The Times They Are A-Changin’

February 28, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time to make some changes around here.

Everything evolves. People evolve (I’m not trying to start the debate to end all debates). The world evolves. And most importantly; sports evolve. Major organizations, such as the NFL and NCAA must evolve alongside their respective sport, or they’ll be left in the dust.

NFL

With the 2018 NFL Combine under way, the NFL competition committee figured it was an appropriate time to discuss potential rule changes. The most highly debated, controversial topic in the NFL has been the ‘catch rule’. No one watching, playing, coaching, or refereeing can define a catch. That has to change. And it looks like it will.

New York Giants’ owner, John Mara, who’s a committee member, had this to say, “It’s easy to say the rule has got to be changed, but coming up with the right language is a challenge.” Mara went on to say the committee unanimously agreed controversial incompletions like Dez Bryant’s in the 2014 playoffs and Calvin Johnson’s from the 2010 season would both be ruled completions moving forward. Finally, all those Dez Caught It! fantasy football team names will be accurate!!

The committee is also discussing modifying the defensive pass interference rule. Rather than being a spot foul, it would be a 15-yard penalty. In theory this makes sense, because the current rule assumes a completion, however, the proposed rule doesn’t account for a defender intentionally tackling a receiver by his feet, who’s wide open 50 yards down field. I don’t envy the committee, but at least they’re trying to evolve alongside the game of football.

NCAA

The NCAA, apparently, didn’t want to get left out of the rule changing fun. They’ll temporarily implement four rule changes during this year’s NIT (National Invitation Tournament):

The 3-point line will be moved back 20 inches. It’ll now be the same distance as used by FIBA in international play.
The free throw lane, aka “the key”, will be extended from 12 to 16 feet (the same size as the NBA).
Two 20-minute halves will be broken down to four 10-minute quarters.
Following an offensive rebound, the shot clock will reset to 20 seconds rather than 30.

While I’m not a fan of rule changes mid-season, 3 out of 4 of these are long overdue. The only one I disagree with is resetting the shot clock to 20 seconds. What’s the purpose of this rule?? Why shouldn’t the team, who earned another possession, receive another 30 seconds to attempt to score??

Even though most people are afraid of change, it’s a good thing. Embrace it, or the (sports) world may pass you by.

What do you think of these proposed rule changes?? If you have a rule change idea, post it in the comment section below.

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Virginia Tech Adds Duke To Their Résumé

February 27, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Can you feel it?? It’s almost here!!

With March rapidly approaching, the “Madness” is nearly upon us. It’s the month of buzzer beaters, crumpled brackets, and watching college basketball while “working”.

Luckily, the world didn’t have to wait for the calendar to turn to enjoy a major upset. Monday night, #5 Duke fell to unranked Virginia Tech, 64-63. Despite leading by as many as 15 points, and 6 points at halftime, Duke faltered late. They scored just 3 points in the final 5:50 of the game. In the final two minutes, as the game hung in the balance, it wasn’t Virginia Tech’s best players to the rescue, it was Chris Clarke. Clarke, a bench player who averages just 8.1 points per game, scored the game’s final 6 points while also grabbing an offensive rebound and a steal.

Duke didn’t lose just because they struggled down the stretch. They lost for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Duke averages 85.5 points per game (6th in the nation). They scored just 63 Monday night.

2.) Grayson Allen attempted 15 3-point shots.

3.) Wendell Carter Jr. scored just 5 points (he averages 14.3 points per game).

4.) Marvin Bagley III scored just 12 points (he averages 20.7 points per game).

5.) Gary Trent Jr. went 1 for 7 from the field (all from 3-point range). He’s averaging 42.9% from 3-point range this season.

For what it’s worth, I, like everyone in the world who doesn’t reside in Durham, North Carolina, enjoyed watching Duke lose.

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March Madness usually kicks off in March (duh!). This year, it starts in February. That’s what happens when you want to host a tournament in the World’s Most Famous Arena; Madison Square Garden.

The Big Ten Conference Tournament starts on Wednesday, February 28th. It’ll conclude on Sunday, March 4th, one week prior to ‘Selection Sunday’. This means Big Ten teams that qualify for the NCAA Tournament will have an extra week off. Which begs the age old question:

Can too much time off kill momentum??

We’ll find out when Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, and possibly Nebraska enter the NCAA Tournament.

Click here to see a schedule of every NCAA Men’s Basketball Conference Tournament.

Anyone else have GOOSEBUMPS?!?!

Will Duke compete for a National Championship this year?? Will an extra week off have a negative effect on Big Ten teams?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Apparently, They’re Just Giving NFL Contracts Away

February 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m confused!!

Evidently, so are the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Saturday, the Jaguars extended the contract of Blake Bortles through the 2020 season. The deal is for 3-years, $54 million, including $26.5 million of guaranteed money. I literally fell off my couch when this story broke.

This decision by Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Football Operations, makes no sense, for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Bortles’ contract didn’t need extending. The Jaguars already picked up his option (in May) for 2019 for $19.053 million.

2.) Bortles had wrist surgery this off season, creating doubt that he’ll be healthy for the start of the 2019 season.

3.) Bortles SUCKS at quarterback!!

This decision, guarantees the Jaguars will not win a Super Bowl. After reaching the AFC Championship last season, the Jaguars should have realized what the rest of the world did; they’re just 1 player away from being a Super Bowl contender. With a top-3 defense, a great running game, and a good offensive line, the only missing piece to the puzzle is a competent gunslinger. Blake Bortles is not the answer.

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It’s never too early for the hits to start coming for the New York Mets. No, not hits on a baseball field; “hits” as in injuries. Dominic Smith, the pudgy wonder, will undergo an MRI for a strained right quad today. After showing up late to his first Spring Training game, Smith isn’t exactly having the ‘best week ever’.

In other Mets’ injury news, Tim Tebow sprained his ankle running over a sprinkler head. I’m embarrassed to even be writing his name, but this kind of comedy is too good to pass up….

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LeBron James lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, 110-94. Despite posting 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 40 minutes, LeBron and “new look” company got outclassed on their own court. Rather than discuss ways his team can improve, LeBron felt it necessary to complain about the referees:

“There’s no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I’m getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and whatnot. We protect the shooter. That’s what it’s turned into. ‘Chicks dig the long ball,’ and that’s what it’s about.”

Listen, Little LeBron, while chicks definitely dig the long ball, quit your crying and complaining. It’s not a good look for the “face” of the NBA….

Like, Love, or Hate Blake Bortles’ contract extension?? I’ll give you a hint, there’s only one right answer….

Kirk Cousins Will Look Nice In Green

February 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m the most popular kid at school.

I wasn’t always SO popular, but all the smarter, better looking kids graduated, leaving all the popularity — to me!!

I’m….Kirk Cousins.

Kirk Cousins has been the biggest, offseason storyline in the NFL. Since Washington brought in Alex Smith, it’s all but assured that Cousins will call a new city home in the coming weeks. Free agents can officially sign on the dotted line on March 14th @ 4:00 P.M. EST, so until then, rumors, speculation, and fantasy land will persist.

Where will Kirk Cousins play next season?? That, is the $150 million question….

New York Jets

The early favorite in the clubhouse is the New York Jets. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space this offseason, the Jets are expected to make a serious run at Cousins. Of course, with nothing but time and money on their hands, fabricated stories become “reality”.

I don’t know which story is my favorite so far….

It could be $60 million guaranteed in the 1st year of the contract. It could be the 1st fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Or it could be offering Cousins ownership stake in the Jets. Okay I made that last one up, but the direction these stories are heading, it’s not as far fetched as it’d seem.

I like Kirk Cousins. As a Jets’ fan, I want him under center this coming season. However, the Jets MUST be reasonable (hahahahaha). Jimmy Garoppolo is set to make $27.5 million per year, so offer Cousins $28, and negotiate up to your limit — if necessary. That limit should be $30 million.

Cleveland Browns

Kirk Cousins is not deciding, under his own volition, to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Denver Broncos

Many “experts” have tossed the Broncos’ name around as a potential landing spot for Mr. Cousins. Admittedly, being wined and dined by John Elway doesn’t hurt, but Cousins isn’t going to Denver. They’re likely to part ways with their top wide receivers, and they have just $26 million in cap space.

Minnesota Vikings

This is the team to worry about (as a Jets’ fan). The Vikings are literally only a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl. And with $57 million in cap space (8th most in the NFL), they have a realistic chance here. Be afraid New York. Be very afraid.

Ultimately, I think the Jets are going to make Cousins an offer he can’t refuse:

Will Kirk Cousins be wearing a Jets jersey next season?? If not, where will he play?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

I’ll Play — When I’m Good And Ready!!

February 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Gregg Popovich: “Alright Kawhi, it’s time to get back out there.”

Kawhi Leonard: “No thanks.”

Gregg Popovich: “What?!?!”

Kawhi Leonard: “Yeah, I don’t think I wanna play for you anymore.”

Gregg Popovich: “Was it something I said??”

Kawhi Leonard: “Yeah, that, or your general point of view toward everyone….”

(That’s probably how that conversation went).

Kawhi Leonard, one of the NBA’s best players, has been riddled with injuries all season. He’s appeared in just 9 games for the San Antonio Spurs. And as of Wednesday, a report surfaced that despite being medically cleared to play, Leonard has chosen to remain on the sidelines. If the Spurs were eliminated from playoff contention I’d almost understand, however, at 35-24 (3rd in the Western Conference), they’d have a shot in the playoffs with a healthy Leonard.

League sources stated Leonard is upset with the Spurs’ timetable for rehabilitation. This tension has led to many believing Leonard and the Spurs will part ways after next season. Leonard has a player option following the 2019 season.

If Leonard leaves, it’ll prove WINNING doesn’t cure all.

I’ve drawn many parallels between the Spurs and New England Patriots. While the NBA and NFL are completely different animals, both dynasties have many similarities. Both win at a record-setting pace. Both systematically place the betterment of the team over any individual. And both have All-Time great coaches who also happen to be emotionless jerks.

Following his playing career in New England, Wes Welker openly admitted not enjoying his time in New England. He specifically stated Bill Belichick as the reason for signing with the Denver Broncos in 2013. “It was just kind of hard to put up with him (Belichick). You had to endure him (Belichick),” Welker said.

Even the great Tom Brady’s trials and tribulations with Belichick surfaced during this past season. Seemingly the only thing holding the Patriots together is Elmer’s Glue. Or winning. Winning is definitely the thing holding them together.

So with just 23 games left to play in the NBA’s regular season, Popovich is trying to ‘save face’:

“We only have ‘X’ number of games left in the season, and he’s still not ready to go,” Popovich told reporters in San Antonio on Wednesday. “If by some chance he is, it’s gonna be pretty late into the season; and it’s going to be a pretty tough decision — how late to bring somebody back. So that’s why I’m just trying to be honest and logical. I’ll be surprised if he gets back this year.”

That may sound nice. That may be what a head coach should say when speaking about his injured superstar. But he conveniently left out the ‘Kawhi Leonard is healthy but decided not to play for you’ part.

Words are a funny thing….

Do you agree with Kawhi Leonard’s decision to sit out despite being healthy?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Yankees Continue Methodical Off Season

February 21, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The New York Yankees are smart.

No revelation here. Just a sound observation.

Tuesday evening, the Yankees solved one of their biggest “problems”. I know, I know. Trying to decide which top prospect to play isn’t exactly a problem. Well, they don’t have to make that decision anymore following this 3-team trade:

Yankees Get

2B/3B Brandon Drury

Tampa Bay Rays Get

2B Nick Solak, P Anthony Banda, and 2 players to be named later

Arizona Diamondbacks Get

OF Steven Souza Jr. and P Taylor Widener

3 teams, 3 different perspectives:

The Rays continue their roster teardown by moving on from Souza Jr. Despite his low batting average, he enjoyed a breakout season in 2017. Souza Jr. was 1 of only 5 players to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 16 bases last season (Mike Trout, Wil Myers, Paul Goldschmidt and Brian Dozier). That’s decent company.

The Diamondbacks are a weird fit for Souza Jr. They just signed Jarrod Dyson to a 2-year contract, while also having Yasmany Tomas, A.J. Pollock, and David Peralta in their outfield. Parting ways with Brandon Drury made more sense. With the emergence of Jake Lamb (27) at third base and Chris Owings (26) at second base, Drury became expendable.

As for the Yankees, this move helps immediately, and could pay dividends in the future. Drury (25) is a power hitting, infielder, capable of playing second base and third base. This will afford the Yankees time to remain patient with their talented, infield prospects, Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar. Now rich in minor league talent, the Yankees were able to comfortably part ways with Nick Solak and Taylor Widener. Solak was the Yankees’ 8th ranked prospect and Widener is a starting pitcher who hasn’t pitched above Single-A.

This move will also create healthy competition in the Yankees’ infield. When there’s someone nipping at your heels, trying to take your job, you tend to put forth your best effort.

Oh, and this takes the Yankees’ projected lineup from the edge of the atmosphere to another galaxy:

1.) Brett Gardner

2.) Aaron Judge

3.) Giancarlo Stanton

4.) Gary Sanchez

5.) Greg Bird

6.) Didi Gregorius

7.) Aaron Hicks

8.) Brandon Drury

9.) Gleyber Torres

So, rather than wait until May to potentially acquire Mike Moustakas, the Yankees took initiative. However, seeing this trade go through just two days after the Red Sox signed J.D. Martinez is NOT a coincidence. Brian Cashman, Yankees’ General Manager, can deny this all he wants, but the Yankees and Red Sox define Newton’s Law of Motion; any action causes an equal and opposite reaction.

What do you think of this trade?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Well….That Didn’t Go As Planned

February 20, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

J.D. Martinez, come on down! You’re the next contestant on the Price Is Righ….

No no, the price is wrong. Yes, Martinez has a lot more money today than he did two days ago, but he accepted a deal significantly less than he was seeking. For months, J.D. Martinez and his agent, Satan (ahem), I mean Scott Boras, played hardball. They stood tall and said they wouldn’t take less than 7 years, $210 million. They claimed they’d be willing to sit out the season to garner a “fair” contract.

Someone should explain the meaning of a standoff to Boras and Martinez.

Martinez, who hit a career best 45 home runs with the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks last season, signed a 5-year, $110 million contract with the Boston Red Sox Monday afternoon.

One of these numbers is not like the other….

The deal is front-loaded, so Martinez will earn $50 million over the first two years. The deal also includes an opt-out clause for Martinez after two years. With a full outfield in Boston, Martinez will serve as the primary DH, granting an occasional day off for Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, or Jackie Bradley Jr.

On the exterior, I graciously doled out a golf clap for the Red Sox, while the Yankees’ fan in me considered smashing a vase against the wall. Martinez is a solid run producer. If he’s afforded an opportunity as the full-time DH, glaring at the “Green Monster”, he’ll duplicate his 40 home run season.

Speed Kills

Upon losing Martinez to free agency, the Diamondbacks wasted little time finding a new outfielder. Monday night, they signed Jarrod Dyson to a 2-year, $7.5 million deal. Despite never exceeding 350 at-bats in a season, Dyson has stolen at least 25 bases in 6 consecutive seasons. He’ll likely serve in a platoon with Yasmany Tomas in left field.

“The Freak” Is Back!!

Tim Lincecum, “The Freak”, is making a comeback!! After holding a pitching showcase for a handful of MLB teams (he hit 93 m.p.h. on the radar gun), Lincecum has reportedly received a guaranteed offer to return to the mound in 2018. No team has been named in the report, however, the San Francisco Giants reportedly aren’t the winners of the Lincecum sweepstakes.

Lincecum’s last stint in MLB didn’t go smoothly, as he sported a 9.16 e.r.a. in 9 starts in 2016. In fact, he hasn’t pitched a season with a sub 4.00 e.r.a. since 2011. At 33 years old, “The Freak” has his work cut out for him, but we want to wish he and his mystery team the best of luck.

What do you think of these free agent signings?? Post your opinion in the comment section below.

Now THAT’S What I Call A Weekend!!

February 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

There are weekends. And then there are WEEKENDS!!

All-Star festivities. NCAA basketball. MLB free agent news. NASCAR (yes, I said NASCAR). And the Olympics.

WHAT WERE YOU WATCHING??

NBA All-Star Weekend

You probably only watched because it snowed. They don’t care why you watch, ratings are ratings.

The 3-point shooting contest was the most exciting part of the weekend. I know, I know, just hear me out. The skills competition was boring. And the dunk contest used to be exciting, but since the superstars don’t compete, and there are no original dunks left, what’s the point?!

Devin Booker and Klay Thompson, however, put on a show from the 3-point line. Booker set a record for most points in a round, edging Thompson 28-25 in the finals.

As for the game, wait, there was a game?! Yup. And it was preceded by the worst National Anthem in the history of National Anthems. If your ears didn’t have the displeasure of hearing it, please CLICK HERE.

If you made it through the entire video without saying, “What the **** is this?!”, I have questions for you.

Team LeBron, despite injuries to nearly his whole roster, pulled off a 148-145 victory. Dunk, nice pass, 3-pointer, dunk, and oh yeah, another dunk. You didn’t miss much. LeBron took home his 3rd All-Star Game MVP Award with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.

NCAA Men’s Basketball

Bob Huggins isn’t happy. His West Virginia Mountaineers fell to the Kansas Jayhawks 77-69. No one likes losing, but upon closer review of the box score, you’ll see why Huggins is so upset. Kansas was awarded 35 free throws, to West Virginia’s 2. I’m not saying this game was fixed, but this game was fixed.

MLB Free Agency

MLB free agents are finally finding homes. Some will be able to afford nicer homes than others. Eric Hosmer could buy every one of his teammates a mansion if generosity took hold of his body. Late Saturday night, Hosmer signed an 8-year, $144 million deal with the San Diego Padres. It sounds worse than it is. Hosmer is a consistent run producer with a .284 career batting average. There are worse 1st baseman to lock down for the next 8 years. You’re next J.D. Martinez….

NASCAR

I vowed I’d never write about NASCAR. Never say never.

(You’re welcome Mike).

So, apparently this was Danica Patrick’s last Daytona 500. The 35-year old will be retiring this year and wanted to go out with a bang. Oh, she went out with a bang alright. On the 102nd lap of a scheduled 200 laps, Patrick was involved in a 517-car crash, ending her day, and career, early. I guess she couldn’t get her pre-race, Aaron Rodgers’ kiss out of her mind.

As for the race, Austin Dillon captured his 1st Daytona 500 victory. Dillon became the 2nd Daytona 500 winner to win after only leading for 1 total lap. What the what?! What kind of “sport” is this?!

Oh, right….

Olympics

Have you ever been sucked into the black hole of television. That’s curling at the Olympics. It’s like planning to lay down for 2 minutes and waking up 8 hours later (that was me — last night).

And then they switch over to the Biathlon. Because ya never know when you’ll need to shoot a rifle while cross-country skiing.

Apparently Martin Fourcade likes photo finishes. After missing out on Gold by 3 centimeters in the 2014 Olympics, Fourcade won by the same margin on Sunday in the Biathlon. Now that’s riveting television.

Tell me what you watched this weekend in the comment section below.

One Raindrop Can Open The Floodgates

February 16, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

This is a weird time for Major League Baseball.

With approximately 100 unsigned free agents, the majority of MLB teams have multiple holes to fill. If this were December 16th, it’d be a non-issue. However, MLB is entering unchartered territory. This nonsense is about to effect my fantasy baseball research!! Just three days before every team’s first spring training workout, many big name, free agents remain on the market:

J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, and Lance Lynn.

Maybe, just maybe, Thursday was the first raindrop that’ll open the floodgates. Three free agents signed on the dotted line:

Andrew Cashner (SP – Baltimore Orioles)

Jaime Garcia (SP – Toronto Blue Jays)

Eduardo Nunez (3B/OF – Boston Red Sox)

I know what you’re thinking. These aren’t household names!! What are you talking about?!

Listen, sometimes there’s an unsung hero behind a revolution. Everyone relax. I’m not comparing the American Revolution to the 2018 MLB free agency battle, but these low-level signings could be John Adams. It’s time for a history lesson I see….

John Adams was disliked in Congress. Despite having the ideas to bring the North and South together, he couldn’t be the face of the revolution. Instead, Thomas Jefferson became the face of the Declaration of Independence.

John Adams = Andrew Cashner

Thomas Jefferson = J.D. Martinez

Once all these big names have signed contracts for the 2018 season, no one will remember where, and when, Andrew Cashner signed. They will, however, remember J.D. Martinez.

I applaud those who made it through the history lesson without falling asleep on your keyboard.

Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner is a right-handed starting pitcher. Thursday, he signed a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. For those who don’t know me, I don’t often sugarcoat things. And I’m not about to start now.

Andrew Cashner sucks. Like, a lot. The fact that he’s about to get paid $16 million to throw baseballs (rarely for strikes) is absurd. Cashner is going to get ripped to shreds in the American League East.

Jaime Garcia

The fact that Jaime Garcia is set to make $10 million this season is sickening. Parents, listen up….

Have your baby do everything with their left hand. At the age of 2, put a baseball in their hand, and have them throw strikes every day until they reach the Major Leagues. Then, promptly retire.

Eduardo Nunez

Over the past 2 seasons, life in San Francisco and Boston afforded Eduardo Nunez full-time playing opportunities. He didn’t disappoint. Thursday, Nunez signed a 1-year deal with the Red Sox for an undisclosed amount. This deal is pending a physical, which after last year’s knee injury, isn’t a slam dunk. Stay tuned on this one.

Will Thursday’s free agent signings get the ball rolling?? Or will players remain in a stalemate with ownership?? Spill your guts in the comment section below.

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

February 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Some athletes play better against the best.

Damian Lillard has a soft spot for the Golden State Warriors. Seemingly every time Lillard takes on the Warriors, he takes his career best performance to a new level. Wednesday night, Lillard figured he’d slay the Kevin Durant dragon, ya know, while he was at it.

Damian Lillard sprinted out of the gate, scoring 18 points in the 1st quarter, giving the Trailblazers a 40-27 lead. Kevin Durant would spend the rest of the evening chipping away at the Trailblazers’ lead. His 50-point effort simply wasn’t enough, as the Warriors fell 123-117. Durant was literally the only Warrior to show up last night. Seriously, he played 1-on-5 all night. Okay, that’s not true, but that’s how it felt. Durant made 17 field goals, while Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green combined for 18 field goals.

Lillard finished with 44 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in 40 minutes (including going a perfect 12 for 12 from the free throw line).

Add this to the list of Lillard’s outstanding performances against the Warriors:

12/11/17 – 39 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals

4/16/17 – 34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block

5/7/16 – 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists

2/19/16 – 51 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals

Not bad for a guy who’s inexplicably made just 3 All-Star teams in his 6-year career.

From the really good..to the REALLY bad….

The New York Knicks.

Just when you think they can’t stoop any lower, they find a way. Tim Hardaway Jr., the 2nd streakiest shooter in the NBA (J.R. Smith will forever hold that distinction), was en fuego last night. Entering last night’s game, Hardaway Jr. was 5 for his last 41 from 3-point range. THAT’S 12.2%!! Last night, he went 6 for 9 from downtown. You figure it out.

As for the game, the Knicks held a 22-point lead over the Washington Wizards with 11:14 to play in the 3rd quarter. Just 1 minute and 33 seconds later, the lead was 13. And thanks to a 15-point 3rd quarter, the Knicks actually trailed 90-87 heading into the 4th quarter. The end result: 118-113, not them.

How is this possible you ask?!?!

Remember when I told you Hardaway Jr. is streaky??

Well, he dropped 32 points in the 1st half, and just 5 in the 2nd half. That’s how!! Honestly, I’m glad. The Knicks should tank the last 23 games anyway. They should play Emmanuel Mudiay, Frank Ntilikina, and Trey Bruke as much as humanly possible. I swear, if I have to watch Jarrett Jack play 28 minutes 1 more time, I may lose it!!

By the way, the Knicks have now lost 8 games in a row.

As for Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks will be without his services for approximately 1 year. Porzingis, sent out a photograph, post-surgery, to let Knicks’ fans know he’ll remain positive throughout his rehab process and can’t wait to get back on the court.

So keep your heads up Knicks’ fans. At least you can look forward to 2020….

Where does Damian Lillard’s performance rank amongst individual accomplishments this season?? Will the Knicks win another game this season?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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