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What To Watch For: New York Knicks Host Charlotte Hornets

By Kenneth Teape

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The New York Knicks are coming off a big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday night, and will be looking to continue the good play Sunday back at Madison Square Garden against the Charlotte Hornets. Here are a couple of things to look for when they take the court Sunday afternoon.

Feb 6, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks center Samuel Dalembert (21) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Matchup of the Game: Samuel Dalembert vs. Al Jefferson

No one is for sure who will start for the Knicks at center, but right now it is assumed that it will be Dalembert, who will be tasked with slowing down Jefferson in the post. Jefferson is one of the craftiest offensive players in the post in the NBA, as his array of shots from multiple angles makes him extremely difficult to defend. He has a throwback game in the post very rarely seen in the wide open play the NBA has become. It will not be easy for Dalembert, but he is probably the best suited big to try and slow down the Hornets’ leading and scorer from last season. If he can contain Jefferson, it will go a long way in getting the Knicks a victory Sunday night.

-Early Tone of Game

Coming off the type of win the Knicks had Thursday, sometimes teams come out a little flat in their next game. It is still early in the season, but the Knicks cannot afford to not bring it every night with a perceived lack of talent compared to other teams.

Also, the Hornets played a hard fought game Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the second night of a back-to-back, teams will sometimes be looking forward to going home. This is something the Knicks can take advantage of as the Hornets got stuck in a drag out, beat them up type of game against the slow paced Grizzlies that deploy a system through their talented big man combination of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

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-Another Starting Lineup?

Two games into the season, two different starting lineups. In game one Amar’e Stoudemire received the start, but in game two it was Quincy Acy starting at power forward. Could we be in for yet another change in game 3?

Dalembert, who has started the first two games of the season, was benched in the second half of the game against the Cavaliers. Could he be moving to the bench permanently? Acy, Cole Aldrich and Jason Smith all provided more productive minutes than Dalembert against the Cavaliers and could be looking at expanded roles.

-Play of Supporting Cast

Against the Cavaliers the Knicks had a number of unexpected performances from unheralded players. Shane Larkin once again started for the injured Jose Calderon and had a strong game.

The bench played much better in the second night of the back-to-back, as Derek Fisher went deep into his bench; 10 players played double-digit minutes while 12 entered the game. Jason Smith and Travis Wear stood out as well, as Smith knocked down timely baskets and Wear was one of the players to harass LeBron James on the defensive end on the night, ending in an uncharacteristically poor performance from King James.

J.R. Smith also put on a strong performance, handing out seven assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.

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–Tim Hardaway Jr. Sighting?

Arguably the biggest surprise from the victory over the Cavaliers was the playing time for Hardaway Jr., or lack there of. Hardaway Jr. saw only five minutes of action Thursday night, not attempting a shot and handing out one assist.

That is the second least amount of minutes Hardaway Jr. has ever played in a game in his short career, and is something to keep an eye on. Has he fallen out of the rotation? Was it just a one-time demotion because of the opponent? It is something we will learn more about Sunday evening.

-Hornet Homecomings

It is a homecoming for the new look Hornets’ backcourt of Kemba Walker and Lance Stephenson. The dynamic duo has built a name for themselves on the playgrounds of the Bronx and Brooklyn respectively, and will now look to continue building upon their legacies in the NBA together.

Players who are returning home to play under the bright lights of the most famous arena always seems to bring the most out of them. The Knicks need to be prepared for these two, as they are capable of winning a game by themselves. They will be looking to put on a show in front of friends and families at the Knicks expense.

Jan 24, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after scoring 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

-What Does Melo Have In Store?

Last time the Knicks hosted Charlotte, formally known as the Bobcats, it was a record setting night. Carmelo Anthony poured in a Knicks and Madison Square Garden record, not to mention also career-high, 62 points. It was a night for the ages, and the highlight of what turned out to be a disappointing 2013-14 season for the Knicks. What does Anthony have planned for an encore against the Hornets? Make sure to tune into the game at 7:30PM Sunday night.

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