR Smith: The sixth man of the year has yet to find his old self, not the brawny version, since suffering a one-day suspension on the first round of the playoffs. Shooting with a mind blowing 23% on the floor on the series, JR Swish hasn't been a problem on this series but to his team mates. With the reputation of shooting 'what the f**k' kind of shot selections Smith has given the Knicks another problem adding to Carmelo Anthony's shooting drought. If only Smith could read my blog and focus on reading the #1 on the list, he might be enlightened and thank me afterwards. If he could manage the hump and keep his focus aligned to the team’s mission, good things might roll.

Iman Shumpert: Iman Shumpert has been superb. While the inconsistent Smith is still looking for answers Shumpert on the other hand is enjoying his first trip to the second round of the playoffs. His numbers have increased on the series, with regards to his performance scoring above his average and passing the ball well, just like K-Mart, we're thankful to have him around while Smith is more of an enemy than of a friend to us. With his unquestionable defensive skills, as of the moment, Shumpert is better choice for the modified 3 spot for the Knicks. 

Looking at how the back court affects the series.

Game 1: New York had 10 turnovers while Indiana had 16. New York had 4 steals while Indiana had 3. Knicks lost the game.

Game 2: New York had 7 turnovers, Indiana had 21. New York had 11 steals, Indiana had 4. Knicks won the game.

It is obvious if the Knicks' back court could keep the pressure they could reclaim the series. On my special note, the full court press of the Knicks flattens the Pacers offensive scheme. Most of the time, they forced turnovers like 8 second violation, steals, and even if they crossed the half court line, offensive flow would most likely evaporate when guards are pressured because the bigs would have to play outside the comfort zone just to save possession.

5. Stick to your identity!

Last but not probably the least, sticking with the team's identity with an exclamation point. It is conceivably difficult to play with a difference face heading to the upper ladder of the Playoffs. This isn't the Knicks we were used to see during their dramatic 82 game campaign with due respect. I understand Thomas, Brewer, and Wallace are already ghosts of the past but they were only with the Knicks for a short span. I don't care if the real identity is being branded as one of the teams that produced vast technical fouls, what we are missing is the winning ways this NYK team showed us throughout the season.

Stat-wise, all shooting statistics are down coming in with 8 games in the post season. The team's scoring average has decreased by 14 going in the playoffs, though retaining one of the lowest turnovers per game the assists per ball game has decreased on the other hand making us conclude that this Knicks are still taking good care of the ball though they aren't sharing the load as much as they've done all season long. 

Solution to revive the lethal offense: Inside-outside game. Felton is good on this, JR Smith needs this whether be it he driving to the rack or he waiting on the corner then shoot, and 'Melo same as JR's. Put 'Melo on a high post at the elbow. Said to be the toughest spot to defend for a post up player, the elbow area is the position where 'Melo could exploit almost any defender in the league and could easily spot up who's open or where the double is coming. Both suggested plays could warm those cold shooters on the roster and when they do that they're almost impossible to stop.

Defense: Double, Switch, and Swarm NYK signature defensive setup. This one's tough to explain, but here it is anyway. With two point guards in it's no surprise that this Knicks line-up is small. It is tempting to post up a point guard matched up to a natural shooting guard or even bigger so opposing teams would think of doing so. NYK would then double team the post up player forcing that guy to pass the ball, Knicks so good on reading the passing lane would most likely steal the ball or if not, they force shooters to drive and then they swarm and  collapse too making it look very easy. Before they know it, shot clock has already neared zero or worse, already sounded.

On my special note to coach Woodson: Use all weapons, I mean players. To keep the defense adjusting and guessing give time to all your players. Chris Copeland for example, he could play multiple positions for your team, could play as the small forward, as a power forward, and could be a center at some point. The boy could run, he could shoot long bombs, he's got length, and more importantly he is a student of the game. Steve Novak, hot or cold he is a shooter. He is partly the reason why NYK was branded one of the best shooting teams. Now back on the line-up after being bothered an injury, I know he's ready to put on a fireworks display. Quentin Richardson, we hired him for no reason - experience and expertise. a deadly shooter who has been to the playoffs for so many times with different teams sure could a difference on the floor.

Go get 'em, New York!

Playoff picture

After a long and brutal 82 game season, only 81 games for Boston and Indiana, we now come down to the much anticipated +NBA PLAYOFFS . Filled with injuries, roster shakeups, renewed hope, record setting and breaking performances, and a whole lot more, playoffs is where the drama continues. If you're looking for "where amazing happens", brace yourself as we draw near to the playoff atmosphere. Set to begin on Sunday, 21st of April (Philippine time); let's check out the playoff picture and its schedule.

Eastern Conference

+Miami HEAT  vs +Milwaukee Bucks

This is technically the game that features the best team in the league against the team that made it to post season with the least number of wins. 66 wins for Miami and just 38 wins for Milwaukee. On this game, one doesn't have to be a basketball nerd to predict the outcome of the game because this will surely be a one sided affair. Stop right there, ask Brandon Jennings of the Bucks and you'll have your second thoughts.

"... If you ask me, that's who I would want to play in the first round, Miami. Just the fact over the years, a lot of games have gone down the wire with us and Miami. Right now we haven't really played well against the Knicks. I just feel better if we play Miami first round, just the fact that we have good game against them.  I don't know if it's because they're champs or what,  but we always play harder against Miami," says Jennings on his thoughts on facing Miami.

A sweep is still very much likely to happen on this 1st vs 8th match up. Whatever is going to happen on this series, for sure Milwaukee will learn a lot from it. By the way, Milwaukee has an audacious plan to make upset. Check it out here.

Key facts
If you're to translate what Jennings said from American English to basketball lingo, it would be "I'm ready to witness a massacre." The first round match for the Heat is just nothing but a warm-up for a long and promising exclamation point to what has been a spectacular season. Larry Sanders, Buck's defensive anchor, gears up to test his 'A' game against the explosive wing men of the Heat while Dwayne Wade sets his mind to add another ring.



+New York Knicks  vs +Boston Celtics

There's no better feeling than seeing the Boston-New York rivalry relived after so many years. It is important to note that Knicks, two seasons ago, got swept by the Celtics and this year the new look Knicks could plausibly return the favor. This is going to be an interesting match up in the Eastern conference first round between the 2nd seeded Knicks and 7th seeded Celtics, and the Melo-KG dispute would most likely result to an ugly old school type of basketball. With Rajon Rondo out of the scene for the rest of the season, the Celtics will never be the same but with Jeff Green on a breakout season taking over Rondo's responsibility, the Celtics could still pose a threat to the Knicks. Meanwhile, emerging as the new scoring champion - Carmelo Anthony - snapping Kevin Durant's three season dominance, 'Melo will be Knicks most potent weapon and with an ample support from team mates, this playoff bound Knicks can finally get passed the 1st round since Houston-Sprewell era.

Key facts

Rasheed Wallace retired after the same foot injury hits  back on a road against the Bobcats. Knicks waived Kurt Thomas and signed Solomon Jones. Knicks signed Quentin Richardson. Pablo Prigioni injured his ankle on their last home game against the Hawks. Jeff Green injured his hand after a dunk against Miami. Jared Sullinger and Rajon Rondo will not see action for the C's.

+Indiana Pacers  vs +Atlanta Hawks

No Granger, no problem! The Pacers season is definitely way beyond what was expected, with their star player out for the rest of the season who would thought that on his absence Indiana has gotten deadlier than ever. First time all-star Paul George, talented center Roy Hibbert, and veteran forward David West were responsible to this team's under the radar emergence. Topping the list on teams that could give a hell of a fight to Miami and New York on the eastern conference division, the Pacers is a team to watch out this playoffs. Ranking 1st on the rebounding department with 45.9 rebounds per game and 2nd on points allowed with a scary 90.5 points per game according to ESPN.com, they sure could steal the national spotlight.

First dose of a Joe-less season for the Hawks. After Joe Johnson left them for Nets, spitfire guard Jeff Teague and flexible forward Josh Smith were left to take care of the franchise. Although plagued with injuries, Larry Drew's boys still fought hard to yield an impressive 5th spot for the playoffs. They love to play fast phase type of game so you better make sure not to commit silly turnovers or else... you'll see a hawk flying on the fast break. You slow the game and they could still hurt you, averaging 24.6 assists per game these guys know how to take good care of that ball and find daylight during stifling 'D'.

Key facts
As of this writing, two of the Hawks' front court are listed on injured list and are considered day-to-day; Al Horford and Josh Smith. Already without Zaza Pachulia and Louis Williams, putting someone sidelined due to injuries is fatal as this team relies on the depth of the roster and not on individual basketball. On their 4 meeting this season, Pacers' defense hasn't really clicked as the Hawks got +8 on  their scoring average .470 on FG%, and .381 on 3-point FG%.


+Brooklyn Nets vs +Chicago Bulls
Every team is a contender during the playoffs as we all know but the odds of winning are almost always given to a higher seeded team.  However, this match-up is different from the usual ones. Out of 4 encounters this season, Bulls has won 3 games against the Nets. Nonetheless, playoffs is and will always be different from regular season games so let's see who will make it and who will shatter. 

Think of the Bulls, think of the playoffs, fuse the two and the thought of Derrick Rose wouldn't be left untapped. Who could forget last year's unfortunate tale of events for the Bulls that changed the tide of the whole playoff picture. Now the D-Rose is cleared and ready to go, rumors has spread that his return would take place at the 1st round of the playoffs. Scoring with an average of 93.2 points per game, ranking as the league's second worst scoring team, Derrick Rose’s return would surely provide a lift. Just like any other team in the league they were also plagued with injuries but the more shorthanded they've become, the more unrattled they've been. In fact, I'm getting used to call them the 'streak busters' rather than calling them Bulls for what they have done to Miami's 27 game winning streak and to New York's 13 game winning streak. Armed with stifling defense designed by the defensive tactician, coach Tom Thibodeau, the determined Bulls could once again rise up to the occasion. 

Hungry for a distinction against fellow a New York based team, Knicks, the Nets has found a very appreciable spot in the playoffs that would enable them to enjoy home court advantage, at least for the first round. Instead of enjoying, they better worry because the Bulls is not an easy assignment after all. Limited to an average of 87.5 points per game on their season series by the Bulls's defense, coach P.J Carlesimo has got pull out something to make it to the next leg. Already suffering one of the league's worst 20.3 assists per game, the charging Bulls has even made the matters worse for them as they force the Nets only to dish out only 17.5 assists per game. If you let the numbers speak, you would clearly understand why the Nets has fallen thrice against the Bulls this past regular season. If numbers decrease when they play against Chicago, not all-star center Brook Lopez. Lopez loves playing against the Bulls averaging 22 points per game against them, he will provide a steady numbers as expected.

Key facts
All-star center Joakim Noah could miss the whole series.



Western Conference


+Oklahoma City Thunder  vs +Houston Rockets
Harden behind Westbrook and Durant on the bench feels like just a day ago. Old pals meet once again and the whole scenario has completely change. Harden already a starter and no longer a sixth man but a top 5 on the MVP talk, and Durant, sadly no longer the scoring champ. Expect a high scoring game as two of the top scoring clubs clash in this epic 1st round match-up, Houston 2nd in the league for scoring average and OKC 3rd in the same department respectively. 

It's redemption time for the Thunder! Time to get back to the Finals and take what should have been for them a year ago. Headed by Durant with 28.1 points per game and a heads up year for the highly criticized sidekick for being a ball hog, Russell Westbrook, he has now statistically improved his passing skills dishing out 7.4 assists per game compared to a lowly 5.5 APG last season. With the 'Beard man' out and Kevin Martin in, everyone's pretty much excited to see how the Thunder is going to bounce back.

Jeremy Lin never appeared to a single post season game last year with the Knicks and though his numbers weren't as 'Lin'pressive when Linsanity took the basketball world by storm, shades of his game still remains. Houston is a bad ass team on the paint despite being an underdog on size and on talent but ranked as 7th in league for rebounds per game with 43.4 somebody really has eaten his heart out. Turkish big man Omer Asik should take much of that credit grabbing 11.7 rebounds per game, making him the 3rd busiest player on crashing the boards. Last but not probably the least, James Harden, 1st time all-star and his first trip to the playoffs being the face of the franchise. With only Asik and Harden entitled with a valid playoff experience, Harden will lead this young Rocket team to contend for the time since 2009.

Key facts

Thunder won 2 of their 3 games with a margin average of 25.0 points. On Houston's only win, Harden exploded with 46 points to go along with a triple on the late seconds of the game to save the Rockets. 11-20 is the all time playoff record of the Rockets versus the Thunder.

+San Antonio Spurs  vs +Los Angeles Lakers

And they meet once again, the purple and gold versus the kings of Texas. Sure be another classic match-up between the two. With the old school type of basketball the Spurs has wowed us again with their brand of basketball. On the other hand, this Laker team now rests their fate to all star center Dwight Howard as leading scorer Kobe Bryant injures his Achilles tendon and missing the rest of season.

With Tony Parker back from injury, the Spurs can now rely on TP's 20.9 points per game performance and with Manu getting healthy, he sure could provide a spark off the bench. At the age of 36, Duncan found the fountain of youth as he powers his way to the playoffs with a remarkable 17.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, and 2.7 bpg. Distributing the ball as good as no other team, San Antonio tops the league in dimes per game with 25.1, making them tough to defend as they could hit from all angles. All factors contribute to exploit Lakers' weakness - defense.

Coach Mike D'Antoni just won the coach of the month. Yes, you're reading it right. The Lakers this season finally made things right in the late season. Lakers are in but Kobe's out which is still subject for talks if they're better with him or without. There is a photo of a Laker team in the midst of a joyous celebration with a meme "Kobe is out, we can shoot now" that has gone viral in a social media site right now. No matter what your say is, Lakers without Kobe is just completely strange. Strange as it is when Lakers won three straight and two of it are against playoff bound teams (GSW & SAS).   With the ball going to Howard now more often than not, the Laker nation has witnessed the vintage Dwight and with Pau Gasol standing tall, they are slowly forming a new face of twin towers. When Superman maintains his stellar 12.4 rpg and 2.4 bpg, and Gasol to increase his numbers on the stats sheet, we might witness a Cinderella story.

Key facts

Spurs signed veteran forward Tracy Mcgrady. Spurs waived Stephen Jackson. Lakers were 3-0 after Kobe's season ending injury and it was Dwight and Pau who rescued them. On their last game against the Spurs, Dwight stepped up and so does Steve Blake when Blake sweeshed 23 points.

+Denver Nuggets vs +Golden State Warriors
When coach George spoke that a team doesn't necessary need a superstar to contend, he was clearly referring to his team after 'Melo left for Knicks,  coach Karl was more than correct. Looking at mile high Denver this season, being 1st in the league for points per game, 2nd in rebounding, 3rd in the assist department, and set a franchise record for most wins in a season,  the Nuggets just might be the force to be reckoned with this 2013 playoffs.


Where were we? Oh! We're at the best shooting team in the league yo. Coach Mark Jackson's boys now enters the playoffs spotlight for the first time. Expect an aggressive young team with contributions from all star forward/center David Lee, sharpshooters Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, and sixth man Jared Jack. Up and down? They could give you that. Half court set? Still, they have that. Down the wire? The more, you know what Steph Curry is capable of doing. There's only a big setback though, expect rookie mistakes down the stretch.


Key facts

Now that Gallinari is out for the rest of the season, the Nuggets will have to find someone willing to fill his role because it was Gallo who chipped in 20.8 points per game against GSW in their 4 outings. The man-nimal is still questionable for game 1 as he is still nursing a sprained ankle. Also look out for Australian center Andrew Bogut, known for being haunted by injuries. AB will play for the first time in the playoffs after his last playoff appearance with the Bucks.

+Los Angeles Clippers vs +Memphis Grizzlies

For the first time, Clippers won the division title and now set to face a familiar foe - Memphis Grizzlies. A review of last year's nail biting 7-game 1st round match, watch this if you love the physicality.

  

The Clipps already emerged as champions on 'Battle Los Angeles' but the way these guys were playing since the start of the season, they probably wanted more than that. Already learned a lesson from the Spurs last playoffs, they toughen up their roster by adding notable veterans to add more sting to their half court game and mobility on their defense. Now that the pick-n-roll of CP3 and Blake Griffin has more variations to choose from, opponents would have to choose if it’s going to rain with threes or let the highlight factory roll.

First it was O.J Mayo and recently, Rudy Gay. Thought they lost morale after the trade which was evident on their first game without Rudy at OKC.That mid-season trade surprisingly made this grizzly bear's claw sharper and cutting deeper. During the post all star period it was Mike Conley who stepped up to light up the scoreboard. The addition of Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye provided a boost on their defensive prowess aiding Tony Allen on the floor. Not forgetting Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol's presence inside the paint, Memphis Grizzlies registered themselves as league's best defensive team only limiting 89.3 points per game. The grit n' grind brand of basketball has already been labeled a big threat for post season games, this year, what happened to the Spurs against the Grizz could also happen to the Clipps. Just saying.

Key facts
Both starting point guards average at least 2 steals per game, each steal leads to a lob or another ball possession. Take note of that. If it's a low scoring game, then the game is to be handed to the Grizz and vice versa. Watch out for Deandre Jordan and Marc Gasol collision. Blake Griffin versus Zach Randolph match-up. I'm sure you're excited how they'll play if a cross match would ensue.