Knicks at Warriors
THE STORY: The New
York Knicks play for the first time since Christmas Day when they visit
the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. New York defeated the Boston
Celtics in the season opener with Carmelo Anthony scoring 17 of his 37
points in the final quarter, including the two decisive free throws with
16.7 seconds remaining. The contest against the Warriors is the first
of a three-game West Coast road swing for the Knicks that includes games
against the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Golden State
enters the contest with a hearty dose of confidence after stunning the
Chicago Bulls on Monday. The Warriors hounded reigning MVP Derrick Rose
into a poor night and forced 20 turnovers while getting standout
performances from Stephen Curry (21 points, 10 assists, six steals),
Monta Ellis (25 points) and David Lee (22 points). The result was Mark
Jackson’s first career coaching victory.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), CS (Golden State), NBATV
ABOUT THE KNICKS (1-0):
New York has the powerful frontcourt duo of Anthony and Amar’e
Stoudemire but the backcourt situation is an issue because of injuries.
First-round draft pick Iman Shumpert sprained ligaments in his right
knee against Boston and veteran Mike Bibby missed the game because of a
sore back. Newcomer Baron Davis is out with a herniated disc in his
back. Shumpert could be sidelined up to four weeks so New York signed
Jeremy Lin on Tuesday. New York’s starting guards are Toney Douglas and
Landry Fields.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (1-1): Curry continues
to have trouble with his right ankle and is doubtful for Wednesday’s
game. Curry missed the final 5:52 of Monday’s victory over the Bulls
after aggravating the injury. Curry underwent X-rays after the game and
an MRI on Tuesday. Curry had surgery on the ankle in the off-season and
re-injured it in again during the preseason. The Warriors don’t play
again until Saturday so sitting out against the Knicks might help the
third-year player who averaged 18.6 points last season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
Lee had 28 points and 10 rebounds last season in his lone outing
against the Knicks, the team with which he spent his first five NBA
seasons.
2. Tyson Chandler blocked six shots in his New York debut, one shy of the career-best total he has accomplished three times.
3. Stoudemire is averaging 22.0 points and 9.4 rebounds in 28 career games against Golden State.