Brooklyn Nets: Time For Deron Williams To Seize The Moment, And A Borough

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Game Three - Jason's Kidds Narrowly Avoid An Accident On Flatbush Avenue

The Team's 2.6 Millionth Man

Game Two - Paul Pierce Detonates A Well Timed Team Improvement Device

Game One - Raptors Foiled By The Truth

GAME FOUR

Toronto Raptors

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Barclays Center

FLATBUSH AVENUE

BROOKLYN NETS: Deron Williams Made a Big Decision To Sign, And Stay In Brooklyn.  The Time Has Now Come For Him To Seize The Moment.

Toronto Raptors May Have Poked The Bear

In three games against the Toronto Raptors, Deron Williams has been employing a wide repertoire of moves, and featuring a particularly strong cross-over.  There is a burst to his first step again. And, why not?  He's only 29-years old - the middle of his prime.

Since his arrival in New Jersey, then Flatbush, his critics have only grown in number.  And, truth be told, Deron Williams has been somewhat of a potential local superstar in suspended animation.

At the moment, knock on wood, ankle problems that caused him to miss 18 games early this season now seem like a distant memory.  But, the overall damage his ankles have caused him over recent years, have certainly taken their toll on the way Williams is perceived throughout the league, and most importantly, in greater NYC, and Brooklyn specifically.

Heading into the post season, no one was necessarily doubting Deron Williams' determination, or commitment to playing at a high level.  The debate raged instead, over how far he had fallen below elite point guard status.

At the moment, he finally appears to have health on his side again.  And, thanks largely to Billy King's maneuverings, Deron Williams also has veteran experience, floor leadership, scoring options, and bench depth all at his disposal.

It seems then, the conditions appear perfectly set for him to finally silence his many naysayers, and once and for all, endear himself to the borough.

Albeit hampered by said ankles, he averaged 14 points and 6.1 assists this past season.  But, according to his Per 36-minute averages, he posted 16 points and 7 assists.

On March 15th, the Nets visited the Washington Wizards, and were soundly beaten.  The Wizards overcame a 10 point deficit in upending the Nets.  Washington was led by PG John Wall, who scored 33 points, issued 6 assists, and also secured 4 rebounds.  Wall was 10/15 from the field, 4/6 from 3-point range, and 9/10 from the line.  Quite simply, he outplayed Deron Williams, by more than doubling his point output.

Deron Williams played 35 minutes that game, and was limited to just 14 points, with 7 assists and 7 rebounds.  He was just 4/14 from the field, 3/7 from beyond the arch, and 4/4 from the stripe. Afterward, Deron became incensed with his performance, and admitted as much numerous times.

He played his next game with fury, taking out his frustrations in Phoenix, where he torched the Suns for 28 points, on 11/13 shooting from the field.  Still upset, he followed by dropping another 25 points on the Bobcats, with 11 points coming in the 4th quarter.  He additionally led the floor with 8 assists.

In Deron Williams' final 23 games of the regular season, he averaged 16 points and 7 assists.  Over that span, Deron scored 20+ points 6 times - significant because, over his first 40 games of the season spanning October through February, he had only done that 7 times.  However, a significant level of anger dissipated from his game sometime between Washington and the final game of the season.

When Friday's game against Toronto started getting physical, Deron Williams took exception to one push too many, and eyeballed a Raptor player or two.  It was that moment when the look came back - his anger returned.  From it, I believe, evolves a killer instinct - something that has generally lacked in Deron's game, and from last year's entire team for that matter.

In three games against the Raptors, he is averaging 36.6 minutes, 20.3 points, and 5.3 assists.  He scored 24 points in Game One, on 8/20 from the field, and 6/6 from the line.   In Game Two, he scored 15 points, and issued 5 assists.  In Friday's game at Barclays Center, Deron scored 22 points on 7/14 from the field, and issued a game high 8 assists.  All this, while effectively outplaying Kyle Lowry.

Statistics aside, in the closing minutes and moments of the first three games, the ball has been placed in the sure hands of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who won't panic under duress.  In Game Three, the ball was placed in Joe Johnson's hands late in the game, and has otherwise carried the team.

But, it is Deron Williams, not the others, who will ultimately define this initial era of Brooklyn basketball.  He will be the measure.  As he goes, so will the tale.  But, without the ball, that may prove difficult.

Last year's playoffs ended quickly for the Nets, not to mention in very disappointing fashion.  This time around, and three games into the post-season, he has yet to really seize an endearing moment.

Hopefully, there are many more games to come.  At some point, he'll need to make the closing minutes his showcase if he truly wants to make this era his.  Deron Williams made the decision to sign and stay in Brooklyn.  The time has now come for him to seize the moment.

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Power Play Singing The Blues

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Series Tied 2-2

I - NYR 4; PHI 1

II - PHI 4; NYR 2

III - NYR 4; PHI 1

IV - PHI 2; NYR 1

V - SUNDAY @ NYR

VI - NYR @ PHI

VII - PHI @ NYR

NEW YORK RANGERS: Bring Back Emery!

The Blueshirts continue to out-shoot the Flyers, but Game Four's final score suddenly signifies something radically different about this series.  More than gooning things up, or taking advantage on the PP unlike the Rangers have since Game One, or scoring on a deflection, having Steve Mason back in net has proved itself to be the most dramatic turn in Philadelphia's fortunes.

Ranger fans are hopeful this is a simple case of scoring four goals every other game, but don't hold your breath.  Improved play between the pipes will only embolden the Flyers into taking more chances, or should I say liberties, knowing their back door is substantially more secure.

Two, One , Zero...., Scub.  That's the number of PP goals scored by the Rangers through the first three games.  Here's the more distressing part - the Flyers have 3 PP goals in 6 opportunities.  Sure the Rangers have done well to limit penalties....  The Flyers on the other hand, have afforded the Rangers with 16 PP opportunities, but the Rangers have only capitalized 3 times, and only once in the last two games, spanning 10 PP opportunities.

Don't look now, but Ryan McDonagh is hurt, ironically through no fault of the Flyers.  He appeared to bounce harmlessly into the boards, and immediately winced, then favored his left shoulder.  That brings to question how healthy he has actually been all this time.  His recent play suggests he indeed has been hampered with a bum shoulder which caused him to miss the last 6 games of the season.

Rick Nash, another five shots, still no goal.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Game Three - Jason's Kidds Narrowly Avoid Accident On Flatbush Avenue

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Flatbush Leads Series 2-1

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - SUNDAY @ BKN

V - BKN @ TOR

VI - TOR @ BKN

VII - BKN @ TOR

Game Three Final:

Raptors  98

NETS   102

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Hoops Blow 15 Point Lead To Make Things Uncomfortable Down The Stretch.

Everything almost went according to plan.  The crowd was good enough, and the Nets similarly played good enough to win.  To be honest though, the crowd could have been better, at least in the first quarter, and the Nets could have played better, after all, they let a 15 point lead dwindle down to one with less than a minute left in the game.  Truth be told, Toronto screwed themselves in the closing minute by hoisting a series of bricks from the free throw line.

Now, because I live here, there's every chance I might be over critical of last night's game, but, when I see guys like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett buying into their Brooklyn experience more than perhaps some of the ticket holders, well..........  there's something about last night that wreaks to me of underachievement, or lacking killer instinct.

This is a resilient borough, but I warned you apathy runs deep here.  The Brooklyn Dodgers were not called The Bums for nuthin'.  Either that, or this place still has a lot to re-learn about being a major league town again.

Be better this Sunday!

The Brooklyn Nets took a 2-1 lead in their best of seven series against the Atlantic Division winning Toronto Raptors.  Joe Johnson continued leading Brooklyn's way with 29-points, which was only one behind DeMar DeRozan's game high 30-points.  Joe was 11/17 (65%) from the field, and 6/9 from the line.  He led all players with 40 minutes.

The Nets won Game Three's points in the paint by a 42-32 spread, largely thanks to Joe Johnson, who is getting to pick his spots on the floor.  Kevin Garnett and Mason Plumlee combined on 30 minutes and could only muster 6 points, on 3/7 from the floor, and 0-2 from the line.  They only pulled down 6 rebounds and blocked one shot.

Deron Williams was 3rd on the scoring list, with 22 points, and issued a game high 8 assists.  He was 50% from the field on 7/14 shooting.  There was a point we saw the angry Deron again, which is a good thing.  He glared at a few Raptors when the game started getting physical.  That was a look missing since Deron torched Phoenix for 28 points, in the first game after John Wall lit him up for 33 points on March 15th in Washington.

Shaun Livingston's contributions however remain minimal.  Be it because of Toronto's effort, a compromised toe, or feeling ill, Livingston has yet to give Brooklyn a true back court edge the three provided together during the regular season.  Yet, he led the Nets with 6 rebounds Friday.

Brooklyn closed the rebounding gap considerably over Game Two.  This time they only got out done by a 35-29 margin.  Defensive rebounds were almost even, but Toronto pulled down 5 more offensive rebounds than did Brooklyn.

However, the Nets defensive effort is still causing an abundance of Raptors turnovers.  They also continue to keep Kyle Lowry somewhat bottled up, and finally came up with a measurable defense against Jonas Valanciunas.

Andray Blatche fueled Brooklyn off the bench with 18 minutes, 12 points and 4 rebounds.  He was 2/3 from the floor and a perfect 8/8 from the line.

The Nets must continue holding court in Flatbush.  Sunday's Game Four at Barclays Center is set up for them to take a 3-1 strangle hold on the series.  Let's see what kind of killer instinct they play with then.




Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks: Somerset Patriots Outlast Defending Champs In Season Opener

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Friday Final

DUCKS   2

Patriots   3

15 innings

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Somerset Patriots Need Overtime To Unruffle Flock In Season Opener.

Patriots fans attending yesterday's Opening Day game in Somerset were treated to, among other things, free baseball.  That's because the Somerset Patriots and Long Island Ducks dueled for 15 innings last night, until the Patriots finally prevailed almost 4 1/2 hours after the call to play ball.

That's perhaps no consolation for the way last season ended between these two clubs, but Friday night's victory over the Ducks was a small measure of revenge nonetheless.

Last year's Atlantic League championship series MVP, John Brownell climbed the hill for visiting Long Island, and was opposed by Somerset's Erik Arnesen.

The Ducks fell behind in the 2nd inning, when Patriots first baseman Dennis Raben led off the frame with a home run off John Brownell.

Long Island would take the lead on the 4th however.  Lead-off singles by Chris McClendon and Fehlandt Lentini set up first and third for Lew Ford, who's sac fly gave the Ducks their first run of the season.  Then Ryan Strieby's two out single scored Lentini to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead.

Somerset knotted the game in the 6th, on center fielder Johnny Tucker's one out single, and a triple by second baseman Nate Spears.

John Brownell lasted 6 full innings, allowed 2 earned runs on just 4 hits, walked none and struck out 5 before departing the game.  Patriots starter Erik Arnesen lasted 7 innings, and likewise allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits.  He walked no batters and struck out 8 before exiting.

The teams then played the equivalent of a new game, with each bullpen dueling to a scoreless tie through the next 8 innings.  Somerset finally broke the deadlock in the bottom of the 15th inning. With one out and a runner on first, Johnny Tucker factored once again, this time with a double to plate the winning run.

Reliever Casey Barnes took the unfortunate loss for Long Island.



Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: 4/25 - The Friday Recap; Mets Flush Marlins 4-3 In 9th

Here's Tonight's Recap For

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Curtis Granderson's Game Winning Hit In 9th Sinks Fish 4-3

Join me every every week for the Friday Night Recap.

Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

Brooklyn Nets: The Team's 2.6 Millionth Man

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Jason's Kidds On The Hunt For Canadian Raptors

Game One: Raptors Foiled By The Truth

Paul Pierce Detonates A Well Timed Team Improvement Device

BROOKLYN NETS: He Sed WuT?  F**K Us? F*****K HIM! Let'm C'mova Heer N'Say Dat.  Wut Is He High Or Su'um?

Doesn't what's-his-face know we wear Brooklyn like a red badge of courage, and don't mind being accused of stickin' it in peeplz faces, even to our own locals in the other 4 boroughs?

So, don't take it personal.

We Brooklynites happen to live in perhaps the most diverse 96 square miles on the planet, which makes us by and large, pretty tolerant people, if not the most tolerant people in the world.

But, once you're here, that's it.  No one really cares whence you came - nice word, aye?  We do, but we don't, ya know?  Where ever you were formally from, might get met with a  - Oh, that's nice.  Good luck with that.  But, even the most resistant denizens, whether newly transplanted or from the old school, eventually learn the hard way.

As culturally diverse as we are, there still remains a few local taboos, that if committed, should in most cases, guarantee a universal response.

That said, (Dude!...) you just can't go telling Brooklynites to go f*** themselves.  I know crime is at an all time low in the city, and people here feel safer than ever.  But, some things remain highly ill advised.  It just comes with the territory.  I love it here, but this isn't Disney World bro.  There's a saying - We do not discriminate because everyone pisses us off equally.

Of course, I speak in jest, after all, this is basketball, but there's grains of truth in everything, right?

Friday night, I anticipate Flatbush showing up in earnest to vocalize their displeasure with what's-his-face, respectfully of course.  After all, we're not animals.  We're more like that one funny talking guy in old war flicks that kept his unit's morale up with a uniquely Brooklyn view of things.

Life is indeed fun here, but every day presents its struggles nonetheless.  About that......, for the uh, the uh...., what's-their-faces, the visiting team, Barclays Center is going to box them in like a parking spot on Pacific Street.  It will then be incumbent upon Nets fans to make their captives guest's weekend visit to Brooklyn radically different from any they've experienced before.

Of course, I could be wrong.  Apathy also runs deep here.  Yooo'd be surprised.  So, there's a chance for what's-his-face to avoid an "egg cream" to the face yet.  But I doubt it.

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Paul Pierce Detonates A Well Timed Team Improvement Device

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Welcome To F#@king Brooklyn, Aye!

Series Tied 1-1

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - FRIDAY NIGHT

GAME THREE

Toronto Raptors

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

FROM

BARCLAYS CENTER

FLATBUSH AVENUE at ATLANTIC AVENUE

The Borough of Kings

BROOKLYN NETS: Truth Is, We Enjoy That Kind Of Chutzpah Around Here.  So, Tell What's His Face To Come Get Some.

Don't Ya Know A Gut Check When Ya Hear One?

Game One

That's what you get when faced with The Truth.  Last season, Game Two would have been followed by a chorus of excuses, rationalizations, self loathing, and soft spoken dismay.  This season, Paul Pierce issued his rather pointed assessment of Game Two, and concluded the Nets were soft.

Pierce was not just popping off at the mouth.  His words were intentionally loaded.  First and foremost, his teammates should take what he said at face value, but above all, they should take his admonishment to heart, because he was right.

Who doesn't realize his words were meant to incite specific members of this team as they head into a pair of games at Barclays Center? Pierce was flat out challenging his team to dominate on their home court this weekend. And, for those who still do not get it, Paul Pierce's mind is already on Game Five.

Pat Riley always said the most important games in a seven game series were Three an Five. Paul Pierce understands that very well, as does Kevin Garnett, and Jason Kidd.

Despite his late game failings in Game Two, the Nets accomplished a necessary split on the road largely thanks to Paul Pierce.  Had he hit a few shots down the stretch in Game Two, the Nets could very well be up 2-0 in this series.  At the same time, if the Nets had secured just a few more second chance opportunities, the whole course of Game Two changes.

Who envisioned the Nets being this inept on the glass?  That said, Paul Pierce's words should have forced his teammates to stare themselves down in the mirror.  Sometimes leadership manifests itself in forcing people to feel uncomfortable by employing a less than delicate tact.  That's why he was brought here.  So, if these Nets truly want to represent Brooklyn at its finest, they had all better toughen up.

Paul Pierce is going to be in a position to win more games for the Nets, because he's Paul Pierce. The question he is trying to eliminate is, who's coming strong with him?

*          *          *          *

DeMar DeRozan was the only player to exceed 20 points in Game Two.  In fact, he scored 17 of his game high 30 points in the fourth quarter.  Toronto out-rebounded the Nets by a whopping 52-10 margin.

The Nets could not capitalize on 20 Toronto turnovers.  Their shooting went cold at critical times of the game.  Paul Pierce was a particularly frigid 2/11 from the field, and 0/6 from beyond the arch.

Deron Williams scored 15 points, and tied with Shaun Livingston with 5 assists.  Mirza Teletovic and Mason Plumlee combined on 18 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.  Joe Johnson led the Nets with 18 points.

Toronto now enters Barclays Center where the Nets posted a 28-13 home record this season, and at one point, won 15 consecutive games on their herringbone floor.  The Raptors played respectable basketball on the road, posting a 22-19 record away from Canada this season.

Mike.BTB

Latest For Rising Apple: Las Vegas 51's Enjoy A Well Deserved Day Off

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Las Vegas 51's Enjoy A Well Deserved Day Off

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

L.I. Ducks: Somerset Patriots Prepare For Another Flock Invasion

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Open The Gates, And Play Ball!

2014

SEASON OPENER

FRIDAY

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

SOMERSET PATRIOTS

FROM

Some Park In New Jersey

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: More Bling Please...! Title Defense Begins Against A New Division Foe, But An Old League Rival.

Long Island Ducks: 2014 Pond Preview

The 15th regular season of Long Island Ducks baseball picks up where 2013 left off, against the Somerset Patriots.  Of course, the Patriots are five time Atlantic League champions, who last year knocked off the league's top team (the mighty Sugar Land Skeeters) in the Freedom Division series to advance and face the Ducks for the Atlantic League championship.

Long Island won the first two games of last year's final, but Somerset stormed back to tie, and force a decisive Game Five.  The Ducks ultimately prevailed, capturing their second consecutive (and rather improbable) league title, and the organization's third overall.

A slight league realignment has now brought the Patriots and Ducks even closer together.  Somerset moves to the Liberty Division this season, while the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will shift to the Freedom Division.

Friday evening, Somerset will no doubt be looking to punctuate their 2014 Opening Day festivities by gaining a small measure of revenge over their Long Island rivals.

At the plate, the Patriots will once again feature Cory Smith, who hit 20 home runs, and knocked in 84 runs last season.  In the outfield, Aharon Eggleston batted .294, with 8 homers and 56 RBI.

On the mound, Josh Lowey returns to lead the starting rotation.  He led the Patriots with a 14-8 record, and 2.89 ERA last season.  He struck out 124 batters in 155.2 innings pitched.  He'll once again team up with David Harden, who posted a 10-2 record with a 3.38 ERA, in 101 innings pitched.

Relief specialists Roy Merritt and Jon Hunton return to anchor the Somerset bullpen.  Last season, Merritt got in 38 games and pitched 64.1 innings, in which he struck out 71 batters, and posted a   4-2 record, with 2 saves, and a 1.95 ERA.  The Patriots closer, Jon Hunton, posted a 3.00 ERA in 54 innings, and saved 37 games.

After their three game weekend series against Somerset, the Ducks will move along to Southern Maryland for a three game set against the Blue Crabs.  Long Island will then host their home opener on Friday, May 2nd, against the York Revolution.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Game 3 - Dan Carcillo Kicks Sand In The Broad Street Bullies Faces

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Rangers Lead Series 2-1

I - NYR 4; PHI 1

II - PHI 4; NYR 2

III - NYR 4; PHI 1

IV - FRIDAY @ PHI

GAME THREE FINAL

RANGERS   4

Flyers          1

NEW YORK RANGERS: Flyers Cheap Shots Failing To Rattle Blueshirts, Unless You're Benoit Pouliot That Is.....

When do you suppose Coach Vigneault will play Dan Carcillo?  I hope the answer is games Three and Four.  A game in Philly seems tailored for him..., no?  Doesn't the former Flyer have anything to offer, be it with his physicality, or on-ice composure in a familiar environment?  Put him in coach.  C'mon, let him bang some bodies. - Yeah, I said that.

DAN CARCILLO REVISITS WITH OLD FRIENDS IN PHILADELPHIA

BEARING GOALS AND TIDINGS OF ILL WILL.

Ray Emery finally played down to his abilities.  He let pucks get by him from up close, from far away, and from bad angles.  In other words, he was an equal opportunity Game Three failure.  The Flyers finally pulled him from net in the third period, and it's probably safe to say, the Rangers should expect to see Steve Mason the rest of this series.

For the first time this series, the Flyers out-shot the Rangers by a 32-23 margin.  After chiding The King in my last post, Tuesday night, Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant in stopping all but one shot. The Rangers also uncharacteristically put Philly on the PP five times, but successfully killed them all.  A stellar defensive effort, and Henrik's 31 saves were most certainly the determining factors of Game Three.

For the moment, the Rangers were able to seize back home ice advantage.

The rest, makes for a very colorful recap.

The Flyers crowd was taken out of the game early, by two Rangers first period goals.  Ray Emery gave up a bad angle goal in close quarters to Derek Stepan, on a Rick Nash feed from the far corner.  Then a little under seven minutes later, he gave up another on Dan Girardi's shot which was deflected in by Martin St. Louis.

Before the first period was through, the Flyers got one goal back, but nothing more.  Dan Girardi then cancelled it out with a booming second period shot taken from downtown Philadelphia, which Emery was helpless to stop.

Former Flyer Dan Carcillo provided the crowd with one final punch to the stomach, when he converted a great pass from Brian Boyle, and tapped it through the pads of Emery, to give the Rangers a 4-1 victory.  It was a marvelous turn of events for him.  After feeling dejected over committing a penalty, he scored right out of the box.  Back in the second period, he took a minor penalty for coming to the aid of Carl Hagelin.  Good man!  Good game.

Benoit Pouliot was clearly out of his mind though.  In fact, there was a point in the game when Pouliot and Carcillo were both going against everything Coach Vigneault preaches.  But, it may have served the Rangers well.  Winning certainly has a way of influencing perspective, and so I would say Carcillo and Pouliot both brought a high level of intensity, and even a measure of anger and raucousness, that perhaps Philadelphia needed to experience.

Once again, the Flyers resorted to their full repertoire of troglodyte tactics.  Wayne Simmonds continued his overall obnoxious behavior, and escaped the box after cross-checking Derek Dorsett in the face. Simmonds also continues to lead the Flyers in SOG.

Dan Carcillo took a deliberate shoulder to the jaw, which also went unnoticed by the stripes, who by the way, were particularly horrific this night.  If you were watching, how else can you explain Philly getting whistled only four times all game.  It was a ponderous performance by them.

Just prior to Philadelphia scoring their lone goal, I could have sworn Derek Dorsett and Simmonds agreed to drop gloves during their next shift, but the fight never materialized, unlike the series of punches Carl Hagelin endured during what the stripes deemed a non-fight against Jakub Voracek - an absolutely terrible job.

The Rangers are hopping a train back to New York City tonight, and will return for Game Four on Friday.  I don't blame them.  I wouldn't want to spend the night in Philadelphia either.

Enjoy a cold beer on the way home fellas.  Nice game.



Mike.BTB

Latest For Rising Apple: Weighing Potential Mets Line-Up Alternatives

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Weighing Potential Mets Line-Up Alternatives

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Knicks: Please Phil, Don't Stop!

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

Taxi!  Airport please, and step on it.

NEW YORK KNICKS: "The Time Has Come For Change Throughout The Franchise..." - Phil Jackson.

I couldn't agree more with Phil Jackson's decision to fire the entire coaching staff.  It was the right thing to do Knicks fans.  He was correct to declare - "The time has come for change throughout the franchise...."

You're damn right it's time!  Gut it Phil!

Let Phil Jackson put his footprint all over this organization, and then own it.  But please, don't stop there!  Steve Mills should be next.  Purge every last remnant of the old regime.  Knicks history, basketball history, even world history says that's the thing to do.  Gut it all!

The defects to this franchise go far beyond preventative, or even corrective maintenance.  Above all, this organization has been polluted under James Dolan's ownership.  All you need to know is what Steve Kerr intimated - he's skeptical of MSG's overall environment, conditions, and dark, corporate climate that permeate the organization.

Everything that ails this organizations starts at the top.  So, if indeed Phil Jackson has full, and absolute autonomy, then yeah, act like you own it.

There can only be one alpha, and it can not be a man who A) - knows nothing about basketball, and B) - is more interested in his band.  Yes, he is a business man.  No doubt.  That's why he needed Carmelo Anthony in his building, and trampled all over Donnie Walsh to get him.  But, the time has finally come to put the game, and the team, ahead of the star system and entertainment.

Too bad for Mike Woodson.  I hope he lands on his feet.  Over time, we grew to understand his flaws as a head coach.  But, he was a good guy who shouldn't have to bear full blame for players that either turned on him, or tuned him out.  That's an indictment more of the players, than anything Coach Woodson tried.

The day he took over, he said he was going to ride Carmelo Anthony.  That was a smart ploy considering Mike D'Antoni wouldn't.  To Melo's credit, by and large he stayed loyal to Coach Woodson.  The same can't be said of Tyson Chandler, and Amare Stoudemire in particular.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Flyers Put A Few Extra Eggs In Henrik's Basket

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

Series Tied 1-1

I - NYR 4; PHI 1

II - PHI 4; NYR 2

III - TUESDAY

IV - NYR @ PHI

V - PHI @ NYR

VI - NYR @ PHI

VII - PHI @ NYR

GAME THREE

New York Rangers

vs.

Philadelphia Flyers

FROM

Broad Street

NEW YORK RANGERS: A Quiet Ninety Mile Drive To Think About What They've Done.

I Tried Protecting The King, But There's No Hiding From The Numbers

On a personal note, I hate Sunday afternoon starts!!!  Absolutely hate 'em!  I digress.

Game Two was nothing short of an opportunity lost (literally), and must be called for what it was. It was Easter, so, yeah, they laid a rotten egg in the Garden.  After spending two days wiping the yolk off their faces, they better get hot on stealing a game in Philadelphia in order to recapture home ice advantage, otherwise, well.......

That won't be easy.

So far, the Flyers were made to play the Rangers style of game, and in Game Two, the Rangers were made to play the Flyers style.

More so in Game One, but, to a certain extent, Coach Vigneault was able to escape the Flyers physicality while on home ice.  As the series shifts to Philly, the Flyers now obviously get final line change rights.  That means the Broadway Blueshirts better prepare for the Broad Street Bullies. Coach Berube can sic exactly who he wants after the Rangers defensemen, particularly in the corners, and decide who gets to instigate, and when.  Advantage Flyers.

That's not good news coming on the heels of Sunday's meltdown.  Most aspects of Tex's Rangers game failed them.  Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi didn't have particularly good days.  Both posted a minus-2 for the game.  But, there's no possible way to take them to task over it.  Not them - not after all they do otherwise.

It's not like Philadelphia refrained from committing penalties.  They banked plenty of goon minutes, again.  In fact, they committed 6 penalties in consecutive games.  While the Rangers rode the strength of two PP goals in 6 chances in Game One, they were only 1 for 6 Sunday.  But, that makes them 25% in two games, which is superior to their 18.2% mark during the regular season. On the other side of the puck, the Rangers have limited the Flyers to just 4 PP opportunities in two games, but to the Blueshirts dismay, Philly has cashed in twice.  Numbers suck, don't they?

Not all things, but you knew at least some things would change heading into Game Two.  Getting limited to 15 overall SOG in Game One was something the Flyers were certainly going to rectify. This time, the Rangers mustered 33 shots on goal to the Flyers 24 shots.  That brings the team totals up to 69 SOG for the Rangers, and just 39 for the Flyers - rather lopsided numbers, aye?

But, the scoring breakdown is unsettling - six goals for the Rangers, and 5 for Philly.  Three of the Rangers 6 goals have come on the power play, while Philly has tallied 3 of their 5 goals at even strength.

Somehow, and certainly not to my surprise, the Flyers continue making numerous mistakes, yet they now hold serve.  Meanwhile, the Rangers have played very disciplined hockey, yet can not afford even the slightest misstep.

Think about it.  Outside of Jakub Voracek's goal Sunday, the Rangers are actually keeping the Flyers first line in relative check.  Claude Giroux still does not have a shot on goal.  Scott Hartnell only has a pair, and none in Game Two.  And Voracek had no SOG in the opener, but got the Flyers going in the second period of Game Two, on one of only two shots he took.  Even the sticks of Vincent Lecavalier, Matt Reed, remain dormant.

But I guess you can't keep your eyes on every one.  Wayne Simmonds is the one Flyer finding daylight.  What Jakub Voracek started for Philly Sunday night, Simmonds ended with a lights-out power play goal at 19:34 of the final period.  Wayne leads the Flyers with 6 total SOG.

You know where this all is headed, don't you?  Henrik Lundqvist is getting outplayed by Philadelphia's backup goalie.  Damn.  I said it.  The numbers speak for themselves:

Philly vs. Lundqvist - 5 goals on 39 shots = 12.8%
Rangers vs. Emery - 6 goals on 69 shots = .08%

It's not like Henrik's skaters are failing him.  The Rangers main forwards are getting their chances against a very porous Philly defense.  In two games, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis have factored in the scoring, just as required.  When you include Rick Nash, the three have combined for 27 SOG.  Rick Nash leads the trio with 13 SOG, but is having an awful time finishing.  Brad Richards has 11 SOG and one goal.  So, the opportunities have been there, but the fact is, Ray Emery, particularly on Sunday, has stopped them cold.  Martin St. Louis has a goal in three shots. He was held without a shot in Game One.

Now what?  The answer might be simple.  Keep doing what you're doing, but with a more watchful eye on defensive detail.  Certainly, a marked increase in intensity over Game Two is warranted as well.  And as they say in the fight business, protect yourself at all times.

On that note, when do you suppose Coach Vigneault will play Dan Carcillo?  I hope the answer is games Three and Four.  A game in Philly seems tailored for him..., no?  Doesn't the former Flyer have anything to offer, be it with his physicality, or on-ice composure in a familiar environment? Put him in coach.  Let him bang some bodies.




MIke.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Podcast - The Weekend Recovery Show, Or, Rant Talk Radio!

After attending Sunday's extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves,

fellow staff writer and friend, the Converted Mets Fan - Sam Maxwell and I, co-hosted 

the 70th episode of the Rising Apple podcast.

Sure, we talked about the game, Curtis Granderson, the rest of the outfield, Jose Valverde, Wilfredo Tovar and the Mets shortstop situation.  But, we also talked about cheap owners, baseball's old time alpha managers, Citi Field, the 1970 season, Gil Hodges, - you name it, and more.

We even went off campus and talked New York Knicks versus Brooklyn Nets basketball.

I do not usually link these, but I basically turned this particular episode into a 1 1/2 hour rant!

Enjoy.

Episode 70 - The Rising Apple Report: The Weekend Recovery Show 

Or, as I later named it - Rant Talk Radio.

Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

Today For Rising Apple: Noah Syndergaard Taking His Lumps In The Pacific Coast League

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

Noah Syndergaard Taking His Lumps In The Pacific Coast League

Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple