(Ben Gordon launching his game-winning floater Monday afternoon at MSG)
Things are going from (very) bad to (much) worse in short succession for the New York Knicks, as thefollowing a loss to the lowly Hornets with two defeats in 48 hours to the Chicago Bulls. If Stephon Marbury is the best point guard in the NBA, what does that make Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich? The latter was the eldest Bull on the floor for much of the afternoon….and he’s 24. Chicago’s much maligned draft picks from the last several years are begining to gel together, and the Bulls’ combined shot blocking prowess and deft outside touch makes them a tough matchup for….well, anybody.
Scott Skiles might’ve worn out his welcome in Phoenix, but it’s doubtful one of his teams would try to inbound the ball and take a shot from the top of the key with a tenth of a second remaining. How is it that every member of the Bulls knew that Kurt Thomas’ desperation heave wouldn’t count if it went in, but Lenny Wilkens didn’t?
Ira Kaplan helpfully points out the silver lining :
New York activated Jamal Crawford, who had missed 10 games with a toe injury, from the injured list before the game. He had eight points on 4-of-14 shooting — including 0-for-7 on 3-pointers
If only Allan Houston were able to regain his pre-injury form this quickly!