The Nets and Knicks go into tonight's contest separated by only a half-game, the Nets 8-16 and the Knicks 8-15. But despite two close losses to the Bulls and Celtics, the Knicks have a 2-8 record, the Nets 5-5 over the last ten. And the Knicks are only without Baron Davis (who this week missed his 200th game in the last decade) while the Nets are still working with 10.
"We’re heading to Brooklyn next year and we definitely want to make this a rivalry game," Deron Williams said. "I’m sure guys have had this one circled and are looking forward to it."
The Knicks big problem appears to be a lack of cohesion, the result of a lack of a point guard. While the addition of Tyson Chandler has helped their defense, the commensurate loss of Chauncey Billups has hurt their offense. Carmelo Anthony does seem to have bought their plan the last few games, sharing the ball rather than taking ill-advised shots.. Problem is this is the Knicks' third game in a back-to-back-to-back. On top of that, there are rumors that Mike D'Antoni will be fired this weekend.
The Nets had their chances vs. the Timberwolves at the end, just the Knicks did with Celtics, but came away with a turnover rather than a shot. Anthony Morrow is averaging 35 points over the last two and credits Deron Williams for getting him open.
- New Jersey Nets Game Notes - New Jersey Nets
- New York Knicks Game Notes - New York Knicks
- Getting Inside - New Jersey Nets - Sports Xchange
- Getting Inside - New York Knicks - Sports Xchange
- Nets-Knicks Preview - Chris Altruda - STATS LLC
- Knicks lose to Celtics; D'Antoni sinking fast - Marc Berman - New York Post
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Knicks owner James Dolan and friends better get to the point - Frank Isola - New York Daily News