Knickstape Podcast Episode 9 - The boys are back in town! Jimmy to NY? Knicks bright future

Listen to "Knickstape Episode 9 - We're Back! Knicks future; Jimmy Butler to NY?; NFL Picks" on Spreaker.

The summers over, Knicks training camp is upon us, the NBA is officially back and so is the Knickstape Podcast! Mike and Luke talk Jimmy Butler rumors, the Knicks promising future, the over / under for the 2018-2019 season, give their NFL picks and of course, we end with the Knicks Shitty Player of the Week.

The Knickstape Podcast Episode 2 - The Aftermath (KP Injured / Trade Deadline Insanity)

Listen to "Knickstape Episode 2 - The Aftermath (KP Out / Trade Deadline)" on Spreaker.

- KP out, where do the Knicks go from here?

- Trade Deadline Insanity - Mudiay to Knicks, Cavs trade everyone not named Lebron or JR

- Luke recalls witnessing Kemba Walker ask for a bottle of Grey Goose at the divey-est bar in America

- Where in the world is Eddy Curry?

Knicks Got Their Swagger Back...For Now That Is

“I guess I got my swagger back!”

Those are the words of New York’s resident mogul Jay-Z and the phrase the Knicks were saying after a colossal win over the reigning champion, Miami Heat, last night. Carmelo Anthony and his squad passed every test with flying colors. Matched up essentially one-on-one with LeBron James, Melo held his own and put up 29 points on 50 percent shooting from the field in addition to eight boards and five dimes. James outscored Melo by 3 putting up 32-5-6. Without their defensive captain on the floor for a second straight night the Knicks frontline came up huge. Amar’e Stoudemire had his best game of the season putting up 14 points and 11 boards to help out Melo and Kenyon Martin. Even Raymond Felton added 14 assist and continued his success against the Heat.

The most impressive performance of the night belonged to Mike Woodson. I’ve given the coach a lot of (well deserved) criticism the past few weeks. Last night Woodson ruled with an iron fist benching team clown J.R.Smith. The benching caught everyone off guard (even J.R. himself) and was Woodson’s first real stand against Smith. Woodson has had an equator-long leash on the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, but it looks like Smith has finally reached the end of the road. In addition to the Smith benching Woodson gave his young guns those precious minutes we have all been hollering for. Toure’ Murry played well in his ten minutes of action, picking up two nice steals and slowing down those quick Miami guards. Tim Hardaway Jr. played 13 minutes and had the highlight of the night, baptizing Jesus himself: Jesus Shuttlesworth that is. The rook soured for a put-back slam that punctuated a 32-23 quarter for the Knicks.

The Knicks look to keep the momentum going Saturday in Philadelphia against a Sixers team that’s looking forward to the lottery more than a division crown. If Anthony and the Knicks continue to play like an actual team there is no way in hell they should lose in Philly. Anthony has taken a full leadership role and is navigating hiss team out of the abyss that they drove themselves into with a nonexistent end to 2013. Since coming back from injury the Knick captain has averaged 26.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and a whopping 53.8 percent from downtown. With the supporting cast starting to find their roles watch out...the Knicks may in fact be back (fingers crossed). 

Heat will Prove to be Melo's Biggest Test Thus Far

via USA Today

Late Oakland Raiders Owner, Al Davis, said it best, “just win baby”. Last night the Knicks did just that, getting a much needed home win against the Pistons. It wasn’t the prettiest win in the world, but it got the job done. 

You aren’t awarded style points in this league, just wins and losses. Carmelo Anthony proved for a fourth straight game that he is the leader of this team. Without the Knicks only real rebounder, Tyson Chandler, they were able to hold off the big front line of the Pistons. When those tough minutes reared their ugly head late in the fourth Anthony kept his team’s head above water. He hit the big shot, made the big stop and grabbed the game sealing rebound. That’s what Melo was brought here to do. When Dolan gutted his nucleus to get him from Denver it was with the expectation that he could be the man that leads New York out of basketball irrelevancy. Last night was a reminder of that potential.

Tomorrow night is the ultimate litmus test for Anthony and his squad. LeBron James and the Miami Heat come to town and all bets are off when someone with James’ stature comes to the Mecca. If the Knicks do not come out crisp, James and the Heat will laugh their way to a blowout victory. Melo has quietly played well against James throughout his career going 10-7 against the King in the regular season. If Chandler is a no go once again Kenyon Martin and Anthony will have to pick up the slack on the interior. On the perimeter J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert have to get going in The Garden. The duo shot a combined 4-14 last night. Shumpert, coming off a hot streak in Texas was unable to recreate a similar shooting performance, but still managed to make an impact in the game. J.R. on the other side is still struggling shooting the rock, but has also taken notice of his slump and reduced his shot attempts.

The recipe for a Knicks victory is simple, hit threes and control the glass. The Knicks will not win if Anthony is the only person scoring. The second leading scorer last night was Andrea Bargnani with 13 points. That’s not going to cut it against the defending champs. Coach Woodson is going to have to mix it up (FOR ONCE) and will need to go back to the rotation he used in Texas. giving Torre Murry and Tim Hardaway Jr. at least 15 minutes. Murry only played five minutes on Tuesday comared to Raymond Felton's 30. Felton played well last night, but the only thing he can stay in front of is a refrigerator. Quick-footed guards blow by Felton with such ease it’s a joke. Woodson needs to give Murry those minutes, let him slow down those quick Miami guards and force them to beat you shooting jump shots. The Knicks have given us a reason to believe in 2014 and tomorrow night will show us if this turn around is real or just a smoke screen.