Houston beat fire out of the Knicks yesterday with a stellar performance from a volleyball player. That’s right. Houston reserve Chase Budinger scored 19 points on 7 for 12 shooting. Budinger could might as well be a professional surfer with the way the Knicks are playing defense right now. The Houston Rockets were without their leading scorer and playmaker Kevin Martin yet they still handed the Knicks their eighth loss in nine games.
The Knicks finished off their road trip skidding to a halt. While Carmelo Anthony nursed his injured ankle and wrists Amar’e Stoudemire was mired deep in a performance quandary. Who are these Knickerbockers anyhoo? When did they become so enamored with the three point shot? This almost reminds me of the ill-fated Pitino era at MSG. But at least Pitino could instruct his players on how to execute a half-court trap.
The D’Antoni led Knicks are uninspired to extend their defense past arms length. And now even the teams offense has left them lonely. I was absolutely convinced several weeks ago when I personally watched the Knicks lackluster home court efforts that Mike D’Antoni would not be coaching this team into Black History month. Well, I’ve still got two(2) days left to dream I guess?
