New York Knicks

Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

D-Will: Knicks-Nets games were ‘more intense’ than any others

Posted on: June 17th, 2013 by Max Weisberg No Comments

 

Jason Kidd, Deron Williams

Deron Williams (R) with new coach Jason Kidd. (AP)

In speaking with reporters at a Nike House of Hoops event in Brooklyn this weekend, Deron Williams talked about the budding rivalry between the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.

"When the reporters are asking us, 'Is it a big deal?', I think we all kind of shrug it off," he said, according to ESPNNewYork.com. "But you can tell, the energy from those four games this season were probably more intense than any other four games we played in."

Williams also admitted that both teams celebrated differently after a win against their cross-town rival. "Even when we won or when the Knicks won, the way they celebrated wasn't how you would celebrate after a normal win. It definitely means much more. It's not really a rivalry yet, but I think it's forming, and as we get better and as the Knicks get better, I think it'll be a rivalry for years to come."

In a disappointment to all New York basketball fans, the Knicks-Nets series ended in late January last season (with a Nets victory and a 2-2 season series split) and thus we were unable to witness a matchup at a time when both teams were struggling for Eastern Conference playoff seeding late in the season.

Williams also talked about his excitement that friend and idol Jason Kidd was hired as his new head coach:

"I'm from Dallas and Jason Kidd got drafted to the Dallas Mavericks. He was my favorite player growing up," he said. "I had a chance to play against my favorite player, play with him on the Olympic team and win a gold medal, and now I get a chance to be coached by him.

"So it's going to be a great experience for me to get to learn from him and to develop under him. I think it's going to be great for our team as well. We can kind of grow together. I think all of us are a little upset with how the loss to the Bulls went, and we look forward to getting back out on the court already."

Finally, Williams gives Nets fans a reason to look forward to next season (not that they were deprived of any):

"I'm motivated anyways, just because of how last season went," he said. "It was a frustrating season for me because I had to deal with a lot of injuries, and it took me awhile to get right and get healthy. So I'm just looking forward to this season."

ESPN New York -- D-Will: Nets-Knicks rivalry 'forming'

TAGS: , ,
cross bridge battle , Manhattan Knicks Rivalry

Cross Bridge Battle, Game 6: Elimination Game Goes To OT, AND…

Posted on: June 7th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

In Game 1 of the real life NBA Finals Thursday night, San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker hit a seemingly impossible shot with the basketball just out of his fingertips, all but sealing the 92-88 victory over the Miami Heat.

Virtual Raymond Felton could take some tips from Parker.... MORE →

TAGS: , ,
cross bridge battle , Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

Cross Bridge Battle, Game 5 Results:
We’re Going Back To Brooklyn

Posted on: June 5th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

Aaaaaaaannnd we're going back to Brooklyn.

A wild back-and-forth contest ends in confusion, as the Brooklyn Nets do not foul despite being down just two points with four seconds left and coach Kharpertian screaming at them to foul, and the New York Knicks escape home court and Game 5 with a 115-113 victory. The loss keeps the Knicks alive in the Cross Bridge Battle, down 3 games to 2.

The Knicks shot 51% as a team (57% from deep). They were led by Iman Shumpert and Carmelo Anthony (23 points each), but it was Raymond Felton who stole the show, finishing with 14 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds, and the Player of the Game Award despite missing two key free throws late that could have put the game away for good. J.R. Smith added 22 points for the Knicks.

Felton also drained a half-court shot as the first quarter buzzer sounded, in an elimination game the Knicks won by two. (Check the video if you don't believe me.) So there's that.

The Nets were led by another stellar performance from Deron Williams, who finished with 29 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two blocks, but got an invisible game from All-Star Center Brook Lopez. Lopez finished with just four points and four rebounds in 30 minutes. Gerald Wallace finished with 20 points on 9-17 shooting, and Joe Johnson dropped 17 points, adding six boards, seven assists, and three blocked shots.

The Nets entered the third quarter with a 57-49 lead, limiting the Knicks to just 40% shooting in the first half, but lost the penultimate frame 34-22 before a back-and-forth fourth quarter.

Coach Dubin immediately screamed "VICTORY" at coach Kharpertian after the game, though he also lamented his inability to get a decisive win. Coach Kharpertian was unavailable for any comment beyond the depressed mutterings of a broken man.

The series swings back to Brooklyn for Game 6, and will go back to MSG if necessary for Game 7.

Box score and other relevant information below.






TAGS: , , , ,
cross bridge battle , Manhattan Knicks Rivalry

Coaches Dubin, Kharpertian Discuss Cross Bridge Battle

Posted on: June 3rd, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

Devin's assistant P.J. Carlesimo. (Raya Lim)

Four games into the Cross Bridge Battle and we're chock full of interesting storylines: the resurgence of J.R. Smith and Gerald Wallace, the highlight reel that is Deron Williams, the steady production of Joe Johnson and the steady but not game-changing production of Carmelo Anthony, the silence that is Raymond Felton, the surge of success born from the Blatche-Lopez frontcourt, and, of course, the virtuality of it all.

So with everything in mind, Coaches Jared Dubin and Devin Kharpertian sat down to talk about their series.

Note: this conversation started with me shooting a message to Jared titled "wanna chat it up about how I'm kicking your ass?" so there's your opening context.... MORE →

TAGS: , , , ,
cross bridge battle , Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

Cross Bridge Battle, Game 4: Brooklyn Dominates, Takes Series Stronghold

Posted on: June 3rd, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

Virtually one game away.

The Brooklyn Nets maintained home-court advantage in a major way, winning Game 4 of the Cross Bridge Battle in a 128-106 blowout over the New York Knicks. Heading into Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the Nets now have a 3-1 series lead, and are just one game away from winning the series outright.

Brooklyn was powered by Brooklyn's Backcourt of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. The two combined for 59 points on 25-40 shooting, adding six assists each. The Nets as a whole shot 58% from the field, including 8-9 from Brook Lopez and another double-double from Andray Blatche (13 points, 12 rebounds). MarShon Brooks added 10 points off the bench, including a pretty spin move in the fourth quarter (around 3:10 in the video).

The Nets bullied their way inside for the entire game, outscoring the Knicks 80-48 in the paint.

The Knicks were led once again by J.R. Smith, who scored 27 points on 10-17 shooting, but their other backcourt member struggled: Raymond Felton finished just 3-14 from the field in the loss. Iman Shumpert put up 24 points (including 3-5 from deep) and Carmelo Anthony added 19 points & 10 rebounds.

After a close first half, the Nets built their lead with a monstrous 37-21 third quarter, shooting 64% in the period with 10 of their 14 fast-break points, including one fast break dunk from Brook Lopez. (No, really. It's in the video.) They took a 99-79 lead into the fourth quarter, and unlike their near-collapse in Game 1, they never looked back.

Knicks Coach Jared Dubin was unavailable for comment after the game, as Nets coach Devin Kharpertian was busy screaming "BROOK-LYNNN" directly in his face.

Box score and other relevant info below.








TAGS: , ,
cross bridge battle , Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

Game 2 of The Cross Bridge Battle: Manhattan Evens It Up

Posted on: May 31st, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian 3 Comments

 

So much for the sweep.... MORE →

TAGS: , ,
Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

“QUIET: PRESS CONFERENCE UNDERWAY” – Jared and Devin discuss game 1

Posted on: May 31st, 2013 by Max Weisberg No Comments

 

Cross Bridge Battle

Which team are you on?

After a thrilling 116-113 win for the Brooklyn Nets (and Devin) over the New York Knicks (and Jared) in Game 1 of the virtual 2K13 Knicks vs. Nets Cross Bridge Battle playoff series, the two writers, err, coaches, took to the podium to discuss the game and the improvements that need to be made for Game 2.

Note: apologies for the lateness. Flights never have WiFi when they say they do.

QUIET PLEASE...

The winner, Devin, will go first:... MORE →

TAGS: , , , , ,
Manhattan Knicks Rivalry

Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks: Introducing The Virtual Cross Bridge Battle

Posted on: May 29th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian 2 Comments

 

Nets vs. Knicks: Battle of the Borough Beards.

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets never really had a shot at playing each other in the playoffs this year once the seeding was set -- neither team had much of a shot at getting past the Miami Heat, and both fell one round short of facing them.

But in the spirit of New York rivalries, we wanted a Nets-Knicks series, so: screw it, we're going to make it happen.

Welcome to the Cross Bridge Battle, an imaginary seven-game series between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, played exclusively on NBA 2K13 -- but with a twist.

The series will play out on NBA 2K13 with the most up-to-date rosters, and both teams are coached, meaning that the team's rotation and tendencies will be set prior to each game.

Coaching the Knicks is Jared Dubin, co-editor-in-chief of Hardwood Paroxysm, founder of TrueHoop Network blog HoopChalk, dedicated and loyal Knicks fan, and one of the smartest basketball minds I know.

He also co-wrote a book that I own, and you should too.

For the Nets? It'll be yours truly.

My request: as we enter into this fantasy world, we'll offer video highlights, game wrap-ups, images from the game, and box scores. Please join our make-believe world. Comment on the articles and videos. Take the polls. Post fan art commemorating the Fantasy Cross Bridge Series (hashtag #Nets on Instagram). And advise the coaches (that's me and Jared on what we should do in the next game.

Go Brooklyn!

TAGS: , ,
Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

Phil Jackson prefers Nets roster to Knicks

Posted on: May 23rd, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian 3 Comments

 

Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson (AP)

Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has already spurned Brooklyn's offer to become the next Brooklyn Nets head coach, saying he has no interest in returning to coaching. But that hasn't stopped him from talking about the franchise on more than one occasion.

After saying to Dan Patrick earlier this week that Brooklyn was the most attractive destination coaching-wise, Jackson expounded on his comments by commending Brooklyn's roster in the New York Times, saying that he prefers it to the New York Knicks:... MORE →

TAGS: , ,
Manhattan Knicks Rivalry , Nets

Study Concludes Nets Have NBA’s Worst Home Fans, Knicks Have Best

Posted on: May 16th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian 4 Comments

 

The Nets lead the Knicks in Oculus, but not in fan equity, study finds. (AP)

When looking at brand equity, or "capturing the size and intensity of a team’s fan base," the Brooklyn Nets were ranked 30th out of 30 NBA teams for the second straight year, according to a study done by Mike Lewis & Manish Tripathi of Emory University. The New York Knicks rank first, also for the second straight year.

The study focuses solely on the difference between predicted home revenue and actual home revenue, calculating predicted home revenue with a number of factors, including market size, winning percentage, and all-star players. The study does not consider television revenues or corporate presence in the cities.

The study adds that the Nets ended last despite having the 5th-largest improvement from last season of any team, which gives you an idea of the brand identity crisis the franchise had in New Jersey in the first place. "The Brooklyn Nets are a fascinating example, given the hype that surrounded the move to Brooklyn, and Jay-Zs 'ownership,'" Lewis & Tripathi added in the article.

The Nets don't seem to put much stock in the methodology.

"With all due respect to Emory University, that is a seriously flawed study," Barry Baum, Chief Communications Officer of the Brooklyn Nets & Barclays Center, told The Brooklyn Game.

Read More: Emory University -- Which NBA Team has the Best Home Fans? And Who has the Worst? Hint: It’s New York!

TAGS: ,
Contests

The BK Playoff Game: Two On The Line

Posted on: May 16th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

1) Indiana closing it out. After splitting the two games in New York and then sweeping the two-game home stretch in Indiana, the Indiana Pacers hold a commanding 3-1 lead on the New York Knicks and are one more road victory away from guaranteeing a spot against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Outside of a dominating 105-79 victory over the Pacers in Game 2, the Knicks have looked exceedingly vulnerable, a chilling contrast from their record-setting start to the season -- fewer three-pointers, Carmelo Anthony at small forward instead of power forward, and a lot of one-on-one offense. In Game 4, the Knicks shot just 35.6% from the field, and 61 of their 87 field goal attempts came from three players (Anthony, J.R. Smith, and Raymond Felton). If the Knicks continue their freakish stagnancy, they won't last beyond tonight.

2) Golden State staying alive. This is a personal choice. I'm a big fan of the Golden State Warriors and want to see them survive. They're down 3-2 to the San Antonio Spurs, but this is their last stand at home to force a Game 7. Earlier in the playoffs, Zach Lowe of Grantland called the Warriors' new offense -- particularly, Stephen Curry's new role thanks to the absence of David Lee -- "a glitch in the program." There's few things I enjoy more than watching a shooter dismantle a team from afar. Here's hoping Stephen Curry can do that tonight.

3) Golden State's Backcourt. On the heels of my gushing over Curry, I'd be remiss not to mention his partner in crime, Klay Thompson, whose production has plummeted since his 34-point, 14-rebound career night in Game 2 -- 17 points in Game 3, 10 points in Game 4, and just 4 in Game 5. The Warriors will need another great night from Thompson along with Curry to extend the Warriors' season to Game 7 -- will they get it?

TAGS: , , , ,
Contests

The BK Playoff Game: Carmelo’s Historical Heroball

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by Devin Kharpertian No Comments

 

Each day that there's a playoff game, we'll have three things to watch in the NBA playoffs. Each note will be accompanied by a contest. We'll announce winners after each round. Here's today's three things to watch:

1) Indiana doing it again. The Pacers now have a 2-1 lead over the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs, and it's no accident. While New York runs its offense through Carmelo Anthony at a historic rate (more on that in a bit), the Pacers utilize a balanced attack. Three different players (David West, Paul George, Roy Hibbert) have led the Pacers in scoring in their three games against New York, and they've gotten important contributions from George Hill and D.J. Augustin (in Game 1). It's not just their offense: the Pacers have done an excellent job funneling three-point attempts away from New York like no team has been able to this year. At home, their success should continue tonight.

2) An unlikely hero. With San Antonio joining the world in expecting Stephen Curry to shoot the Warriors through the playoffs, the Warriors got two unlikely heroes in their two series wins: guard Klay Thompson (who put up an enormous 34-14 in Game 2) and Harrison Barnes (who somehow took 26 field goal attempts in their Game 4 overtime victory). I'm guessing Thompson will do it again: you can only stay at home on Curry for so long without giving Thompson some open looks.

3) Melo the shooter. As Kevin Pelton of ESPN noted today, Carmelo Anthony is currently using 38.7% of his team's possessions in the playoffs, the highest of any multi-series playoff performance ever. He's taken 230 field goal attempts in the playoffs, just ten fewer than his next two teammates combined. If that trend continues and Anthony continues to shoot poorly -- just 39.1% in the playoffs an 29.5% from deep -- it could spell trouble for New York.

TAGS: , , , , , ,