The Knicks are the butt of my jokes.
Hell, they’re the butt of almost every joke that’s ever existed.
But, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers, by 21, at home, is no laughing matter.
Something needs to be done, ASAP (ahem, league intervention, ahem)!!!!
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I’m your host, Dave Ettinger of CBS Sports Radio Network, and I’m a New York Knicks’ fan.
AND I’M VERY ANGRY!!
Enjoy.
The search is over!!
The New York Knicks officially have another career to ruin. Since parting ways with Jeff Hornacek, on April 12th, the Knicks have conducted the wildest interview process known to man. But Thursday, the madness came to an end.
David Fizdale will be the next head coach of the New York Knicks.
David Fizdale’s coaching career began in 1998 at his alma mater, the University of San Diego. There, he was an assistant coach for four years before moving on to Fresno State. After calling Fresno State home for two years, Fizdale got his shot in the NBA. He worked as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat (with LeBron). That opportunity catapulted him to his 1st head coaching position, with the Memphis Grizzlies. Fizdale led the Grizzlies to the playoffs in his 1st season (2016) but was bounced in the 1st round. And just 19 games into the 2017 season, Grizzlies’ star, Marc Gasol, followed in the footsteps of the NBAs prima donna’s and had Fizdale fired. He’s been doing broadcast work for ESPN ever since and will be 44 at the start of the upcoming season.
And now, the ultimate challenge lay at his feet; turn the Knicks around. Turn the Knicks around could be the four scariest words in the English language. A concept that has spread fear internationally and has been passed down from generation to generation. It often sends grown men and women running for the hills. You laugh, but if you think I’m overstating the pressure, anxiety, and fear that comes with being the Knicks’ head coach, you’re sorely mistaken.
As you know, the list of coaching candidates was long, but distinguished….(let’s see if my movie buffs figure that one out):
David Fizdale, David Blatt, Mark Jackson, Mike Budenholzer, Mike Brown, Jay Larranaga, James Borrego, Mike Woodson, Jerry Stackhouse, Juwan Howard, and Kenny Smith.
Long, but perhaps not as distinguished as you’d think. The fact that Jerry Stackhouse, Juwan Howard, Mike Woodson, and Kenny Smith were interviewed is absurd. The rest are reasonable candidates, however, Fizdale is the right man for the job.
Fizdale has shown he can relate to players, as evidenced by his work with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. LeBron and Wade actually endorsed Fizdale when he was in consideration for the Grizzlies job.
The question is: Will James Dolan keep his greedy, stubby, little fingers off Fizdale’s leash, giving him ample time to turn this broken ship around??
Did the Knicks get this right?? Post your thoughts, feelings, and snarky remarks in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
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.
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!!
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
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
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!!
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!!
Remember when Michael Beasley told us he’s on the same talent level as Kevin Durant and Lebron James?? Oh no, that happened….
“[It’s] mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin [Durant], LeBron, I match up with the best guys in the world.”
Those are Beasley’s ACTUAL words from an October interview with Bleacher Report. There was a time when that was plausible, however, Beasley squandered a golden opportunity. Beasley was the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Kansas State. At 6’9″, Beasley possessed a unique skillset that figured to translate to the NBA. A short stay in China, and 6 NBA teams later (including 2 stints with the Miami Heat), Beasley is trying to find his way with the New York Knicks.
Over his last 3 games, the 28-year old is starting to resemble an NBA player, as he’s averaging 28.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 56.8% shooting. He’s also 5 for 7 from 3-point range during this 3 game stretch. The question is, can he sustain this level of production??
The Knicks took down the Boston Celtics Thursday night, 102-93, behind Beasley’s season-high, 32-points. If I had told you Kristaps Porzingis would go Patrick Ewing on us, scoring just 1 point, you would have told me the Knicks got blown out. There’s just something about the Garden that brings out the best in the Knicks. They’re now 17-14 on the season (15-5 at home). The moral of the story is the Knicks should never leave the confines of Madison Square Garden — ever.
*Remember that nasty stretch of road games I told you was comin’…. (click here for the Knicks’ upcoming schedule).
Despite Kyrie Irving’s best superman impersonation (he dropped 32-points of his own), the Celtics lost their 2nd straight game. The Celtics have now lost 5 of their last 9. Anyone who didn’t think regression was in the Celtics’ future, after a 16-2 start, is delusional. You can’t lose your 2nd best (or best) player and remain the best team in the NBA. Unless you’re the Warriors. The Celtics will look to right the ship when they take on the Chicago Bulls, in Boston, Saturday @ 7:30 P.M. EST. While that matchup sounds pretty, the Bulls are winners of 7 of their last 8.
Can Michael Beasley maintain a high level of production?? Are the Celtics the best team in the Eastern Conference?? Tell me everything you know 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!!
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!!
“I Don’t Know Is On Third”
Upon further review, it appears the New York Yankees were just getting started with the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton. Tuesday afternoon, Brian Cashman traded Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the San Diego Padres (Headley’s former team) for Jabari Blash and $500,000. This move is strictly financial. With this move, the Yankees clear Headley’s $13 million salary off the books for 2018. This leaves the Yankees approximately $30 million under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. In other words, the Yankees aren’t done here….
Who will man the hot corner?? Some say they’ll re-sign Todd Frazier to a 1-year deal. Others think Cashman will let the youngsters ‘duke’ it out. Miguel Andujar would be the favorite in the clubhouse as the Yankees believe he’ll be a starting 3rd baseman in MLB for years to come. And the theory that brings out the ‘Evil Empire’ chant, is trading for Manny Machado. I’d go the Todd Frazier route. If he’s willing to take a 1-year deal to stay in pinstripes, I’d do that as soon as possible.
Japan’s Babe Ruth Has A New Home
The biggest story of MLB’s offseason — so far — has been Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has graced the headlines with his presence this month, while deciding where to call home in 2018. This past Friday, Ohtani revealed the Los Angeles Angels had the Golden Ticket. Ohtani, to my surprise, will climb into Mike Trout’s shadow next season as a starting pitcher and DH. Reportedly, he will not play the field.
Naturally, it’s time to put a negative spin on things. Ya know, criticize others for doing the same thing they would’ve done. Even though it was reported weeks ago, the media has decided Ohtani’s October elbow procedure is breaking news — today. Ohtani had a platelet-rich plasma injection in his throwing elbow this past October. This injection is used to either reduce inflammation or avoid Tommy John Surgery. This procedure was necessary due to a first-degree sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. The bottom line is, Ohtani will more than likely need Tommy John Surgery at some point in his career. But hey, what pitcher doesn’t??
Welcome To The Kristaps Porzingis Show!!
Not Billy Joel. Not the Rangers. Kristaps Porzingis, is the main attraction at Madison Square Garden. I’m not saying Porzingis didn’t like Carmelo Anthony, but Melo being shipped out of town was the best thing to ever happen to Porzingis. As the man of the house, Porzingis is averaging a career best 26 points per game. And every so often, he has a game like Tuesday night:
37 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 three-pointers made.
*If that stat-line looks unfamiliar it’s because it’s never been done before.
More importantly, he helped secure a 113-109 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks are now 13-5 at home. The only problem is, they only have 14 total wins this season.
The Knicks are 1-8 on the road!!
And, 19 of their next 26 games are on the road. I’m officially buckled in.
Who will Play 3rd base for the Yankees next season?? Did Shohei Ohtani make the right decision in signing with the Angels?? And is Kristaps Porzingis a top-10 player in the NBA?? Give me all the answers 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!!
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!!
Dave Talks Sports 