Knicks Creep By Timberwolves
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The Knicks didn't run away with the lead, because the game was competitive. The Timberwolves and the Knicks were competing throughout the game. With the Timberwolves having new players caused the Knicks to win.
"It's always good to win your home opener, and for us here in New York we struggled last year at the start of the season at home," Isiah Thomas said. "It's good to come out and win the first game and our fans were great tonight. They were very supportive and they wanted to see a good basketball game, and I thought they saw one."
The Knicks needed to win in Madison Square Garden, because they haven't been able to succeed in home openers in the past.
The game was entertaining, and great to watch. Seeing the Knicks compete was great, but there's doubts it'll last.
"I think this is a game we definitely wanted to win, no matter who we were playing here," Eddy Curry said. "Being that it was the first time that our crowd got to see us when the games counted and we just wanted to show them we're a different team. We're going to play hard for 48 minutes."
The New York Knicks were expected to win, because the Timberwolves made big changes. It'll take time for the Timberwolves to show progress. Trading your best player for young and developing talent isn't comfortable, they'll improve as the future go's on.
The Timberwolves were competitive, and that's great. They could have won, but being able to compete was surprising for the Timberwolves.
"You look at the game, we were right there at the end in this game and the game before," Ryan Gomes said. "The last five minutes we didn't convert on some easy baskets. They got a few leak outs. Crawford hit some big shots. I think we're confident where we are but of course you want to win at the end."
The Timberwolves will be better then people expect, but their not making the playoffs. Their learning quick, and they'll win some impressive games. Their only problem is facing top contending teams in the league.
Jamal Crawford played the best, and he helped the Knicks get their victory. He scored 24 points, and 7 assist which was impressive; scoring 10 of his 24 in the fourth quarter got the Knicks their victory.
"In the past I've always been the guy that kind of guys start saying 'Come on, Jamal, it's time to step up,"' Crawford said. "So I take pride in that."
Crawford is the most productive player on the Knicks, and it'll continue because he performs.
"We had to do a better job at the foul line," Isiah Thomas said. "It's the little things that beat you."
Their foul line issues improved, and that's helpful. Their defensive problem still remain, and it'll continue unless changes are made.
The Timberwolves problem is just experience, because their players are young. This team's future looks good, but their front office is "horrible." Foul calling, and mistakes are going to happen, because their young and learning.
"This team is going to have to earn the respect of the officials (and) other teams," Randy Wittman said. "We can't stop going to the basket. We will get those calls. Our guys need to keep putting their heads down and keep going."
Ryan Gomes played great, he's always been an underrated player. A player that can rebound, and produce defensively is helpful. He scored 19 points, and was 7-17 with 7 rebounds. His field goal's needs to improve, but he'll get better.
Al Jefferson has high expectations with lots of potential. He's the expected superstar, and has the ability to thrive. He averaged 17 points, and 10 rebounds last season, and he'll produce this season as well. He scored 16 points with 12 rebounds against the Knicks, and he performed the best for the Timberwolves.
The Knicks were more productive offensively, because more players were able to score. Zach Randolph scored 15 points, and 10 rebounds. He's been effective since his arrival, and it will continue.
Stephon Marbury scored 17 points, and 7 assist. He'll be inconsistent throughout the season, because that's how "Poorbury" has always played since he joined the Knicks.
Eddy Curry had 14 points, and 7 assist. His rebounds has improved, but he'll have to produce consistently.
David Lee produced effectively; he had 14 points and 7 rebounds. He needs to improve, because many didn't believe he'll succeed this season.
- Quotes from Yahoo Sports*
