Knicks at Mavericks
THE STORY: The inconsistent New York Knicks have split wins and
losses in their last eight outings, which could mean a victory is on the
way against the host Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday following an overtime
defeat to Boston on Sunday. New York managed to knock off the reigning
NBA champion in the last meeting, winning 104-97 at home on Feb. 19. It
was only the second time in the past 10 encounters the Knicks have
downed the Mavericks, who have lost five of their last four contests.
TV: 8:30 p.m., NBA TV, FS Southwest (Mavericks), MSG (Knicks)
ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-19):
Coach Mike D’Antoni is trying to find a way to string wins together.
One idea that is bouncing around is shaking up the starting lineup,
moving veteran point guard Baron Davis in, sliding overnight sensation
Jeremy Lin to shooting guard and dropping Landry Fields to the bench.
D’Antoni has toyed with the Davis-Lin backcourt in practice and - after
Fields’ poor performance versus Boston - could be tempted to try out
this lineup. Rookie Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith have also been pushing
for a shot at the starting five.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (22-17):
Dallas continues to struggle on offense, scoring only 91 points in a
four-point loss to Oklahoma City on Monday. The Mavericks offense looked
lost down the stretch outside of some clutch shooting from Dirk
Nowitzki, who didn’t touch the ball on the final two possessions of the
game. Dallas has cracked the century mark only once in its last nine
outings and is averaging just over 91 points in that span – going 2-7.
Last season, the Mavericks averaged more than 100 points per night. It
appears their veteran-heavy roster is feeling the grind of the 66-game
schedule and won't catch a break Tuesday, playing their fourth game in
five nights.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Knicks forward
Steve Novak is becoming a dangerous threat from downtown. He hit 4 of 7
3-point attempts versus Boston and 57 of his 71 field goals (80.2
percent) have come from beyond the arc – the highest ratio in the NBA.
2.
Mavericks starting center Brendan Haywood injured his ankle 31 seconds
into Monday’s loss to the Thunder. He did not return and is listed as
questionable.
3. There is no denying Carmelo Anthony’s impact on
“Linsanty.” In the five games since Anthony’s return, Lin is averaging
15.8 points – nearly 10 points less than during his nine-game explosion
with Anthony out with a groin injury.