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. 

An Open Letter to Coach Woodson

Coach Woodson,

We know these are dark times. We know you are without the anchor of your defense. We know the front office didn’t do much to improve the roster this past offseason. What we don’t know is why you don’t play the young bucks more. You were on the bench when Linsanity happened. What more do you have to lose? You’re the best coach this team has had since Jeff Van Gundy fled for Houston, but you are falling off your game. Your message is not getting through to the team. The effort is just not there. On Thursday you and your team can right some of the wrongs by beating that team from Brooklyn. Here are a couple suggestions for that battle.

As you saw last night and throughout his limited minutes this season, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a baller and not afraid to take that big shot. We get that you and J.R. are tight and that you think highly of him, but facts are facts; he’s coming off an injury and playing like it. We know how shaky J.R. can be and you can lose his attention as fast as you can get it, but he has not shown that he should be getting those crunch time minutes. Hardaway Jr. on the other hand has shown that he should at least get an opportunity to take those minutes. What do you have to lose? You can’t dip any lower than where we are right now.

Another young buck that hasn’t sniffed the court has been rookie Toure' Murry. Murry was impressive in the preseason, but has not been given an opportunity in the regular season. Instead you have opted for Beno Udrih, Pablo Prigioni and Raymond Felton to defend quick guards like John Wall, Damian Lillard and so on. This is eerily similar to Lin in 2011 and Copeland in 2012. Why not see if history repeats itself again? I have little doubt Murry can do as bad as the older guys have been on defense. Murry is a long lanky guard who can actually stay in front of these quick point guards. Again I ask, what do you really have to lose?

Finally let's get back to small ball. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Last year’s team finished with 54 wins; the most since 1995 when Pat Riley and Patrick Ewing still occupied the building. This team is at its best when Melo is at the four, Shump at the three and either Hardaway or J.R. at the two. Without Tyson, Martin can play the five with Amar’e or Bargnani backing him up.

In the end Coach, everyone's suggestions mean nothing. You’re the head coach. On Thursday you face the rival team from Brooklyn. A win against them will help to right this quickly sinking ship. The only thing that is certain is that some type of change needs to be made and you’re the only one in position to do so. It’s time to put all the cards on the table Thursday. We’ll be watching.

Sincerely,

Knickstape