| Nice move by Mike Woodson last night |
Thu, 26 April 2012 17:38  |
 collect-on-tuesday
Messages: 653
Registered: January 2012 |
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Thought Woodson made a nice move last night night that will pay dividends in the playoffs. Bout 6 minutes to go they were up 13 points and then the Clippers started making a run. Melo was on the the bench and the Knicks were running the offense through JR Smith. Smith didn't exactly close the door but when the lead got cut to 3 he made a three and then hit another jumper with .30 seconds left up 1. He then made some free throws after a Clipper miss. He missed his fair share of shots in between. Woodson wasn't in a situation where win/lose it really mattered (7th/8th seed) so he wasn't risking much. However, since I have been watching the past month, it seems like Smith in some way plays like he is an integral part of a team. Like a veteran, not just some side show like when he was a Nugget. This guy has been VERY disruptive on the defensive end. I think Smith has takin it upon himself to be a difference maker. Defensively he has played well on the ball, active hands, deflected a lot of balls leading to the type of turnovers that turn into dunks or paint kickouts for threes. He has absolutely killed big men when he has helped down. He's bringing energy off the bench and really being the offense for the second unit. He still makes those crazy mistakes but not as many. I like that Woodson put the outcome of last nights final home game on his shoulders. I think he was rewarding Smith for his play since he has been the coach. Smith is showing up every night and playing hard and I don't think anyone doubts his talent, just his desire and focus. I can't get that second quarter defensive performance they had at home against the Heat a couple weeks ago. I think they can make some noise. I won't bet against them in the playoffs for the sole reason that I think they now have substance. Are they good defensively? Not fundamentally IMO, but they have been very active and have been good at closing passing lanes and getting deflections. Their rotations have been solid. Coach is holding them accountable
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| Re: Nice move by Mike Woodson last night |
Thu, 26 April 2012 18:49  |
TarHeel
Messages: 1896
Registered: February 2012 |
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I've always held a bit of a grudge against J.R. Smith for signing a letter of intent to go to UNC and then bailing for the NBA straight out of high school after the McD All American game.
[Updated on: Thu, 26 April 2012 18:50]
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