Tag: Enes Kanter

Who Knew Tuesday Could Be So Exciting?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??

As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….

Dominoes Are Fun

Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.

Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith

Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick

This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??

Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….

I Want To Be Part Of History

harden-james

We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.

Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:

60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block

Ummmm, holy crap!

The Injury Bug Is Real

kevin love

Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.

Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.

The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!

It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.

I attended this game and had a great time!!

If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!

As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.

The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.

“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”

 

Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Surprise, Surprise — Knicks Lose Again On The Road

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Lauri Markkanen

Last time I checked, 87 is not a lot of points. Not in the NBA at least. Despite the New York Knicks’ struggles away from Madison Square Garden, Wednesday brought a solid matchup. The Chicago Bulls, in the 2nd of a back-to-back, expended a boat load of energy in their 115-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks — and it showed. The Bulls, from the jump, looked sluggish. They scored just 17 points in the 1st quarter, falling behind 11 in a hurry. After finding themselves down by as many as 15 in the 1st half, the Bulls flipped a switch. Maybe they were sleepwalking through the 1st half. But when they woke up, they realized they were playing the Knicks.

Good defense?? Bad offense?? What did we watch last night?? It was a healthy combination. Listen, the Knicks aren’t offensive juggernauts. They average just 103.5 points per game (11th out of 15 in the Eastern Conference). But the Bulls clamped down on everyone not named Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was the only player to score over 20 points (23), and 1 of 3 Knicks to finish in double figures. Courtney Lee had 17, and Jarrett Jack had 11. Frank Ntilikina, as much as I like his defense, simply isn’t ready for the NBA. 3 for 10 from the field, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, isn’t ideal. Neither is fouling out of the game….

The Knicks are funny. Historically known for surging late in games, Wednesday was, uhh, not that. Check out the Knicks’ scoring decline by quarter: 28, 24, 21, 14. Also, not ideal. Also comical, the fact that the Knicks had a chance to tie the game with 7.8 seconds left. Down 90-87, the ball inexplicably wound up in Enes Kanter’s hands. Kanter jacked up an ill-advised 3-pointer, that missed horribly, and that was all she wrote. 92-87. The Knicks now stand at a putrid 2-11 on the road. Don’t worry, they won’t be 2-11 for long. They’re on their way to San Antonio as we speak to catch their 12th road loss.

Catch another Knicks’ beat down tonight @ 8:30 P.M. EST on MSG.

**Let’s hope Frank Ntilikina stays grounded after he meets his fellow countrymen, Tony Parker. The Knicks don’t need Ntilikina dribbling the ball off his leg as he gazes into Parker’s eyes.

The Bulls will look to continue their winning ways (winners of 9 of their last 11) when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

 

How many road games will the Knicks win this season?? Don’t hold back now, tell me what you really think in the comment section below.  

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Porzingis’ Early Exit Brings Knicks’ Bench To Life

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

kp

Here we go again.

Kristaps Porzingis exited Thursday night’s game in the 3rd quarter with a left knee injury. Get used to hearing those words. We all know how talented Porzingis is, but availability is your best ability.

At this moment, the severity of the injury is unknown, but Porzingis will undergo tests today. Stay tuned.

As he gingerly walked to the locker room, the Knicks attempted to hold on to a lead against the crosstown Brooklyn Nets. A lead that was as many as 18-points, quickly turned into a 4-point deficit. While it seemed like the same old story “on the road”, the Knicks’ bench came through in the clutch. Michael Beasley, the most confident man in America, dropped 15 points in 20 minutes. The bench scored a total of 45 points, as the Knicks picked up their 2nd “road” win of the season, 111-104.

Obviously the Knicks need Porzingis if they’re going to make the playoffs, but this squad is fun to watch (with or without him). The most amazing part is….THEY PLAY DEFENSE!! Actual team defense. Ya know..help, rotate, hustle, give effort. Now standing at 15-13, the Knicks will put their 3-game winning streak on the line Saturday night, when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

You know what means….NO, not Das Boot….

IT’S MELO’S RETURN TO THE GARDEN!!

Honestly, I think there will be a mixed reaction in Madison Square Garden tomorrow night. But, I implore Knicks’ fans not to boo Carmelo Anthony. The failures and shortcomings of the Knicks were not his fault. He was a very good player for the 7 seasons he put on the ‘Blue and Orange’.

Prediction: Thunder 107, Knicks 94

Assuming the Knicks are without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, I can’t envision their bench duplicating Thursday night’s performance. Melo will drop his usual 22. Paul George will contribute in multiple facets of the game. And Russell Westbrook will hang a triple-double on top of the tree. The question is: will Enes Kanter get up close and personal with a former teammate??

Catch all the action for Carmelo Anthony’s 1st game back at Madison Square Garden, Saturday night @ 7:30 P.M EST.

I’ll stand up from my couch and applaud Melo when he’s introduced. Then he’ll go right back to being the enemy.

 

Can the Knicks continue to win games if Porzingis misses extended time?? Will you cheer or boo Carmelo Anthony in his return to the Garden?? Tell me in the comment section below. Don’t be shy….

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Knicks Hoping They Dodged Porzingis-Size Bullet

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

porzingis injury

When we talk about Kristaps Porzingis, we all say the same thing. He can shoot, rebound, pass, and defend. At 7’3″, he’s nearly impossible to guard. All he has to do is….stay healthy. Well Porzingis, and the Knicks, got a major scare Wednesday night. Just 2 and a half minutes into the game, Porzingis rolled his right ankle trying to chase down a rebound. He would not return to the game. The play wasn’t anyone’s fault, just a freak accident.

Check out the play here.

The good news: X-rays came back negative. The bad news: Porzingis could miss time with the injury. Porzingis is listed as day-to-day right now. Luckily, the Knicks don’t play again until Sunday.

As for Wednesday, the Knicks forged on without their superstar. It was truly a team effort, as all 13 active Knicks’ players saw game action. Outside of Porzingis, everyone played at least 6 minutes and made at least 1 field goal. After missing 3 games with back spasms, Enes Kanter returned with his best game of the season:

22 points (on 7-9 from the field) and 14 rebounds in just 25 minutes.

Kanter’s 9 field goal attempts were certainly made easier by the absence of Hassan Whiteside. The Miami Heat center has battled knee issues, missing his 6th game of the season Wednesday night. The Heat can ill afford to play an extended amount of time without their star center. After losing 115-86 to the Knicks, they stand at 10-11 on the season. The Knicks now hold a record of 11-10, with a 10-4 record at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ biggest problem is they don’t know how to win on the road. They’re 1-6 away from home, their lone road win coming in a blowout victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Porzingis sidelined, and the Knicks playing 19 of their next 28 games on the road, expect the number in the loss column to rise — quickly. I’m a Knicks fan, so this doesn’t make me happy. But, all those who laughed when I said they’d only win 32 games, aren’t laughing at me like I’m a clown right now….

 

How many games do you think the Knicks will in this season?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

Lebron James Is A Punk!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

lebron-james-kanter-ap

There they are!!

The Knicks I’ve known and loved for so many years.

After holding a 22-point lead, at home, with 1:39 left to play in the 3rd quarter, the New York Knicks set their vehicle to cruise control. That may work against the Sacramento Kings, but not the Cleveland Cavaliers. When rookie, Frank Ntilikina, hit a driving layup to put the Knicks up 75-53, Lebron and Co. flipped a switch. The Cavs would go on an 8-1 run to close the quarter, carrying momentum into the 4th quarter.

A wise man, formerly employed by the Knicks, once told me, “You need 8, and you have to win the 4th quarter. It’s as simple as that.”

Well, 8 they had. As for the 4th quarter….not so much. The Knicks gave up 43 points in the 4th quarter. THE KNICKS GAVE UP 43 POINTS IN THE 4TH QUARTER!! My defeatist, Knicks fan attitude knew the game was lost when the Cavs cut the lead from 14 to 4 over a 2 minute and 25 second stretch. That was about the time Kyle Korver caught fire. Korver would drain five 3-pointers last night, all in the 4th quarter. Side note: Korver scored more points in the 4th quarter (19) than the Cavs scored in the 2nd quarter (13).

With 90 seconds left and counting, and the game tied at 97, Lebron James did what Lebron James does. On the grand stage at Madison Square Garden (superstars always show out at the Garden), Lebron drove a dagger through the heart of the Knicks.

Click here to see my pain in motion. Nothing like a step-back, 27-foot 3-pointer right in Porzingis’ face, right??

So, the Cavs won, 104-101, exacting revenge from the Knicks win in Cleveland just 10 days earlier. Lebron James continues to dominate the NBA 48 minutes at a time. However, Lebron James, should be ashamed of his actions over the past few days.

Lebron made some off-beat comments about the Knicks’ decision to draft Frank Ntilikina over Dennis Smith Jr.:

“The Knicks passed on a really good one, and Dallas got the diamond in the rough. He should be a Knick. That’s going to make some headlines, but he should be a Knick.”

In other words, the Knicks made the wrong decision drafting Ntilikina. It doesn’t matter who the other player (Smith Jr.) is, this is a shot at Ntilikina. Lebron can say this was one last parting shot at Phil Jackson all he wants — that’s bull****!! Hey Lebron, newsflash, Phil’s been gone for quite some time now. There’s no reason to take parting shots at a guy who already got run out of town.

And then, Lebron put his pathetic words into action, showing Ntilikina whose space, and league, he’s in. Click here to see Lebron’s punk move. Watch until the end.

LEBRON JAMES IS A PUNK!!

A 19-year old rookie, who hasn’t opened his mouth once, shouldn’t be on a list of concerns for a player like Lebron James. He should be more concerned with staying above .500 in a weak Eastern Conference.

Conversely, I have earned A LOT of respect for Enes Kanter this week. First, he responds to Lebron’s comments: “Nope!! We love what we got..Thanks!!!” Then he gets right in Lebron’s face, in defense of his teammate. AND THEN, after last night’s game, he makes a sports journalists’ dream come true:

“I don’t care who you are. What do you call yourself? King, Queen, Princess. Whatever you are. We’re going to fight. Nobody out there is going to punk us.”

Good for you Enes Kanter, good for you!!

Stay tuned. I have a feeling this story isn’t over yet….

 

What do you think of Lebron James’ actions over the past few days?? Is last night’s game a sign of things to come for the Knicks?? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

Everyone Wave Goodbye To Melo

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

carmelo anthony

It’s official.

Everyone say, “Bye Bye Melo.”

While the majority of ignorant Knicks’ fan continue to bemoan this trade, and bash Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks’ legacy, I will applaud the trade and Melo.

Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy

Carmelo Anthony, now 33, was drafted #3 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft out of Syracuse University. He will suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder this coming season (his 15th). He spent 7.5 seasons with the Denver Nuggets before spending the last 6.5 seasons with the New York Knicks.

Career Averages: 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 45.2 FG%, 81.3 FT%

Carmelo Anthony ‘is who he is’. He’s a great scorer who’s been a decent rebounder. He plays very little defense and isn’t seen passing the ball very often. But, to his credit, he hasn’t had many superstar teammates throughout his career.

His biggest fault: He’s not Lebron James. 

I’m serious. He was drafted in the same draft as Lebron. He played nationally televised high school games against Lebron. And since they’re friends, Melo has carried this comparison his entire career. Nuggets and Knicks’ fans should applaud Melo for his contributions to their franchises, rather than criticize him for being Championship-Less.

*He didn’t offer himself his contract (and No-Trade Clause).

The Trade

This Trade was made official on Monday, as Carmelo Anthony waived his No-Trade Clause.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and the Chicago Bulls’ 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

This is a good trade for both teams. Those who are killing the Knicks, or giving them an ‘F’, don’t understand this situation in the slightest. Here’s why:

1.) Carmelo Anthony had a No-Trade Clause. This Means he needed to sign off on any deal, making it nearly impossible to trade him.

2.) Due to reason #1, this is the best deal the Knicks could have received. Those who were expecting two 1st-round picks also don’t know which way is up.

3.) $$. Isn’t everything about money?? This move gets money off the books after this season (even if Kanter picks up his player option in 2018-19).

4.) Morale. Despite Carmelo Anthony still being a good player, this will boost the attitude and environment in the Knicks’ locker room, thus leading to more productive play on the court.

This trade made sense for both teams. From the Thunders’ perspective, they didn’t give up a lot to obtain Melo, and they improved in the short-term. This offseason they acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony for Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. While Westbrook, George, and Melo may only be together for 1 playoff run, Sam Presti (Thunder General Manager) deserves a raise.

 

What do you think of this trade?? Give it a grade in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

BREAKING NEWS: Melo Has Been Traded!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments


In breaking news, the Melo-Drama has come to an end. The New York Knicks have agreed in principle to trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter

Doug McDermott

And a 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

 
Melo, being 1 of only 3 players with a No-Trade Clause, must sign-off on the deal. According to league sources, the deal will be complete Monday morning.

Doug McDermott is entering the last year of his rookie contract ($3.3 Million). Kanter is under contract for this year ($20.56 Million) and has a player option for the 2018-2019 season ($18.6 Million).

The Thunder also acquired Paul George this offseason, so it’ll be interesting to see how these new additions meld with Russell Westbrook.

Stay tuned for more details and analysis of the trade once it’s official.

 

How do my Knicks fans feel?? Are you happy Melo has been traded?? 

Tell me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends