March 29, 2024

VIDEO Discussion: It took two overtimes for Knicks to beat the Philadelphia 76ers, what does this say about the Knicks and the 76ers; Derek Fisher and Matt Barnes meet again

 

Brook Lopez won the battle of the brothers; Thaddeus Young had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the ghost of Joe Johnson returned

The Brooklyn Nets took advantage of New York Knicks minus forward Carmelo “Melo” Anthony on Wednesday night and beat the Knicks 110-104, snapping a season-high 10-game home losing streak. It was the Nets’ third straight home victory over the Knicks.

In a game with lots of story lines, first is Nets’ interim coach Tony Brown’s first victory overall. Brown inherited the interim coach position on Sunday when former Nets head coach Lionel Hollins lost his position.

Perhaps, the Nets going into this game believed that they could win, Melo or no Melo, considering they have won five of the last six games against the Knicks. Perhaps, it was a new head coach with a new philosophy and new demeanor, but the Nets seemed to play with more energy and more swagger.

Bojan Bogdanovic came off the bench in the first quarter on three-point fire; knocking down 3 three-pointers in three minutes 11 seconds of play. Overall, Bogdanovic scored 14 points and four rebounds in just under 23 minutes of playing time.

Nets center Brook Lopez won the battle of the brothers, as he was more productive than his brother Robin Lopez. In 29:32 minutes of play, Brook scored 20 points, five assists, and eight rebounds to Robin’s nine points and 12 rebounds in 30:40 minutes of play.

Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Shane Larkin, who didn’t start in place of injured Jarrett Jack, put up 17 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Joe Johnson, who is still the subject of trade rumors and looked like the Joe Johnson of previous seasons, he made two key jumpers in the final 2 minutes and finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Point guard Wayne Ellington chipped in 10 points, two assists, and two rebounds.

The electricity in the air at the Barclays Center was palpable. Celebrity row actually had celebrities. R&B singer Maxwell was in the house promoting his upcoming concert with rapper Nas. New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who was cheered at the opening of the Barclays Center, was roundly booed; probably by disappointed Giants fans. Even former Knicks player Andrea Bargnani got booed, but surprisingly, not Shane Larkin another former Knick. At times, there was a battle of the fans, as Knicks fans made their presence known. Nets fans may have been outnumbered, but most of the evening, they were not shrinking violets.

"Games like this, it's going to help turn our fan base around," Brown said. "If we continue to play in this kind of fashion, we'll fill the seats, but we've got to show them first. It'll take time, but tonight was a good start."

In defeat, Knicks forward Derrick Williams came off the bench and led all scorers and tied his career high 31 points. Other Knicks players scoring in double digits were Arron Afflalo with 18 points; Jose Calderon added 16 points and wonder-kid Kristaps Porzingis, who shot just 5 for 17, chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds.

"On nights like this when we don't have (Anthony), I can't have a shooting night like this," Porzingis said. "I've got to step up. I've got to score the ball more."

Looks like the stars aligned for the Nets.

Next up for the Nets will be the Portland Trailblazers on Friday.

If the Knicks are to enjoy any success this season as overachievers, Carmelo Anthony has to be the star of the show

If you are a New York Knicks fan, there is no point in looking into the past. A brand new season is upon us. It’s a clean slate; and last season was one of the worst seasons in franchise history. As hard as it is to gain any sense of optimism regarding the Knicks chances this season, there’s actually a good reason why you should invest your precious time. Phil Jackson, the Knicks president struck out when it came to the top free agents like LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe but what he did do was put together a team full of solid players who can play in the triangle offense.

Robin Lopez signed on for four years and $54-million. Kyle O’Quinn was acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic. Former Laker and Jackson disciple, Sasha Vujacic, a sharp shooter, provides the Knicks with a legitimate deep threat. Aaron Afflalo, a former teammate of Carmelo Anthony will start at the two. And other signees like Kevin Seraphin, Derrick Williams, draft picks: Kristaps Porzingis (4th overall), Jerian Grant (19th overall, traded to Knicks), Louis Amundson and Lance Thomas round out the offseason moves.

Anything done with the mindset of improving the team from last year should be commended and regarding the Knicks, they definitely improved. They got bigger, tougher, added some perimeter scoring and most importantly brought in players who they believe can be system players.

Although preseason doesn’t mean much, the new personnel showed signs of what to expect this season. Williams looked like an early candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Melo was in mid-season form after enduring left knee surgery in February, which kept him off the court following the All-Star break. And for a change, the Knicks actually showed some life on the defensive end of the floor.

They looked energized, collecting steals and plenty of blocks, highlighting the athletic ability of Williams and the length of Porzingis, which will be a strength for the Knicks this season. In addition to Williams, Lopez was acquired primarily to anchor the Knicks on the defensive end along with Seraphin and O’Quinn, so the Knicks should be able to prevent teams from dominating on offense in the post.

Like the defense, the bench should also be a plus this season. Williams sports the kind of game that can lead the 2nd unit on offense. Rookie, Grant is a four-year collegiate athlete who does a great job penetrating the lane to make plays for himself and others. Langston Galloway, who plays on both ends, feels like he has a chip on his shoulder, going undrafted last year out of St. Joe’s and Cleanthony Early is looking to enjoy a better sophomore campaign.

The Knicks bench probably won’t lead the league in bench scoring, but you can bet that they will defend and provide a much-needed spark transitioning from the starters. And most importantly, they are young. There’s a lot to like with this Knicks team and in the bright spots that reflect the 2015-16 version of the Knicks, there are also many questions.

Questions surrounding Porzingis and how well he plays in his first season in the association will arise. Porzingis will play the most basketball he has ever played in his life and will matchup with the cream-of-the-crop in big men on a nightly basis. Can he handle it? Since he was drafted, Porzingis has spent this summer getting stronger, adding 11 pounds of muscle to his wiry frame to be able to bang down low with a game that represents Euro basketball well. According to multiple sources, Porzingis has spent significant time working on his back to the basket game after practice. But like every rookie, Porzingis, as talented as he is as a 7-footer, will experience some growing pains and how he handles adversity will be essential to his development.

Is Melo completely healthy? If the Knicks are to enjoy any success this season as overachievers, Melo has to be the star of the show like he is paid to be. Melo has to put this team on his back and be a reliable source of points whenever the Knicks need it, especially in the fourth quarter. Although Melo has to lead this team in scoring, he does have to be a model citizen as the leader of this group and with scoring, prioritize moving the ball and playing defense for the best possible outcome.

Can Derek Fisher coach and will the Knicks remain healthy are other questions that the orange and blue must answer this season if they plan to qualify for the playoffs. The Knicks will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in its season opener and it seems like health is already an issue.

Afflalo will miss the season opener due to a strained left hamstring, joined by Amundson (sore lower back) and Seraphin (sore right knee).

Not too long ago, Melo compared this Knicks team to the New York Mets who are currently in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Melo sees comparisons in how his Knicks and the Mets had to rebuild and craft a team that can win at a high level. Unfortunately for Melo and co. the Knicks aren’t World Series ready, but the 8th seed is definitely within reach.

VIDEO DISCUSSION: Porzingis and Grant are officially members of the New York Knicks

New York Knicks has signed its 2015 NBA first-round draft picks, forward Kristaps Porzingis and guard Jerian Grant to contracts. The Knicks re-signed forward Lou Amundson to a contract. In usual fashion, the terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Porzingis, 7-3, 233 pounds, was the fourth overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft who had played professionally for Cajasol Seville in Spain over the past three seasons. In 75 career ACB games, the 19-year-old averaged 8.1 points, and also added a 9.9 points-per-game average in Eurocup play. At the 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this month, Porzingis averaged 10.5 points in four games for New York’s entry.

Grant, 6-4, 198, was the 19th overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. Grant averaged 14.6 points and 5.8 assists over four seasons with Notre Dame. In his senior season, the Silver Spring, MD native was named a First Team All-American and was one of five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year by averaging 16.5 points and 5.8 assists in 38 games. At the 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this month, Grant averaged 11.8 points and 4.8 assists in five games for New York’s entry.

VIDEO Discussion: All agree Devon Still ESPY speech most inspirational; Dez Bryant hits the jackpot; Brooklyn Nets making moves; NY Knicks look promising

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, the panel of hosts Glenn Gilliam and Gregory Alcala, and correspondents Naomi Grey and Jason Schott are discussing Caitlyn Jenner's and Devon Still's speeches at the Espy Award; Dez Bryant's contract with the Dallas Cowboys; updates on the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, the New York Liberty; and the WNBA All-Star Game

VIDEO: Nets: Jefferson waived; Sign Bargnani; and Robinson underwent successful surgery; Knicks Summer League: topple Jahlil Okafor and 76ers; and Porzingis Adjusting 

On Monday, July 13, the Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King requested waivers on forward Cory Jefferson.

Then on Wednesday, July 15, Brooklyn Nets Forward and newcomer, Thomas Robinson, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove torn cartilage from his right knee today at The Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. The surgery was performed by Nets’ Medical Director Dr. Riley Williams III.

Robinson, who was injured on Tuesday while working out in New York City, will begin rehab immediately and will be ready for on-court activities before the start of Brooklyn Nets Training Camp.

Lastly, on Friday, July 17, the Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King Announced that the Nets have signed Forward/Center Andrea Bargnani.

“Andrea will give us the ability to space the floor and complement our other front court players,” said King. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Meanwhile across the river, the New York Knicks battled to topple Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers, 84-81, to remain undefeated (3-0) in an overtime thriller in NBA Summer League action.

VIDEO: Brooklyn Nets player, Kenyon Martin has decided to call it quits after 15 years in the NBA.

In addition for playing for the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), Kenyon Martin played for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of China. The 6'9" power forward played college basketball for Cincinnati before being drafted with the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets.

 

Geno Smith Gets Mixed Reviews from Media and Boos from the Fans

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, host Glenn Gilliam and correspondent Gregory Alcala are joined by Freedom Williams, a hip hop and dance music performer, who gained fame as the lead vocalist on C+C Music Factory's biggest hits.

Glenn, Greg and Freedom are chopping it over the following topics:

WHAT’S POPPIN’:

• Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg returns to the lineup. Can the Nationals get back to first place in the division?

• New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is getting mixed reviews from the media regarding training camp

Sydney Seau, daughter of the late Junior Seau,  stole the show at the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

• New York Liberty guard, Epiphanny Prince, drops a season high 30 points for the New York Liberty

• New Acquired New York Knicks shooting guard Aaron Affalo says Carmelo Anthony is very committed to the New York Knicks and is optimistic about the upcoming season.

• Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King announced the signing of guard Donald Sloan.

• What’s The 411Sports acknowledges the passing of NFL Hall of Famer and Monday Night Football broadcaster, Frank Gifford.

UNDER THE RADAR

• Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant believes his Lakers team will make the playoffs.

Ohio State’s football team is starting the season with some challenges

ON THE BENCH:

• The NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame for its treatment of Sydney Seau
• Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Hill for reckless driving
• The San Francisco 49ers Aldon Smith is on the bench for DUI and vandalism charges. Smith is a free agent now that the 49ers cut him.

IN THE PIPELINE:

• The U.S. Tennis Association's Connecticut Open is august 21 -29 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven Connecticut. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you better get moving.

• The USTA's US OPEN (tennis) will be held on August 31 – September 13.

• The multi-sport All Africa Games will be held in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo on September 4 -19.

VIDEO: Knicks fans should be encouraged with Kristaps Porzingis, the 4th pick overall in 2015 NBA Draft

The top 2 picks in the NBA draft Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell made their summer league debuts and showed glimpses of what’s to come. Towns scored 12 points while Russell dazzled sharing the ball with 6 assists. And, New York Knicks fans should be encouraged, Kristaps Porzingis had a respectable showing during the NBA Summer League.

Phil Jackson’s Basketball Legacy May Hinge on the 2015 NBA Draft

After failing its fans during this past NBA regular season, the New York Knicks saved its best disappointment for last. In yesterday’s 2015 NBA Draft Lottery, the Knicks, who owned the second-best percentage to obtain the no.1 overall pick with 19.9 percent, fell out of the top-three selections, settling for the fourth overall pick. Of course, it had to be them. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who had a 25 percent chance of picking 1st overall, landed the top pick, the Los Angeles Lakers finished 2nd and the Philadelphia 76ers landed the 3rd.

The last team to finish with the highest percentage in picking no.1 was the Orlando Magic in 2004, and tonight, the Timberwolves overachieved.

“We were jumping up and down,” Wolves head coach and team president, Flip Saunders told the media following the lottery. “This gives us flexibility…every spot you move up, you have more control of what’s going to happen, you have more people talking to you, cause they’re trying to find out what you’re going to do and where you’re going.”

And it’s the flexibility that the Wolves are enjoying right now, a feeling the Knicks have coveted since the 2014-15 NBA regular season ended. With the 4th pick now a reality, the Knicks may have to change its focus. In early March, reports stated that the NBA fined Phil Jackson, the president of basketball operations for making a comment that could be construed that the Knicks were interested in Ohio State freshman, D’Angelo Russell. Basketball savants consider Russell to be a top-3 pick.

With the Sixers and Lakers both expressing interest in Russell, and the point guard position in general, according to multiple reports, the Knicks may need to look elsewhere and prepare for the reality that Russell might not be there when it is time for the Knicks to make their pick. They can also forget about Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, who shouldn’t slide past the 2nd pick. What seems more likely is Emmanuel Mudiay, the guard who decided to play in China, skipping that one-year college rule.

Mudiay was a highly regarded prospect, like Russell entering college and was slated to play for former NBA head coach, Larry Brown at SMU. But due to personal reasons regarding his family, Mudiay took the Brandon Jennings route and had to grow up quicker than the average 18-year old. In addition to Mudiay, Kentucky big, Willie Cauley Stein, a 7-footer who was honored as the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and Justise Winslow, fresh off of winning the NCAA National Title will be available, all targets of the Knicks as well.

Earlier this month, Winslow sat next to Carmelo Anthony at a New York Yankees game and who knows what was discussed between the current Knick and the soon to be NBA employee. The fact is, the Knicks still have options with the 4th pick. It can’t get any worse.

The 4th pick just hurts because of who the Knicks are and it seems like not winning the lottery and having to settle for the 4th overall pick, sums up the ineptitude the franchise has experienced for the last five years. According to, CBSsports.com, the Knicks are open to trading their 1st-round pick.

Although you can attract some suitors for this pick and maybe pick a player for a team with a substantial player coming in return, this is not encouraging news. The first overall pick could haul a franchise player while the 4th could also yield the type of player that could change the Knicks fortunes for brighter days. Keep the pick.

4th NBA Draft Pick Not So Bad, Knicks Need to Pick Right Guy

Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Mike Conley and Russell Westbrook were all former no.4 overall selections and have made significant contributions to the league that has made them household names. The Knicks can do the same here. They just have to pick the right guy. At the end of the day, the NBA Draft is a lottery in itself.

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