Brooklyn Nets: Angry Deron Williams Claws Up Bobcats Too

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Wednesday Final

Bobcats  99

NETS    104

BROOKLYN NETS - Wizards, Bobcats, and Raptors, Oh My!

The Brooklyn Nets are now the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference standings.  Entering Wednesday night's game, the 7th seeded Bobcats posed the latest threat to the Nets.  With a 104-99 victory over Charlotte at Barclays, the Nets have now created a 3.5 game cushion between them.  Sneaking in between however, lay the bothersome 6th seeded Washington Wizards.  The 8th seeded Atlanta Hawks round out the first division.

In the Atlantic Division race, the Nets have closed to within 2.5 games of the first place Toronto Raptors.

Wednesday night at Barclays, Angry Deron held an encore performance.  Still steaming over his play in Washington, Deron led all scorers with 25 points, and clawed up the Bobcats with 11 points in the final quarter.   Deron also distributed a game high 8 assists.  He was a perfect 6/6 from the charity line, 3/5 from beyond the arch, and 8/15 from the field.  His performance came on the heels of a 28 point night against the Suns.

Mason Plumlee continues to put in effective work.  Sure he's raw, but he's not getting outclassed. He chipped in 11 points and pulled down 7 rebounds.  It was actually Joe Johnson who led the Nets with 8 rebounds, and was second to Williams with 20 points.

Shaun Livingston was 3rd high score for Brooklyn with 17 points.  The more he excels, the least likely chance the Nets have of retaining him.  He is going to parlay this season with Brooklyn into handsome free agent dollars.

A big factor in Brooklyn's victory - they only turned the ball over 7 times.  The Bobcats turned it over 15 times which yielded the Nets 21 points, and they scored another 12 points off fast breaks.

Without Kevin Garnett however, team rebounding continues to be an issue.  This time, the Bobcats out-rebounded the Nets by a considerable 51-39 margin.  It doesn't seem to be slowing the Nets down much though.  During Garnett's 10 game absence, Brooklyn is 8-2 in March, and remain the hottest team of the new calender year.  This was additionally Brooklyn's 10th consecutive victory at home.

The Nets will host the Celtics on Friday before hitting the road for three games, concluding with another game against the Bobcats in Charlotte.

The Nets have 16 games left in the regular season.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Knicks: Phil Jackson Plants His Flag

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

NEW YORK KNICKS: Phil Jackson Is Bringing Back Old School, But He's Too Cool To Be An Old Fool.

For nearly half a century now, there is a stream that runs right through the Knicks organization.  Its source is the Lakers.  These teams continue to be intertwined ever since the Knicks championship victories over Los Angeles, through the Pat Riley era, and now with the return of Phil Jackson to New York.

As I stated the other day, Phil Jackson now holds the position Pat Riley wanted from the Knicks. Those were the days of Paramount, with Dave Checketts serving as president of both Garden teams.  But, this is James Dolan's team now.  Or, so it was.

Phil Jackson vs. James Dolan:

James Dolan said he was gratefully handing the Knicks reigns over to Phil Jackson. We've heard that before, but with Jackson, there's reason to believe it this time.

Here's the bad.  Phil Jackson needn't ever work another day in his life.  If Phil isn't free to do things Phil's way, or, if James Dolan pesters him, or both, Phil Jackson will simply walk away, and the Knicks are back at square one.

Here's the good.  Phil Jackson needn't work another day in his life!  He is taking this job because he wants to, and feels passionately about the challenge ahead, and the team itself.  Because of his history here, imagine if Phil Jackson returns the Knicks back to former glory?  Manhattan would crack in half at 33rd Street from everyone jumping up and down.

As a player, Phil Jackson teamed up with some very strong personalities.  Clyde Frazier, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, and even Bill Bradley were all confident minded individuals.  Of course, Phil Jackson also went on to coach some of the more strong minded players, and self destructive players, to ever step on an NBA court - Shaq, Kobe, Jordan, and Dennis Rodman, and the player formerly known as Ron Artest.  So, James Dolan can just grab a ticket and wait for his number to be called.

What About Steve Mills?

With his first yank of the reigns, the new team president basically said the Knicks are going old school.  Translation - Steve Mills world is about to change.

In later radio interviews, James Dolan admitted he and Steve Mills had no real plan, and that without one, there was no reason to speak with the media.  I applaud him for his honesty.  But did you see the look on Steve Mill's face at the press conference?  That was the facial expression of someone busy reading the writing on the wall.

I found it funny that Steve Mills was not asked a single question at the presser.  I feel that's because he is now officially an inconsequential figure.  He's going to be lunch meat, sandwiched between Jackson and whoever the president decides will coach the team.

I will be surprised if he is still the GM next season.

What About Mike Woodson?

There's not much to say.  Phil Jackson will be bringing in some of his people.  Coach Woodson is a good guy.  Why bother critiquing now?

What Now?

Finish out a miserable season, re-address the salary cap situation, come to an understanding with Carmelo Anthony, and start treating draft picks a little more preciously.

And What About Carmelo Anthony?

He's no longer a problem.  It's Phil Jackson's and his staff's job to surround him with more compatible players, within Phil Jackson's newly implemented system.  If Melo decides to opt out and leave, the Knicks will have that much more flexibility, and freedom to explore options. Otherwise, plotting a new course for the Knicks will take a little time.




Mike.BTB

Newark Bears: There Will Be No Baseball On Broad Street This Season

From the desk of:  THE BROAD STREET NINE

NEWARK BEARS: Game Called.

Winter appears over.  The last remnants of snow have finally melted from the front of my house. Clocks have been set forward again.  The calender says it's Spring.  One cycle ends, and a new one begins.  The time for renewal, growth, and BASEBALL, are near.

In the matter of our national pastime being played in New Jersey's largest city, I wish it were that easy, ordered, and neat.

While groundskeepers around the nation are manicuring baseball fields in preparation of Opening Day, there is little activity in Newark.  The gates to The Den will remain chained up this season. The endangered Brick City Bear will stay in extended hibernation until further notice.

This organization has been plagued by ineffective ownership well before Dr, Doug Spiel and Danielle Dronet separated themselves from the previous structure.  That's already been well chronicled.  The couple has also been resoundingly criticized, but I feel they at least entered this endeavor with good intentions, unlike the more scrupulous scuttlebutt involving a previous partner.

I believe the Bears' problems were already greater than this ownership's ability to change things around any time soon.  Years of depressed attendance figures, and mounting debt became too much to overcome.  The last domino appears to have unfortunately fallen on their watch.

Sometimes, it is easy to read writing on a wall.  In my opinion, things really started taking a turn for the worse after the Bears second Atlantic League title in 2007.  The gift shop is usually a good indication of team health.  In 2007, the shop was still packed with everything a fan could want - yearbooks, pins, scorecards, jerseys and t-shirts, name it.  The next season, it was bare.  Sure enough, the team filed for bankruptcy by the end of 2008.

Their situation hastily deteriorated from then on, and by 2011, the Bears found themselves playing in the more economically feasible CanAm League.  But that remedy lasted exactly three seasons. The Newark Bears are now idle.  Future seasons remain equally in doubt.

Jose Herrera's three home runs in the clinching game of the 2007 Atlantic League Championship Series was very literally the Newark Bears last hurrah.  I'm glad I was there.

Founded in 1998 by then owner, and former Yankee catcher, Rick Cerone, the Newark Bears were a charter member of the independent Atlantic League.  The construction of Bears and Eagles Riverside Stadium was completed soon thereafter.

Former major leaguers Tim Raines and Garry Templeton were the Bears two most recent field managers.  They were among the many well known big leaguers who came to play or coach in Newark over the years.

The city of Newark has such a rich baseball legacy.  The current situation is a shame.  I still feel Brick City can draw off that history, and make baseball a successful endeavor today.  Obviously, several things need to change first.  I do know, an easily accessible downtown ballpark lying dormant this summer, is a ponderous development.  Baseball needs to continue in Newark.

Truth be told, the Canadian/American League is in no better shape.  That circuit has been reduced to four members this season, and will participate in the American Association as a division.  Over the last five years alone, the Atlantic City Surf and Nashua Lions, two other charter members of the Atlantic League who also switched over to the CanAm League, have folded, along with the Brockton Rox, Pittsfield Colonials, Sussex SkyHawks and Worcester Tornadoes.

Only the Quebec Capitales and the New Jersey Jackals remain from recent Can Am League history.  The Rockland Boulders and Trois-Rivieres Aigles are newer expansion teams added over the last three years.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers - The King Of Mount Blueshirt

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

#302

A NEW RANGERS RECORD FOR VICTORIES BY A GOALTENDER

NEW YORK RANGERS: All The King's Horses, And All The King's Men, Scored Eight Times To Help Henrik Lundqvist Become Tex's Rangers All-Time Leader In Wins For A Goalie.

On this most special occasion, Henrik Lundqvist made 35 saves, but still allowed four goals to the Ottawa Senators.  His Rangers team mates stood by his side however, and ensured their liege's milestone victory with eight goals in support.

Henrik was stalwart when he needed to be.  So, move over Mike Richter, there's a new king of the hill.  Mike Richter was the first and only Rangers goalie to ever surpass 300 victories in a career, until Henrik Lundqvist came along.

Henrik Lunqvist earned at least 30 victories in each of his first seven seasons.  He established a high of 39 victories during the 2011-12 season.  Mike Richter's best mark came during the 1993-94 Cup season, in which he posted 42 victories to lead the league.  He only achieved 30+ victories one other time in his career. Lundqvist on the other hand, has never achieved 40 victories - yet. However, he did lead the NHL with 24 victories in last year's abbreviated season.

Mike Richter never recorded more than 5 shutouts in a season.  Henrik Lundqvist has twice led the NHL in shutouts, with 10 and 11 respectively.  Prior to unceremoniously being traded to the Red Wings, Hall of Fame goalie Eddie Giacomin spent 9+ seasons tending net for the Rangers, in which he set the club record with 49 shutouts, and led the NHL three times.

Giacomin achieved 30+ victories in a season 5 times, and his first four times came consecutively. He led the league in wins three times, and established a career high of 37 wins during the 1968-69 season.  Eddie also earned the Vezina award for his 1970-71 season.

Henrik won the Vezina award for his 2011-12 season, while Mike Richter never managed to win the award.  Mike however, is the only one of the three with his name on the Stanley Cup.

*     *     *     *

After twice falling behind in the opening period to Ottawa, the Blueshirts cranked up the offense over the final forty minutes of play.  Six different Rangers scored Tuesday night.  Rick Nash and Derick Brassard scored a pair of goals each.  Benoit Pouliot, John Moore, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan all chipped in with one goal each to help the Rangers set their season high.

The power play was 0 for 3, but the Rangers true struggles have been at even strength.  For a night, they got it right.  Six goals came at even strength, while Rick Nash provided the bookends. He scored the Rangers first goal, shorthanded in the opening period, and capped off the night with an empty net goal to end the game.

Afterward, Coach Vigneault said the defense sucked.  I couldn't agree more.  Ottawa's 39 shots on goal speak loudly to that point.  But, for now, that all gets a pass.  The Rangers secured two more points, and Lundqvist set a club record.  That's a good night by any measure.

The Rangers are now 4-6 in March, at a time when points are at a premium.  They are third in the Metropolitan Division, just two points better than Columbus.  That currently translates to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, similarly two points better than Columbus.  And wouldn't you know, the Blue Jackets play Thursday night, then will host a head to head clash with the Rangers on Friday night.  The Rangers are off till then, and could potentially enter that game tied with Columbus should the Blue Jackets defeat the Habs on Thursday.

Immediately following the Blue Jackets, the Rangers have the equally critical task of keeping the Devils out of the picture, in a game at the Rock.

Twelve games remain in the regular season.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Deron Williams Rising

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

FINAL

Suns   89

Nets  105

BROOKLYN NETS: Deron Williams Takes Out His Frustrations Over Saturday's Loss On The Phoenix Suns.

This wasn't exactly Phoenix Rising.  But, Deron Williams came back home to Brooklyn with something to prove.  After conducting an introspective systems check following Sunday's failure in Washington, he became a man on a mission, and took it upon himself to extinguish the Suns Monday night at Barclays Center.

With a microphone in his face after the game, Deron Williams said, "I didn't like the way I played last game.  I got outplayed by John Wall...."

So, he took out his frustrations on Phoenix.  Williams torched the Suns for a game high 28 points, shooting a highly efficient 11/13 from the floor, and 3/5 from beyond the arch.  That translates to an 80% shooting percentage.

Deron's team mates felt the heat he was generating, and played exactly the way they needed following such a letdown against the Wizards - a game they had in hand until they all froze up midway through the final quarter.

In their first game back home, the Nets led the Phoenix Suns from beginning to end.  All five Flatbush starters scored in double-digits.  Livingston finished with 12 points, and Joe Johnson scored 19 points.  Both men tied for the team lead with 5 assists each.  Big man on campus, Mason Plumlee added a double-double, with 14 points, and a game high 11 rebounds.  Paul Pierce finished with 10 points.

Brooklyn got back on defense.  They limited the Suns to 23 points in three of the four quarters, and kept them below 90 for the game.  They now rank 8th in the league in points allowed.

The Nets improved to 7-2 in Kevin Garnett's absence., and now sport a 34-31 season record.

In the Atlantic Division standings, Brooklyn's 106-89 victory over the Suns, once again gets them to within 3 games of the 1st place Toronto Raptors who lost Monday.  The Nets remain in 6th place of the Eastern Conference standings.

The Charlotte Bobcats come to Flatbush next.  The Bobcats are currently the Eastern Conference 7th seeded team, just 2.5 games behind the Nets.  The teams will conclude their season series on March 26th.  The Bobcats defeated the Nets in their first meeting back in November.  Brooklyn then repaid the favor with a 105-89 victory in February.




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Why Spending The Weekend In Las Vegas Was Important For Mets

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Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

Brooklyn Nets: Look What The Wizards Did To Flatbush, Again

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Nets Fall Flat Against Washington

FINAL

Flatbush   94

Wizards  101

BROOKLYN NETS: Wizards Complete Three Game Sweep Of Jason's Kids.  Flatbush Gets Bumped Down To 6th In Eastern Conference Standings.

Atlantic Division:
1) - Toronto......37-27
2) - Brooklyn....33-31  4GB
3) - New York...27-40  11.5

Look what John Wall and the Wizards did to the Nets..., again.  This was only Brooklyn's second loss of the month, but to a team they have failed to defeat this season.  John Wall scored 33 points, as the Wizards completed a series sweep.  Their victory also snapped a tie with the Nets for 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

At no time throughout the three games, did Brooklyn ever find an answer for Washington's point guard.  In the first meeting, with 17 points, John Wall outscored every Nets player, save Brook Lopez.  In game two, he led Washington with 21 points, on a night 7 Wizards scored in double digits.

Saturday's result - the Wizards overcame a 9 point halftime deficit, and a 10 point deficit inside the 4th, to defeat the Nets by a 101-94 final.

With Kevin Garnett missing his 8th straight game, the Nets continue to get out-rebounded.  But, despite missing Garnett's defense, what the Nets allowed Drew Gooden to do was a bit inexcusable. Playing on a 10-day contract, Gooden was 2nd on the Wizards with 21 points, and pulled down a game high 9 rebounds.  He scored 11 of those points in the 4th quarter.

Brooklyn's free throw shooting was also inefficient.  The Nets missed 7 of 22 attempts, for a 68.2% mark.

For the game, the Nets shot 47.9% from the field.  But, as John Wall and Drew Gooden were taking over in the 4th, the Nets all went cold midway through, at the same damn time.  Once the Wizards captured the lead (for the first time all game) they never looked back.

Although Deron Williams tied for team high with 7 rebounds, and distributed a game high 7 assists, he was the chilliest of them all.  He played a team high 35 minutes, and led the team with 21 shots from the field, but struggled mightily, shooting 2/7 from beyond the arch, and 4/14 from the rest of the floor.

Marcus Thornton had another big game, scoring 19 points to lead the team off the bench.  Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce were the only starters in double digits.  Mason Plumlee got the start, and added 8 points.  In 31 minutes, Shaun Livingston was very inconsequential, attempting just 5 shots from the field, and 4 free throws.

Andray Blatche has played with mixed results against his former team this season.  In 25 minutes off the bench, he contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds Saturday night.  In game one of the series, he scored 10 and pulled down 13 rebounds.  In game two, he scored 12 points, but managed just 1 board.

Where do the Nets go from here?  The answer is home, for three games at Barclays Center, where they will host Phoenix, Charlotte and Boston.  For the moment, the Suns are on the outside looking in, currently 9th in the Western standings.  Charlotte is biting at the Nets heels, only 2 games behind in the 7th spot of the Eastern standings.  Boston has no doubt struggled this season, but the Nets better be prepared nonetheless.

Back in the Atlantic Division race, after closing to within three games, the Toronto Raptors lead Brooklyn by four again.  The Nets have 18 games left on their schedule.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Knicks: Meet The New Boss

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

NEW YORK KNICKS: Club Set To Announce Phil Jackson Has Been Named Team President.  He Now Has The Job Pat Riley Once Wanted, But For How Long?

Although the official announcement won't come till Tuesday, the New York Knickerbockers have tentatively signed Phil Jackson to become their club president.

I guess congratulations are in order, after I stop shaking my head over the fact that James Dolan stepped all over toes of the people who work for him once again.  James Dolan has mastered the art of hiring people first, then firing his victims afterwards.  That said, I suspect GM Steve Mills orchestrated his own exit by helping to bring in the man who will probably fire him.  If his days at MSG aren't numbered, they should be.

I also feel the basketball team of MSG has hired their version of Glen Sather.  Think of the peace of mind James Dolan will have knowing Glen Sather and Phil Jackson are running his teams. Among his circle friends, Jimmy is golden.  Even the media is forced to agree he has people with winning experience running his organizations.  Good for him, as perception is everything.

Rangers and Knicks fans know better though.  James Dolan apparently gave Glen Sather a job for life, letting his history with Edmonton, not New York, speak for itself.  Signing Jackson wreaks of more of the same to me.

Phil Jackson won a title here in New York as a Knicks member because he was surrounded by greater players than him.  Phil won titles in Chicago and Los Angeles as a head coach, because he was afforded four of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA.  Like Sather, that's all that will matter to James Dolan.

History says Phil Jackson will safely have a job here for as long as he wants to stay, no matter what transpires on the court under his reign.  On that note, I do not believe Jackson will be able to to do anything Donnie Walsh couldn't do.  The Knicks almost had it right then, but that was two GM's ago.  Regardless, similar to Donnie Walsh, Jackson has another mess he must rescue the Knicks from.

One thing I know is sure.  Phil Jackson will not tolerate any of James Dolan's micro-meddling.  He is coming here to do things one way - Phil's way.  In a bit of irony, Phil Jackson now has the job Pat Riley once wanted from the Knicks.  Pat Riley entered the executive ranks by leaving the Knicks, while Phil Jackson joins the executive ranks by joining the Knicks.

As oversee'er, Phil Jackson will be charged with seeking out championship caliber coaches and players, instead of having such players handed to him.  His triangle offense won't help him master the salary cap either.  And, woe to his head coach, whom Phil Jackson will always feel superior to.

How long will this last?  Phil Jackson isn't exactly a spring chicken.  Turning the Knicks around may take another several years to achieve.  Their draft is already quite compromised.  And what if things do not go too well.  How committed is he, really, to see things through?




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Rebuilding No Longer A Crutch For Ike Davis

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Brooklyn Nets: Paul Pierce Lifts Flatbush Over South Beach

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WEDNESDAY FINAL:

Brooklyn   96

Miami        95

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Turning Up The Heat On The Eastern Conference; Move Into 5th Spot With Road Victory Over Miami.

Who's Doubting Jason Kidd Now?

Look what Brooklyn did to the Heat - again!  In their first clash away from Flatbush, the Nets defeated Miami for the third time in three meetings this season.  For what is now officially the hottest team in basketball, oh how sweet it was.

The Nets improved to 33-30 for the season, and 6-1 in March.  Toronto destroyed Detroit, so Brooklyn remains three games behind the Raptors for first place in the Atlantic Division.  The Nets however, improved their standing in the Eastern Conference, by moving into the fifth spot.

Once again led by Paul Pierce, the Nets gained victory Wednesday evening with another offensively strong third quarter, more hustle on defense and key stops down the stretch, with continued strong bench play, and despite Deron Williams committing yet more late game turnovers.

Whatever works, right?

Lately, we've been getting the best and worst of Deron Williams.  His turnover with 2:30 left in the 4th quarter allowed Miami to tie the game 92-92, a play which closely mirrored his late game turnover against the Raptors in Monday's game.  He then buried a huge pull-up jumper to put Brooklyn ahead 96-92 with 35.8 seconds left.  But he then missed on the Nets last possession, allowing Miami to gain possession, and call a time-out with 3.5 seconds left, and down by a point.

For the game, Deron Williams was a mere 2/8 from the field, and 1/3 from beyond the arch.  He only scored 6 points, but dished out a game high 8 assists.  Joe Johnson had a similar night, finishing the night with 8 points, on 2/10 shooting from the field, and a worse 1/6 from beyond the arch.  And, Kevin Garnett missed his seventh straight game.

Yet, the Nets prevailed.  Paul Pierce was big man on campus.  A sore shoulder has apparently enhanced his game.  He scored 17 in the third quarter, and made it rain with 5 three-pointers throughout the game.  Pierce led all scorers with 29 points,but none bigger than with less than two minutes to go, he burst through the lane for a lay-up which put Brooklyn back up by a 94-92 score.  He was resilience at its finest, and retro all night long.

The Nets out-rebounded the Heat - something they did not do against Toronto.  Wednesday's game however, boiled down to one defensive play at the very end, when Shaun Livingston deflected Miami's in-bounds pass to end the game, and preserve a 96-95 Brooklyn victory.

Shaun Livingston scored 13 points, and pulled down a team high 7 rebounds.  He and LeBron James tied with a game high 38-minutes of floor time.  Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic (or MT3), was huge with 17 points and four rebounds, and Andray Blatche scored another 11 points.

Chris Bosh was high scorer for Miami with 24 points.  Dwayne Wade scored 22 points, while LeBron James was held to 19 points, on 6/13 from the field, and was kept especially quiet in the 4th quarter.

As noted, the Nets climbed into the fifth spot of the Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Washington Wizards, whom they face Saturday night in the nation's capital.  Washington has gotten the best of Brooklyn in two previous meetings this season.

*     *     *     *

How do people like Jason Kidd's coaching skills now?  When he and Lawrence Frank were still working together, the Nets got off to a 5-12 start.  Their beef reportedly erupted somewhere around November 4th or so, resulting from many growing differences of opinion, but their main disagreements reportedly involved defensive issues.  After the falling out, the team suffered through the rest of the month with a 4-10 record. Since Jason Kidd jettisoned Lawrence Frank from the sidelines in early December, the Nets have posted a 28-18 record.  The Nets are now 23-9 in the new year, and counting.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: South Beach Showdown

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: The Heat Is On Visiting Brooklyn.

It's time to play in their house now.  The Nets two victories over the Heat this season came at Barclays Center.  Tonight is the first showdown in South Beach.  The two will stage their last regular season meeting in April.

This evening's match-up features the current #2 and #6 teams in the Eastern Conference.  With just 20 games left in the regular season, these teams could very well be heading towards a first or second round encounter.

In their previous meetings, Brooklyn took the Heat down to the final seconds of regulation, and needed overtime in their second meeting, in order to snatch a pair of victories away from Miami.  Therefore, there is much to read into tonight's game.

Kevin Garnett remains out of action with a cranky back.  He has yet to play in March, in which the Nets have posted a 5-1 record.  Among several key reasons, Paul Pierce has been paramount to Brooklyn's success lately, but he enters the game still nursing a sore shoulder.  Some of this should not have come unexpected.  Upon the acquisition, we sensed any nagging injuries at Garnett's and Pierce's age would potentially pose late season problems.

But back then, we also felt bench depth would prevail.  Well, here we are, and so far, Andray Blatche and Mason Plumlee are performing well in place of Garnett.  They'll need to keep it up.  Working against Kevin Garnett's ability to help the team down the stretch, are a series of back-to-back games.  Brooklyn only has one set in March, so this is the time for KG to get healthy.  But in April, Brooklyn faces four back-to-back sets before the regular season ends on the 16th.

LeBron James will no doubt get his points, especially at home, but Mr. Big Shot, Joe Johnson, will need to score his share of points as well.  Minus Brook Lopez, he has been Brooklyn's top scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game this season.  He's had a hot touch of late, shooting 53% from the floor over his last five games.  Joe is a 44% shooter for the season.

The Nets closed to within three games of the Atlantic Division lead, with a victory over Toronto on Monday The Raptors host the substandard Pistons tonight.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Leaving Themselves Little Room For Error

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Real Struggle Begins Now.

A new coach, plus new players in the locker room, plus a new division configuration, equals the same old off-Broadway melodrama.

This has less to do with losing to the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night, and more about the Penguins leading the stupid Metropolitan Division with 92, points, and even more about the Rangers being in 2nd place with 74 points - while running neck and neck with Columbus (73), Philly (73), New Jersey (71), and Washington (70).  One slip, and the Rangers are swimming in the Wild Card pool.

In a broad sense, the Rangers are reverting into what they used to be prior to playing for John Tortorella - a slightly above average, to average team, playing for Tom Renny, that more often than not, needed to scratch like cats in a microwave in order to secure a 6th, 7th, or 8th playoff spot.

In the end, they relegate themselves to selecting mid-level draft picks in the process.  Of course, that's a multilevel indictment against Glen Sather, as the draft needn't bother him now.  The Rangers are already shy two picks heading into the next draft, and relinquished their #1 pick for the following year as well.

The standings currently say the Rangers are a fairly good team.  My problem is, I still do not know who they are.  What I do feel with certainty, is that they are ill equipped to get by Boston or Pittsburgh in the playoffs. These Rangers are not physical enough, and despite Sather's roster moves, that has not changed.  Once teams take the game in that direction, the Rangers veer off ice.

Under Coach Vigneault, the power play is no doubt a considerably better unit.  The Rangers currently rank 11th in the league - heights unheard of under Torts.  But, the fact they only score 2.54 goals (19th NHL, 11th Eastern Conf.) per game sends a mixed message, doesn't it?  Among other things, it tells me the new forwards have not changed much to improve even strength scoring.

In the Eastern Conference alone, Boston, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Toronto, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington, the Islanders, and Detroit, all generate more offense than the Rangers.

With 16 games left in the regular season, the Rangers have but one 20-goal scorer, Rick Nash.  In his defense, Nash missed considerable time last Fall due to another concussion.  Brad Richards leads the team with 45 points, and has 16 goals, and leads in ice time.  Derek Stepan leads the Rangers with 33 assists.

Martin St. Louis was brought here to help ignite more offense.  He has 29 goals, and 33 assists this season His 62 points rank 15th in the league.  His goals scored rank 11th.

Of the Rangers 16 remaining games, they will have one shot each, to fend off Columbus, Philadelphia and New Jersey, two games against Ottawa they can't afford to lose, and one game to keep pace with Montreal. They need to capitalize on all of them, because half of their remaining schedule is against Western Conference teams.  Making matters more difficult, 10 of their remaining games are on the road.

Let the struggle begin.




Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: The Mets First Base Dilemma Continues

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The Mets First Base Dilemma Continues

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writier/Rising Apple

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Is Generating Their Own Heat

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: Paul Pierce's 3-Pointer At 1:14 Sticks A Claw Into Raptors.  Now It's Off To South Beach To Combat The Heat.

Toronto's Atlantic Division Lead Cut Down To Three Games

MONDAY FINAL

Toronto  97

NETS   101

I still don't know how the Spurs let that game get away, but I digress...

For as long as the Miami Heat are defending NBA champions, they are the measure of all teams.  The South Beach Cagers are next on the schedule, and perhaps the match up couldn't have come at a better time for the Hoops of Flatbush.

By gaining victory in Monday night's thriller over the division leading Toronto Raptors, the Nets improved to 5-1 in March, 22-9 in 2014, and are now two games over .500 with a 32-30 record - their best mark of the season.  More importantly, they closed to within three games of the Atlantic lead.

With Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Mason Plumlee, Andray Blatche, and Shaun Livingston on the floor, the Nets completed a 14-0 run, staking them to a 73-60 lead with 4:28 left in the 3rd quarter.  Brooklyn then went cold, while Toronto went on their own three minute long 11-0 run.  The Raptors had closed to with 73-69 with 1:17 left in the quarter.

Kevin Garnett did not play, but Paul Pierce played despite a sore shoulder, and nailed a HUGE clutch 3-pointer to give the Nets a 97-94 lead with 1:14 left in the 4th quarter.  Then following a Deron Williams turnover, the Nets flexed their defense and came up with their own turnover in the defensive end.  Toronto fouled with 0:24 left.  Livingston converted a pair of free throws to give Flatbush a 99-96 lead.  They would eventually secure a 101-97 final over Toronto.

Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston led the team with 18 points each.  Toronto's Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 21 points.  Brooklyn had five players score in double-digits.  Paul Pierce was next in with 15 points, while Joe Johnson dropped 14 points.

Kyle Lowry also led all players with 7 assists, while Deron Williams registered 5 assists to lead the Nets.

Overall, Toronto out-rebounded Brooklyn, but Mason Plumlee tied for game high with 8 boards.

The home team buried the Raptors from 3-point land.  Toronto was 49.3% shooting from the field, and only 6/23 from beyond the arch.  Brooklyn shot 48.6% from the field, and a mighty 11/20, or 55% from 3-point land.

Toronto led by one point at the half, and outscored Brooklyn in the 4th quarter by a 24-23 margin.  The Nets 3rd quarter play was the difference, in which they overcame their halftime deficit, and outscored Toronto by a 28-22 clip.

The Miami heat lead the Southeast Division with a 44-17 record, and are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference behind Indiana.  The Nets remained in the 6th spot.  The Heat are 3-3 in March, and just ended a 3 game skid with a victory over Washington.  Prior to that, they had won 8 straight games.

The Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets have two more regular season meetings, the first of which comes Wednesday night.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Travis d'Arnaud's Long Awaited Rookie Season Draws Closer

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

N.Y. Mets - Climbing The Hill In 2014

NEW YORK METS: Coach Terry's Catchers Are No Spring Chickens, Yet Lack MLB Experience.

Fair or Not, The Pressure Is On Travis d'Arnaud,
Who Is The Primary, And Only Plan Behind The Plate.

Somewhere in the club offices, if you're thinking like a GM, you should feel that you lack a back-up plan on the chance that Travis d'Arnaud either incurs another injury, or struggles mightily at the plate and becomes a liability.  Sandy Alderson never did secure an MLB grade catcher to back-up Travis d'Arnaud, like the GM said he wanted to back in October.  Therefore, the Mets will most likely enter the regular season with Anthony Recker as the back-up again, which is fine by me.  Maybe however, acquiring an experienced catcher is still not out of the question.  By the end of spring training, perhaps a catcher will become available.

Anthony Recker's 38 starts last season were by far his largest single body of work.  Prior to last year, his previous high was 49 at-bats during the 2012 season.  Although he only batted .215 with a .280 OBP in 135 at-bats last year, Anthony still clubbed 6 home runs and 7 doubles, and drove in 19 runs.  So, even though he'll be turning 32-years old, and has just 77 games of MLB experience, I think there was something more to his .400 slugging average last season than meets the eye.

Recker was buried in Oakland's system for many years, and perhaps all he needs is a chance to spread his arms, so to say.  That said, after having gained a greater measure of confidence last year, and even perhaps having learned a thing or two from playing with John Buck, I'm looking forward to an improved season from him.  I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, and suspect Anthony will be a competent back-up catcher this season.

Of course, the Mets primary backstop is now Travis d'Arnaud.  He is no spring chicken, but at age 25, he will still officially qualify as a rookie this season.  Over the last two years, injuries have twice derailed and/or delayed his MLB debut.  During his call-up last season, he did not exceed the minimum requirement of at-bats, and retained his rookie status.

Many are stopping just short of labeling him as injury prone.  The Mets certainly hope that's not the case. But, we all saw first hand last season, how foul tips, errant pitches, and back swings routinely find their way to d'Arnaud's unprotected areas.  Things of that nature chip away at all catchers though, but at first glance, perhaps d'Arnaud more than others.  Otherwise, his major injuries occurred in the field of play, and not necessarily because he is fragile.  Travis injured a knee as a base runner during a play at second base, and fractured his foot thanks to a foul ball while crouched behind the plate.

He is certainly not without his flaws behind the plate, but let's keep this real.  Travis was brought in to be an offensive catcher.  The type of production he displayed in 2011 with New Hampshire of the Eastern League, and his 2012 production with Las Vegas are what people want from him.  In 424 at-bats playing AA in 2011, he batted .311 and posted a .371 OBP.  He hit 33 doubles, 21 home runs, and had a .542 slugging average. Prior to suffering a knee injury in 2012, while playing in AAA, he batted .333 in 279 at-bats, with a .380 OBP, and .595 slugging mark.  He hit 21 doubles, 16 home runs, and drove in 52 runs.

It is rather unrealistic to expect that type of production from d'Arnaud so soon.  Should he ever achieve those numbers, is another matter.  But perhaps because he was brought here in exchange for a former Cy Young award winner, he might be expected to at least show that he belongs.  He managed 20 hits in 99 at-bats last season.  However, it is unfair to hold anything about last year against him.  The rookie deserves a clean slate.  That said, I hope he develops into a very popular Mets player for years to come.

Make no mistake though, Travis d'Arnaud is one of the new, young Mets being depended upon to help turn things around in Flushing.  Travis was the main player in the R.A. Dickey trade, not Noah Syndergaard.  So, in some form or fashion, the New York pressure will still bear down on the new Mets catcher.

There is also no escaping the fact that between them, d'Arnaud and Recker total 108 games of MLB experience.  But, as noted previously, each is of a fairly mature age.  That can only help, because they are both being charged with corralling the Mets stable of current, and upcoming pitchers.  With so much of the Mets potential future success riding on the health and strength of their young pitching, having a solid battery mate is paramount.

During his small body of work last season, pitchers expressed their pleasure with d'Arnaud's receiving abilities behind the plate.  Zack Wheeler in particular, had good things to say on his behalf.  We also quickly learned that he frames pitches very well.

As David Wright will be the most experienced player in the infield, he in fact becomes a pitching coach on the field, that is, until Travis d'Arnaud is comfortably settled in his MLB role.  Sometimes, those meetings on the mound yield something inspiring.  Ultimately, things of that nature must come from the catcher.

Otherwise, this is a rather unique situation which Mets fans should enjoy - watching a promising young battery grow into their own together.





Mike.BTB