NBA Playoffs

VIDEO: Stephen A. Smith on Knicks, “Nobody’s untouchable.”

May 20, 2013 by Shana Renee 1 Comment

Stephen A Smith

Before Game 5 between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, I had the opportunity to catch up with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. During our brief conversation, I asked him to grade the Knicks overall performance on the season, and to also give his opinion about what the team’s offseason priorities should include as they look to improve. Per ususal, Stephen A. didn’t hold back. Watch the video to hear his response.

Whoa. I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t surprised to hear him say that everyone can be shipped to another team, no exceptions. Although I do agree that the Knicks must undergo a major roster overhaul to improve next season, I don’t agree that no one is safe. Carmelo Anthony is definitely the foundation of the team, and the Knicks need to focus on surrounding him with talent that complement his game. Beyond that, the only other player I definitely would like to return is Iman Shumpert. But I also understand he’s probably our best bargaining chip and we might have to lose him in exchange for some much needed upgrades at other positions.

Regardless, as I mentioned, and to which Stephen A. agreed, Knicks GM, Glen Grunwald, is going to have a very difficult task this summer. The Knicks salary cap situation is a complete nightmare and will only become more complicated once the new luxury tax fines begin next season. Looking ahead, the Knicks already have $57 million tied up among Melo ($21.6 mil), Amar’e Stoudemire ($21.4 mil), and Tyson Chandler ($14.1 mil). Without any roster changes, the team is already capped out at $76 million. It’s still unknown what the 2013-2014 salary cap will be, but if you base it on the $70.3 million that teams had to work with this season, it’s clear that Grunwald will once again be forced to get creative in order for the Knicks’ season to continue well into June. Let the roster shakeup commence!

Do you agree with Stephen A. and think it’s important to explore trading everyone, Melo included, or are the Knicks better off than we think?

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports Tagged With: Carmelo Anthony, ESPN, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, NY Knicks, Stephen A. Smith

#ThrowbackThursday: The eight NBA teams who rallied from 3-1 to win series

May 16, 2013 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

photo via New York Knicks Memes

The New York Knicks face elimination tonight. And although they need to take one game at a time, Knicks fans remain hopeful that Melo and crew will defend their homecourt to force a Game 6 on Saturday. But let’s be honest, hard to please Knicks fans won’t be satisfied unless the team goes on a three-game winning streak to eliminate the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

Last night, the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder fell short of pushing their series to six games, but will the Knicks be more prosperous tonight? Well, according to history, it’s not an impossibility. In the league’s history, eight teams have successfully bounced back from being down 3-1 to ultimately win the series, 4-3. Also, six out of the eight teams benefited from homecourt advantage, something the Knicks secured after beating the Indiana Pacers during the last week of the regular season.

In the spirit of #ThrowbackThursday and encouraging Knicks fans to keep hope alive, here’s a summary of the elite club that the Knicks aim to join, courtesy of Cleveland.com:

• 2006: The Phoenix Suns started the 2006 playoffs by falling behind, 3-1, to the Los Angeles Lakers before winning the series. They won the next round against the Los Angeles Clippers before losing in the conference finals to the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix (54-28 during the regular season) had the homecourt advantage over the Lakers (45-37). Phoenix star: league MVP Steve Nash.

• 2003: The Detroit Pistons trailed the Orlando Magic, 3-1, but came back to win the Eastern Conference first-round matchup. The Pistons also won in the next round before losing in the conference finals. The Pistons (50-32) enjoyed the homecourt advantage over Orlando (42-40). Detroit defender: NBA defensive player of the year Ben Wallace.

• 1997: The Miami Heat came back to defeat the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but lost in the next round despite a 61-win regular season. Miami (61-21) had the homecourt advantage over New York (57-25). Miami scoring leader: Tim Hardaway.

• 1995: The underdog Houston Rockets rallied to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, and then went on the win the NBA championship. During the regular season, Phoenix (59-23) was 12 games better than Houston (47-35). Houston starting lineup included current TNT analyst Kenny Smith.

• 1981: The Boston Celtics stormed back to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals en route to the NBA title. Boston and Philadelphia had tied for the best record in the East that year at 62-20, but Boston had the homecourt for Game 7. Boston star: Larry Bird.

• 1979: The Washington Bullets rallied to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the Eastern Conference finals, before losing to the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA finals. Washington (54-28) had the homecourt advantage over San Antonio (48-34). Washington star: Elvin Hayes.

• 1970: The Los Angeles Lakers came back to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals and then advanced to the NBA finals before losing to the New York Knicks. During the regular season, the Lakers (46-36) had a better record than Phoenix (39-43). Laker stars: Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.

• 1968: The Boston Celtics rallied to defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers to win the Eastern Conference finals and then went on to win the NBA championship. The Celtics did this despite having to win Game 7 in Philadelphia. The 76ers (62-20) had a better record than Boston (54-28) during the regular season. Boston stars: Bill Russell and John Havlicek.

As you see, homecourt advantage wasn’t the only benefit. A few of the teams that made history also had bonafide superstars: Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Steve Nash, to name a few. Message being, if the Knicks plan to get it done, Carmelo must dial into Melo Mode and play like his life depends on it. That Syracuse dominance from ’03 and unstoppable flow that helped him seal the scoring champ title toward the end of the season. Yep, we need that Melo. It’ll also help if Coach Woodson stops sleepwalking during the playoffs and wakes the hell up!

-@sdotrenee

Props: Cleveland.com

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports, Throwback Thursday Tagged With: #ThrowbackThursday, Carmelo Anthony, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks

10 random thoughts about the New York Knicks as they face elimination

May 15, 2013 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

photo via AP

Last night was ugly. After the Knicks game, I wanted nothing to do with anyone. Truth be told, I still don’t. But since writing tends to be therapeutic at times, I decided to write a quick blog with random thoughts and questions about the Knicks. They’re not in any particular order. My mind doesn’t work like that, lol. Instead, it’s just a brain dump or rambling list of things that have pissed me all the way off about this series.

Let’s dive in.

No. 1

If I had 3 seconds with Mike Woodson, I’d ask, ‘Why doesn’t Chris Copeland get more minutes?’ Because he’s lax on defense? I’m not buying that. Copeland’s contributions in other areas of the game i.e. offense and his willingness/ability to take a charge cannot be overlooked. When he gets minutes, he’s never not efficient. For the second straight game, he came in and knocked down a three. He’s the one player on the team that always manages to be productive regardless of how long he’s been on the bench. With JR Smith hungover from spending late nights with Rihanna, Carmelo desperately needs help on the offensive end. Cope can be that dude. He gets buckets. Give Cope a chance. It’s never a regrettable move. Ever.

No. 2

What happened to Pablo Prigioni? Why did he only log three minutes? Call me crazy, but when Pablo’s on the floor, good things happen. The ball movement is there and dudes get better shots. I don’t understand Woodson’s logic in “rewarding” Jason Kidd with playing time when he’s playing so poorly. Prigioni also has amazing instincts defensively. He should not be buried on the bench behind Jason Kidd who hasn’t scored in three weeks…eight games…384 minutes! Have you seen his game log lately? If you didn’t know any better, and looked strictly at his points column, you’d assume he received a DNP. That’s how terrible he’s been. Offensively, Pablo isn’t pouring on the points either, but at least he’s not afraid to shoot! When Kidd gets the ball, and has an open look, he passes it off quicker than someone playing a game of hot potato (did I just show my age with that reference?). Considering the Knicks are losing the battle of the boards, we need to rely on other ways to create first and second opportunities. Coming up with steals is a viable option, especially given Prigioni’s quickness. Having him on the bench for 45 minutes was a bad Coach’s decision.

No. 3

Speaking of steals, Shump should never ever sit on the bench for as long as he did last night. I don’t care if he was 0-6. During this series, he’s been our best player. Certainly the most consistent. If his knee wasn’t an issue, he should’ve been on the floor. Period.

No. 4

Why hasn’t Woodson been more critical of the referees? It’s clear the refs have a vendetta against the Knicks. They have all season. The players are visibly frustrated on the court because of all of the bullshit calls made against them. Last night, the Pacers had 30 attempts from the stripe compared to the Knicks’ 14. Melo, a superstar, only had 5 FT attempts. During the series, the Pacers have had 25 more free throw attempts than the Knicks (97 – 72). What part of the game is that? I think the most frustrating part about watching the refs make and miss calls is the blatancy. While watching the game at home, I’m ready to throw bows, so I can’t imagine how the players must feel. Keeping your emotions in check is necessary, but I also know it’s a lot easier said than done. Long before last night, Woodson should have taken one for the team, and eaten the fine that Daddy Warbucks Dolan would probably pay anyway. If nothing becomes of it, at least the players and fans know he acknowledged the situation. Speak up!

No. 5

For the record, I’m not a Steve Novak fan. He’s had his moments but lately he’s been a huge disappointment. And for someone with a game as one dimensional as Novak’s, if he’s not knocking down shots, then he’s rendered just as useful as I’d be if I were part of the rotation. However, when nothing else works and the season is on the line, throw (almost) everything against the wall and see if it sticks. And in this case, I would lobby for Novak to get more minutes. For a good portion of the game, the Knicks were within striking distance and a three here or there would’ve gotten them right back in the game. Let’s face it, the Knicks have been struggling offensively. Novak has the ability to be deadly from the three, but it’s impossible to know if he can contribute anything if he’s not given a shot.

No. 6

I get it. Amar’e Stouedmire is more fragile than the leg lamp from A Christmas Story. And defensively, he gets manhandled like a blowup doll. The Pacers have no respect for STAT’s poor excuse for defense. But check this out, since his return on Saturday, he’s looked solid offensively. He’s moving well, playing physical, getting to the basket, and grabbing rebounds. We need all of that. I understand why the Knicks are monitoring his minutes, but right now the Knicks are only guaranteed 48 more minutes this season. I say kick more minutes Amar’e's way, especially since JR Smith isn’t carrying the second unit like we’re used to. If Melo is going to rest, let Amar’e lead. It’s do or die and he’s the $100 million man, let him earn his check for once.

No. 7

Who the hell does Tyson Chandler think he is to criticize the Knicks offense? His barely there defense this series has done nothing but magnify his nonexistent offensive game, especially considering how Roy Hibbert and Paul George have been killing the Knicks on both ends of the court. Before putting up a double-double last night, 12 points, 10 rebounds, he grabbed 3, 4, and 5 rebounds in Games 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Pathetic and inexcusable for someone his size. And generally speaking, he can’t even knock down a 10 ft. jumper. His game has been less than A+ and he’s in no position to come at anyone.

No. 8

Why’d it take JR so long to start driving to the basket again? When Melo was injured and JR carried the team, it wasn’t because of his three point game, it was because he penetrated (pun intended) to the hole. Once he made that adjustment last night, he started to cook. It was a little too late, but maybe/hopefully it’ll give him the confidence he needs going into Game 5. If JR goes out like this, he can kiss that huge payday goodbye.

No. 9

Should Mike Woodson be worried about job security? During the season, I would’ve Johnny Cochran’d anyone who didn’t agree that Woodson should receive Coach of the Year honors. I’m not saying he was the only rightful contender, but he definitely deserved to be in the conversation and by the time I was done with you, I would’ve made you a believer. But now, I can’t even convince myself that he’s worthy. His rotations have been baffling, inexplicable, and indefensible. In a must-win situation, he pulled all the wrong strings. Exhibit A: The Knicks are struggling to score, but he thinks a rotation of Chandler, Kidd, JR, and K. Mart at the same damn time will provide that offensive spark we need. It’s insane. The expectations for the Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference finals were high. If they are eliminated by the Pacers, 4-1, could Woodson possibly get PJ Carlisimo’d out of NYC? Because my emotions are high and he has a reputation for coaching teams that choke in the playoffs, I would argue that it should be a consideration. But then reality sets in and I think the only coach I would want in New York is Phil Jackson and he said he’s done with coaching, so…*sigh*.

No. 10

Rasheed Wallace, you are truly and deeply missed. Not only could you have given our bench depth, but your intangibles such as toughness and intimidation are invaluable and desperately needed against the Pacers.

I know I can’t be the only Knicks or NBA fan with these thoughts. If you agree, disagree, have your own random thoughts about this series, leave a comment below.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports Tagged With: Carmelo Anthony, Indiana Pacers, Jason Kidd, Knicks, knickstape, mike woodson, NBA, NBA Playoffs, Pablo Prigioni, Roy Hibbert, Steve Novak, Tyson Chandler

#ThrowbackThursday: Larry Johnson’s Four Point Play!

May 9, 2013 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Larry Johnson’s four point play is one of my fondest Knicks memories of all time. It’s also an extremely fitting #ThrowbackThursday moment given the current Knicks-Pacers series, so here we go.

My brother and I attended Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Pacers. We were, without exaggeration, seated at the very highest level of the Garden. Talk about nosebleeds. If we jumped too high, it was quite possible we’d suffer a concussion from hitting our heads on the roof. But none of that mattered to me because I was one of 18,000 fans who could actually say I witnessed one of the greatest Knicks plays of all time in person.

Because I was seated so high, I stood for most of the game, especially the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Regardless of how great your vision is or an arena’s sight lines are, when you’re that high up, the angles are unfavorable. Every player looks unrecognizable…like an ant.

As the final minutes of the game turned to seconds, and it became a one to two possession game, I was shook. I could not stomach the moment. It wasn’t Game 7, but the rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers was so intense that every game mattered. They were all must wins. And at this point, the series was tied 1-1. Prior to Game 3, both games had been won by the slimmest of margins, three points or less. Game 3 was proving to be no different. With 11.9 seconds remaining, the Pacers led the Knicks by 3 points. I took a deep breath, shot up a prayer and thought to myself, here we go again.

Charlie Ward inbounded the ball to Larry Johnson and the Pacers almost came up with the steal. I began to implode emotionally. My nerves kicked into overdrive and everything around me slowed down. LJ, however, maintained possession and his cool. Antonio Davis was playing LJ real tight. As the seconds ticked away, I thought is LJ going to be able to even get off a shot? If he did, would it be a good shot? I never even fathomed the idea of a four point play being an option. In my mind, he’d either tie the game and send it to overtime, or miss the shot and ruin the night of every Knicks fan everywhere.

We all know what happened next.

LJ launched the three and it seemed like an eternity between the release of the ball and the made shot. As you’ll see in the video, when 18K fans realized LJ knocked down the shot to tie the game, it was if someone pressed an eject button. All at once, we jumped to our feet, exploding with excitement and disbelief. The high fives and hugs among strangers were never-ending. I yelled so loudly that I became dizzy and had visions of stars. Eventually, we all managed to settle down so LJ could concentrate on his free throw. But when it was clear that LJ nailed the game winning foul shot, every inch of MSG began to rock again with fans super charged from the greatest adrenaline rush one could ever experience. Whatever feeling you’re imagining right now, it was that times a million.

Here’s footage from one of the most dramatic moments in Knicks playoffs history.

Whenever I visit the Garden or see Larry Johnson, I think about this play. For me, it’s definitely a top five sports moment. Without a doubt.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports, Throwback Thursday Tagged With: #ThrowbackThursday, Indiana Pacers, Larry Johnson, Latrell Sprewell, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks

Kevin Durant Covers SI, says: “I’m tired of being second.”

April 24, 2013 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Screen-shot-2013-04-23-at-2.27.39-PM

If you haven’t heard, Kevin Durant is no longer a Mr. Nice Guy nor is he complacent with routinely being overlooked as the best in a myriad of categories. On this week’s Sports Illustrated cover, Durant is quoted as saying,

I’ve been second my whole life. I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I’ve been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the finals. I’m tired of being second…I’m done with it.

Such grand proclamations are awesome, motivational, intimidating to others, and all of that good stuff, especially when journeying toward an NBA championship. But bold statements and guarantees can only take you so far, see Patrick Ewing.

Although Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are more than well equipped to win an NBA Championship, something they were so close to attaining last season, Durant should also recognize he’s not the only player gunning for LeBron’s crown. With Kobe Bryant coaching from his bedside, Carmelo Anthony, the lone All-Star from the 2003 NBA Draft class without a ring, appears more motivated than ever. He already unseated Durant for the scoring title, could LeBron be next? We’ll find out in the next couple of months. But for now, Durant needs to wait in line because if anyone is destined to dethrone King James, it’s Melo.

Dope cover though.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports Tagged With: Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, NBA, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Sports Illustrated

VIDEO: Heat/Pacers Series Takes Ugly Turn

May 23, 2012 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Photo via Charles Trainor Jr/MCT

Supa Ugly. That’s how I would describe last night’s Miami Heat 115-83 blowout of the Indiana Pacers.

Since Game 1, this series has been marred by technical fouls, verbal exchanges, and choke signs. Mostly initiated by the Indiana Pacers, the tough guy talk and actions that have become a subplot of the series escalated last night. And rather than keeping things clean, the Heat decided to clap back and send a direct message to the Pacers by getting physical.

Let’s review the plays that will dominate today’s sports commentary.

First this happened. Tyler Hansbrough made a play on the ball, but instead made contact with Wade’s head. Despite the bloody head gash suffered by Wade, the refs called it a Flagrant 1.

After reviewing the play and considering Hansbrough’s reputation, it’s highly doubtful that he maliciously or intentionally tried to harm D. Wade. Regardless, it seems the Heat had enough of the Pacers, because it wasn’t long before Hansbrough was also the recipient of a hard foul.

Then, not even one minute later, this happened. Haslem exacted some revenge on Hansbrough in D. Wade’s honor. Despite the intentional nature of the foul, Haslem escaped being charged a Flagrant 2 and an automatic ejection. However, after Stu Jackson reviews the footage, I believe Haslem’s luck will expire because Haslem’s two-handed attack on Hansbrough was obviously unnecessary and overly excessive. As a result, I predict he will be suspended for a pivotal Game 6.

Finally, with the game in its final minute and the Heat up 115-78, Dexter Pittman took things a little too far. He completely leveled Lance Stephenson. It was malicious, dirty, harmful…and a lot more. Though Stephenson foolishly set the tone by fake choking himself in an effort to taunt James earlier in the series, Pittman’s comeback was over the top. After the game, Stephenson underwent an MRI to determine if he suffered a broken collarbone or concussion. That’s how serious things got. There’s no doubt, Jackson will evaluate Pittman’s foul and rule it a Flagrant 2. He will be suspended for Game 6.

With Chris Bosh still recovering from an abdominal injury, and the possibility of Haslem and Pittman both serving Game 6 suspensions, the Heat may be forced to start Eddy Curry. If that’s the case, shit just got real(er).

The Pacers are also dealing with a thinning roster. Danny Granger suffered a sprained ankle after landing on LeBron’s foot. And David West also sprained his knee, but is expected to play on Thursday.

Back in the day, the type of physical play we’re seeing in this series was normal. But since Stern has softened the game, everyone is up in arms. When Pat Riley, current president of the Miami Heat (coincidence? I think not.) and Jeff Van Gundy coached the NY Knicks, I believed if you can’t win the game, at least win the fight. Right or wrong, I still subscribe to this way of thinking, and it seems Larry Bird does too.

After the game, it was reported that he called the Pacers S-O-F-T. It’s one thing for fans or players to doubt your toughness, but the minute one of the league’s greatest players of all time, who also happens to run the team, publicly questions your manhood, it’s game on!

Game 6 is an elimination game for the Pacers. Don’t be surprised if they’re prepared to put up a fight and go down swinging, literally.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports Tagged With: Danny Granger, Dexter Pittman, Dwyane Wade, Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson, Lebron James, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Playoffs, Reggie Miller, Tyler Hansbrough, Udonis Haslem

San Antonio Spurs? Mobb Deep? Word Up!

May 15, 2012 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Photo via AP Photo/Ann Heisenfeld

So after the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the brakes off the LA Lakers, this happened:

Yes, you heard right. Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones” instrumental was featured in the NBA’s “BIG” campaign for the San Antonio Spurs along with the following text:

Need to rush. Corners are coming. Screens are being set. Pass is pinpoint perfect and somebody ends up wide open. No flash. No gimmicks. No chance of stopping it. It’s the quiet guys you should fear. Because words are small. And game is BIG.

I don’t know who’s responsible for the unlikely pairing of M-O-B-B with the Spurs, but applaud that (wo)man. When that “Shook Ones” beat dropped, seemingly out of nowhere, basketball fans + hip hop heads kind of lost it. In an unprecedented move, fans not only big upped the NBA for the unexpected music selection, but the Spurs received love too.

How ironic? Despite the Spurs finishing the season tied for the best record and the great possibility of quietly walking away with the O’Brien trophy, they still remain a non-factor among most fans. But with the help of a little music magic, the NBA successfully raised the profile and street cred of its most boring contender. All in less than a New York minute, too. Awesome work by The Association.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Advertising, Featured, Media, NBA, Pro Sports, Sports Marketing Tagged With: BIG, Mobb Deep, NBA, NBA Playoffs, San Antonio Spurs, Shook Ones

#RiseUpNYK: Yesterday we did.

May 7, 2012 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Photo via Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Basketball fans hear it all the time, Madison Square Garden is the greatest basketball arena to play at on earth.Â Aside from being located in the epicenter of the world, New York City, the roaring crowd energy and support from Knicks fans are unmatched.

As a life long Knicks fan, I’ve attended dozens of games at MSG.Â Up until yesterday, my most memorable game was Larry Johnson’s four-point play against the Indiana Pacers.Â I was literally seated in the top row of the nosebleeds.Â When LJ knocked down that shot, I lost my mind and nearly shot through MSG’s roof.Â I was drunk off excitement and disbelief.Â Despite having arguably the worst seat in the building, I was one of 18,000 people in the world that can say I was there when. I will own that forever.

As I put on my Melo jersey and prepared to attend yesterday’s must-win Game 4 against the Miami Heat, I was hopeful I’d be able to experience that type of Garden glory again.

When I entered MSG, murmurs of the word sweep were impossible to ignore, but overall, we were devoid of a defeatist attitude.Â No brooms allowed.Â The Garden was painted orange and blue and filled with ride-or-die Knicks fans ready to support our boys to the death.Â Forever realists, we know that a Boston Red Sox like run is a herculean effort, so delivering one win and avoiding the sweep was all we asked.

Yet, despite our optimism, Knicks fans had to rely on the players to share our mindset and block out all of the negative narratives– it’s been 11 years since their last playoff win, the Knicks own the record for most consecutive playoff losses at 13, in nine postseasons Melo’s only advanced out of the first round of the playoffs once, in 2009.Â With those numbers stacked against us and no Jeremy Lin, Iman Shumpert, and a one-handed Amar’e Stoudemire, Knicks fans knew our support and energy would have to be at an all time high if the Knicks stood a chance against a fully-stocked Heat team.

And boy did we bring it.

Once the lights in the Garden dimmed during player introductions, we put our game faces on.Â Short of suiting up and storming the court, we were determined to make the Heat respect us in our house.Â If they wanted the sweep, they’d have to earn it.Â After Thursday’s game, Melo reminded the media he hadn’t endured 11 years of losing as a Knick.Â But guess what, Knicks fans had, so this meant war.Â We collectively harnessed our mixed emotions of passion and determinations for the Knicks and laced that with pure disdain for the Heat.Â It coalesced to create a beautiful incessant chorus of cheers for the Knicks and raucous jeers for the Heat, especially LeBron James.

From tipoff to the final buzzer, we kept our foot on the gas.Â On both ends of the court, echoes of “Let’s Go Knicks” and “Defense” helped the Knicks maintain focus.Â Fans know the Knicks have a long history of letting up toward the end of the game, and we needed them to commit for the full 48 minutes.Â So when the usual cheers seemed redundant, fans went for the jugular and hollered “Beat the Heat” at the top of our lungs.Â After all, that was the ultimate task at hand.Â And too much was riding on that one game– Woodson’s job status, redemption for Amar’e, and of course, restoring pride to Knicks Nation.

During the third quarter, the Knicks got thrown off course. They trailed by 11 points, at one point, and then we lost Baron Davis to a gruesome knee injury.Â Instead of throwing in the towel, Knicks fans turned the volume way up, and responded with a lot more intensity.Â I’d like to believe the crowd support provided the Knicks with the extra spark they needed.

As time ticked away on the clock, the persistent chants of “defense” became more dire.Â The Knicks sensed our desperation and need to win. Offensively, role players like Mike Bibby, Steve Novak, and JR Smith finally knocked down shots.Â All game, Stat (20 pts, 10 rebounds) and Melo (41 points, 6 rebounds) held it down, but when they needed their teammates most, they answered.Â On the other end of the court, the Heat made shots too.Â But when we needed a big stop defensively, the Knicks once again delivered, especially Fields on the final play of the game.Â After Wade’s shot was ruled no good, the Garden exploded in excitement.Â The celebration continued into the halls of Penn Station as fans flooded train platforms.

Of course Knicks haters will taunt us by saying this win was meaningless.Â The win just delayed the inevitable.Â We just live to die another day.Â And you know what, that’s partly true.Â The Knicks will eventually lose to the Heat.Â No doubt.Â However, yesterday’s win was loaded with purpose.Â Despite everyone writing them off, they persevered.Â Despite all of the injuries, they fought back.Â They didn’t let their fans down.Â And most important of all, the Knicks beat the Heat and avoided the sweep.Â Mission accomplished.

And for further proof that that’s all we ever wanted, peep this hilarious video of a Knicks fan celebrating yesterday’s win.Â His reaction looked eerily similar to every Knicks fan at the Garden, LOL.

#NoFriggingSweepSon.Â Word.

The Knicks playoff slogan is #RiseUpNYK.Â Yesterday we did.

-@sdotrenee

Video via WorldStarHipHop

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports Tagged With: Amare Stoudemire, baron davis injury, Beat the Heat, Dwyane Wade, Heat, Iman Shumpert, Knick, Lebron James, Madison Square Garden, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks

Stoudemire’s bloody act will cost Woodson his job; Tweets apology

May 1, 2012 by Shana Renee 2 Comments

“You big dummy!” – Fred Sanford

That’s what everyone in the world is thinking after Amar’e Stoudemire stupidly punched glass and cut his left hand after last night’s 104-94 loss to the Miami Heat.

After the game, Stoudemire refused to speak with the media, but then hit up twitter and had this to say to his followers and fans:

I am so mad at myself right now, I want to apologize to the fans and my team, not proud of my actions, headed home for a new start

April 30, 2012 11:58 pm via webReply RetweetFavorite

@Amareisreal

Amar’e Stoudemire

We all have done thing out of anger that we regret. That makes us human. Bad timing on my part. Sorry guys. This to shall pass.

May 1, 2012 3:02 am via Echofon ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Amareisreal

Amar’e Stoudemire

Sorry guys?Â This to shall pass?

Whateva man.

Stoudemire’s behavior is so irreparable, there’s nothing he could ever say to absolve him of his selfish behavior.Â I get it, what’s done is done, but he just seems so passive about the whole situation.Â The people suffering most from Stoudemire’s sudden rush and poorly timed act of aggression are his teammates and Knicks fans.

Could yesterday’s emotional rage be fueled by more than the loss?Â Sure.Â There’s a possibility he’s still mourning his brother’s death.Â Maybe returning to Florida, where his brother died in car accident back in February, allowed old memories to emerge.Â Perhaps the frustration he demonstrated was a result of losing both the game and his brother.Â And if that’s the case, I understand that mourning the loss of a loved one and trying to function on the job is a tough balancing act.Â Ask Lamar Odom.Â The smallest thing can cause a slew of unresolved emotions to surface.

HOWEVER(!!!), when your hands are your moneymaker, you can’t go around punching glass.Â It simply cannot happen.Â I don’t care what you’re experiencing in life, especially when you’re supposed to be an integral part of the team.Â With Amar’e, the Knicks lacked the depth and talent to take on the Heat.Â Having lost its best perimeter defender in Iman Shumpert for 6-8 months, and making do with an old, overweight, and hurt Baron Davis at point guard, an injury ridden Jared Jeffries, and an unproductive trio of players in Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, and Mike Bibby, the Knicks were already shorthanded.Â And without him, they definitely don’t stand a chance.

As a result of last night’s loss, the Knicks tied the league record for most consecutive playoff losses at 12.Â They’re one loss away from setting a new record, and two losses away from being swept out of the first round…for the second year in a row.Â And might I add that Amar’e has taken himself out of the playoffs…for the second year in a row.

Any hope that the Knicks and its fans have of avoiding the same fate as last season falls on Carmelo Anthony.Â Though some argue the team is better off without Stoudemire’s suspect rebounding, defending, and free throw attempts, Melo doesn’t have a good enough supporting cast to help him take on the Heat.Â With all of the injuries, the Knicks’ biggest advantage, the bench, has become a non-factor.Â Steve Novak is ineffective because of the Heat’s superb defense and JR Smith’s erratic shooting has been a detriment to the team.Â ~~When~~ If the Knicks are swept again, Mike Woodson will be shown the door.Â Not even one week ago, I gave Woodson a ringing endorsement.Â But based on how the playoffs have unfolded, there’s no way he returns if the Knicks don’t stage some type of epic comeback.Â And while Glen Grunwald is hard at work trying to replace Woodson, he should also devise a masterful plan to ship Amar’e, the $100 million man, out of New York.Â Between his poor performance on the court, and dumb decisions off — cornrows and punching glass…he’s gotta go, too.

-@sdotrenee

Filed Under: Featured, NBA, Pro Sports, Sports Marketing, Sports Tweet of the Day Tagged With: Amar'e Stoudemire twitter, Amar'e Tweets, Amare Stoudemire, Glen Grunwald, Knicks, Miami Heat, mike woodson, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, Sports Tweet of the Day, STAT, Stoudemire punches glass, Stoudemire tweets

The list of all lists: Every player who’s repped the Knicks since their last playoff win (via NY Mag)

April 27, 2012 by Shana Renee Leave a Comment

Photo via NYKnicks.com

Rise up, Knicks faithful. Our boys need us. It’s official, after obliterating the Charlotte Bobcats last night, 104-84, the Knicks are set to meet the Miami Heat in South Beach. Tip-off for Game 1 of the series is set for Saturday at 3:30pm.

Now that the Knicks are returning to the playoffs as expected, the real work begins. In less than 24 hours, the Knicks will tackle the tough task of achieving something seemingly so simple, yet it’s eluded them for what appears to be forever…winning a post season game.

According to New York Magazine, It’s been 4,017 days since the NY Knicks won its last playoff game. We’re talking 11 years. And if you’re looking for an exact date, travel way back in time to April 29, 2001. On this date in history, Janet Jackson’s All for You was number one on the billboard charts (slow music year?), LeBron James was a sophomore in high school, and the Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors, 97-89 with a team that included Othella Harrington, Allan Houston, Mark Jackson, Glen Rice, Felton Spencer, Latrell Sprewell, Kurt Thomas, and Charlie Ward. After being reminded of this throwback roster, I’m surprised the Knicks were even able to win that game. But no matter how bad that team seems in retrospect, the list of basketball ~~posers~~ players that donned an NYK jersey over the past 11 years is far much worse.

New York Magazine compiled a list of every player that’s come and gone since the Knicks last recorded a win in the post season. During the team’s “rebuilding” era, the constant shuffling of unworthy players through the revolving doors of the World’s Most Famous Arena seemed endless. Ninety-six different players have suited up. Some of them are enshrined in Knicks history forever (2003 first-round draft bust Michael Sweetney, Tim Thomas of K-Mart fugazy fame) while others are faceless and forgettable (DerMarr Johnson, Cheikh Samb)…told you. And because curiosity got the best of me, I took things one step further and researched which players lucked up and won a ring after leaving New York. Don’t worry, I generously included that information for you below. NY Mag took care of everything else, though.

Let’s reminisce over the who’s who of the infamous Knicks players of the past, heroes of the present, and Toney Douglas. I apologize in advance for any vile reactions reading this list and reliving old memories may cause.

1. Shandon Anderson
Part of former G.M. Scott Layden’s obsession with players from his former team in Utah. Won a 2006 Championship with the Miami Heat.

2. Carmelo Anthony
Guest star on Showtime’s Nurse Jackie.

3. Trevor Ariza
Later became a key component of Lakers 2008-2009 championship team. Won a 2009 NBA Championship with the LA Lakers.

4. Vin Baker
Signed by Isiah Thomas after he was released by Celtics for being an alcoholic. Still alive.

5. Renaldo Balkman
Taken by Thomas one spot ahead of Rajon Rondo. Returned to the Knicks last year. Humpty.

6. Matt Barnes
Played six games in 2005 before being waived; you totally forgot he played for the Knicks, didn’t you?

7. Earl Barron
Came to Knicks from team called the Iowa Energy. Started six games.

8. Jonathan Bender
Ex-phenom limped out a few games for the Knicks in 2009-2010.

9. Mike Bibby
That he’s getting considerable minutes right now tells you all you need to know about Knicks’ point guard situation.

10. Chauncey Billups
Resigned, then amnestied, in the span of about a month. Will miss the payoffs with the Clippers because of injury.

11. Jamison Brewer
Part of the trade with the Spurs that ultimately landed David Lee.

12. Derrick Brown
Has started the last twelve games for the Charlotte Bobcats, all of which have been losses.

13. Jackie Butler
Outplayed vastly more expensive centers Eddy Curry and Jerome James for Larry Brown.Â This bust won the 2007 NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

14. Marcus Camby
He’s still active and on the Rocket’s roster in his sixteenth season.

15. Anthony Carter
Let us not forget that he might have been the best Knicks point guard during the playoffs last year.

16. Kelvin Cato
Plodding journeyman who mercifully ended his career at the Garden.

17. Wilson Chandler
Part of the Carmelo trade, of course, spent time in China before returning to Denver … and getting hurt again. (He’ll miss the playoffs.)

18. Tyson Chandler
Potentially your 2011-2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

19. Mardy Collins
Mostly known for brutal foul on future Knick J.R. Smith that started a brawl.

20. Jamal Crawford
Sometimes we wonder if he’d be the sixth man on a rec league team.

21. Joe Crawford
Played two games in April 2009.

22. Eddy Curry
The last, portly vestige of Thomas’s reign. Getting paid by the Heat right now, for what it’s worth.

23. Antonio Davis
Traded for the first-round pick not used on Rajon Rondo.

24. Baron Davis
Reminding us every day of what he used to be and what he now isn’t.

25. Michael Doleac
Recently got his masters in physics at the University of Utah. Won a 2006 NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.

26. Toney Douglas
Turns out … not a point guard!

27. Chris Duhon
As hated as he was when he was here, the Knicks could desperately use him right now.

28. Howard Eisley
Another Jazz castoff from Layden.

29. Raymond Felton
Has become awfully portly since the Knicks traded him.

30. Landry Fields
As frustrating as he might be, has still provided massive value from a second-round pick.

31. Steve Francis
Once-superb vet crippled by knee problems during Knicks run.

32. Channing Frye
A smart Isiah Thomas draft pick who didn’t blossom until after he left.

33. Danilo Gallinari
Getting better every month with the Nuggets.

34. J.R. Giddens
Received along with Bill Walker in Nate Robinson trade; team has renounced his rights within a month.

35. Anfernee Penny Hardaway
Former All-Star spent two seasons in NYC with arthritic knees. Doesn’t sound like Chris Rock, like, at all.

36. Josh Harrellson
Jorts.

37. Al Harrington
Yet another former Knick in Denver.

38. Jordan Hill
Traded to Houston for salary-cap space, now with the Lakers, somehow. Probably Donnie Walsh’s biggest mistake.

39. Eddie House
Received in Nate Robinson trade; not the next Jordan.

40. Larry Hughes
Knicks were the sixth of the seven teams Hughes has played for.

41. Jermaine Jackson
Not the singer.

42. Jerome James
Arguably worst free-agent signing in history of sports. Received five-year, $30 million deal in 2005; played four games in final two years of deal for Knicks.

43. Jared Jeffries
Injured right now but terrific as long as he never, ever shoots.

44. DerMarr Johnson
Signed by Knicks one and a half years after breaking his neck in a car crash.

45. Jerome Jordan
Consistently dominates the D-League, still gets confused with Jerome James.

46. Fred Jones
Actually won the slam-dunk contest once, if you believe that.

47. Travis Knight
Part of the Patrick Ewing trade.

48. Marcus Landry
Brother of Rockets star Carl Landry paid his own way to his Knicks tryout.

49. David Lee
One of three players on this list to play in an All-Star Game in a Knicks jersey. Still can’t play defense.

50. Jeremy Lin
Please, please come back soon, Jeremy.

51. Roger Mason Jr.
Hired shooter who, it turned out, absolutely could not shoot.

52. Stephon Marbury
Scowling, crazy face of a terrible decade. Not quite an NBA Championship, but the self-appointed “best point guard in the NBA” recently came up on a championship playing in China with the Beijing Ducks. That counts right? No? Didn’t think so either.

53. Antonio McDyess
Received $26 million and played eighteen games (knee problems) during Knicks tenure. Later revived career in Detroit.

54. Tracy McGrady
It will never stop seeming strange to see McGrady just suddenly enter the game in the third quarter for the Hawks.

55. Darko Milicic
Famous draft bust was traded to the T-Wolves for Brian Cardinal, who was then waived.

56. Nazr Mohammed
Averaged a near-double-double 10.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in one New York season. In 2005, we shipped him off to the Spurs in exchange for Malik Rose. Mohammed won a ring with the Spurs later that season.

57. Randolph Morris
First player in history to play in an NCAA and NBA game in the same week. Bet you didn’t know Morris was part of Steph’s championship team in China. Yep, he got a ring! *in my Andre Brown voice* Â

58. Timofey Mozgov
Bizarrely, was the last sticking point in the Carmelo trade. Cries every time Blake Griffin’s name is mentioned.

59. Dikembe Mutombo
Full name: Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo.

60. Lee Nailon
Currently playing for Bnei HaSharon in Israeli league.

61. Demetris Nichols
Played two games in 2008-2009 and scored five points.

62. Moochie Norris
Received for Clarence Weatherspoon in first trade Thomas ever made.

63. Steve Novak
Has never been seen attempting a layup.

64. Lavor Postell
Uh, he went to St. John’s!

65. Anthony Randolph
He’s still gonna make it! So much potential! You just wait!

66. Zach Randolph
Consistent scorer and rebounder with persistent legal problems. Traded to cut salary.

67. Andy Rautins
Lives on in the hearts of all of us (and in the locker of Landry Fields).

68. Quentin Richardson
Played himself in Van Wilder.

69. Anthony Roberson
Plays in France.

70. Larry Robinson
According to Wikipedia, “now works for Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Bossier City, Louisiana as Director of Player Development”

71. Nate Robinson
Won three slam-dunk contests as a Knick while regularly driving coach Mike Dâ€™Antoni to drink.

72. Sergio Rodriguez
Late-season point guard tryout in 2009-2010 earned him a new contract in Spain.

73. Jalen Rose
Has a podcast on Grantland, for some reason.

74. Malik Rose
Allegedly attacked by Nate Robinson in team shower. Now a broadcaster.

75. Cheikh Samb
Sengalese center played two games in 2009.

Click here for the complete list.

Seeing all of the players listed in black and white has me feeling all types of ways. The losing streak stops here, especially since the Heat swept us during the regular season. Time to beat these bastards and let the ‘Ws’ pile up…not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4…you get the picture. Let’s get it!

-@sdotrenee

Nod to NY Mag

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Beat the Heat, Knicks, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Playoffs, NEW YORK, New York Knicks, New York Magazine