Ball Don't Lie - NBA

New York at San Antonio

The Spurs can't bottom out against the Knicks, can they?

Not sure. That's why I'm paying attention.

San Antonio has won just once in five tries, and that particular try was a double-overtime triumph in Minnesota, which really shouldn't count as a triumph of any sort.

The Knicks have benefited from an easy schedule, home court advantage, and good injury timing in winning four of six thus far, but they've also benefited from a few other things as well. Like a roster with talent on it, good coaching, hard work, and enthusiasm. They might not be as good as the team's record indicates, but the Knicks aren't far off, and they aren't a laughingstock. Baby steps.

How will things fare tonight, with the Knicks on the road and Tony Parker on crutches? Could not begin to tell you, which is why I'm curious to see the template that the Spurs are going to have to take on in this new-new era.

Statniks have gone nuts over the last few days in noticing that the Spurs (almost wrote "Knicks") are dead-last in defensive efficiency. Last! Middle-of-the-road we can understand, everyone needs a few weeks to get it together, but last?

And that much-derided TimnTony offense? It's eighth in offense. Not bad at all. Something seems screwy.

So let's give a watch. Seven other games on as well, so comment away down below.

New York Knicks: 4-2, 98.2 possessions per game (2nd-most in the NBA), 104.4 points per 100 possessions (19th in the NBA), 106.9 points allowed per 100 possessions (19th in the NBA). Let There Be Rock.

San Antonio Spurs: 1-4, 86.3 possessions per game (23rd), 109 points scored per 100 possessions (8th), 116.8 points allowed per 100 possessions (30th). Have a Drink On Me.

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12 Comments

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  1. greg_oden_is_my_grandpa
    1. Posted by greg_oden_is_my_grandpa Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:13 pm EDT

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    The Knicks can't really be this good right? I mean it's still early.
  2. Gentuggyboy
    2. Posted by Gentuggyboy Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:07 pm EDT

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    How old is that picture? Could you have gotten one from this century at least?
  3. E.B. White
    3. Posted by E.B. White Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:46 pm EDT

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    How can you be reading a basketball blog and not love that picture?
  4. Mike L.
    4. Posted by Mike L. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:17 pm EDT

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    Heretic! That photograph is pure awesome. It's from the Finals, isn't it? I remember watching one of those games at the Lazy Lizard hostel in Moab, Utah, after I finished a river rafting excursion.
  5. KEKOA STEELER D
    5. Posted by KEKOA STEELER D Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:53 pm EDT

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    The admiral!!!
  6. bryan03
    6. Posted by bryan03 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:31 pm EDT

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    What's cool about this game? Spurs do not have Parker and Ginobili.. The new run and gun offense of New York will be most effective on the aging Spurs.. the quickest player of spurs to stop the transition is on crutches plus Knicks are hot.
    I'd watch Lakers vs Mavs even do i know this will just be a walk in the park for LA.. Or the Bulls hosting the rising talents of the Hawks that is way too cooler.
  7. NYMETFAN
    7. Posted by NYMETFAN Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:28 pm EDT

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    The greatest Knick of all time, without question.
  8. Older_than_Moses_Shaq
    8. Posted by Older_than_Moses_Shaq Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Game to pay attention to? You are joking, I hope.
  9. the REAL Headless Chicken
    9. Posted by the REAL Headless Chicken Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:12 pm EDT

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    E.B., that's a Gentuggyboy, what you expect. That's a crazy nice picture!
    Man, I mistook Zach Randolphg for an idiot last year. But these knicks now, they went from a laugh to quite serious. even when losing to the Spurrrrs.
  10. Jay L
    10. Posted by Jay L Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:29 pm EDT

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    if the Knicks are going anywhere, they are going to have to play some defense and use some discretion in shot selection.
    even on the playgrounds of NY, the shot selection is better. Zach Randolph throwing up three's off the dribble???? gimme a break!
  11. the REAL Headless Chicken
    11. Posted by the REAL Headless Chicken Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:12 pm EDT

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    Okay, Randolph still chucks up PUJITs? Nah. He's still an idiot. Just a little better.
  12. never-to-return and not enough of a loser 2 be 1st
    12. Posted by never-to-return and not enough of a loser 2 be 1st Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:06 pm EDT

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    Knicks all the way this year!!!
    Then watch the fa66ots come out and say "Of course they won, they're like the Yankees, with their highest payroll..." bullsh|t

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