Game Notes: 11/2

Only two games tonight. Am I the only one who finds it terrifying that the Minnesota/OKC game sold out? I mean, I know Desmond Mason is a favorite son in these parts... but REALLY!?

*Milwaukee – 94 at New York – 86

This game was not as close the box score may lead you to believe. David Lee and Charlie V each found early foul trouble, although in Charlie’s case case he managed to put up some nice numbers against New York’s “big” men before sitting down. This pretty much sums up the problem the Knicks had tonight, and will undoubtedly have on countless others throughout this season; they cannot even slow down semi-competent low post scorers. To compound that problem, they also have trouble staying in front of guys on the perimeter. The lone defensive standout for NY tonight was Mardy Collins, who saw some time in the second quarter when both Duhon and Nate Robinson were in foul trouble. Mardy disrupted a couple of plays which led to some fast break action; pretty much the only fast break action NY saw all night. Milwaukee’s half court low post offense just decimated any attempt NY made at running. In the rare event that they got a stop, they never had more than one guy capable of beating the Bucks down the floor. Just an ugly game on all sides for the Knicks. All of the Bucks starters put up nice lines, with occasional blemishes (Sessions TO’s, Jefferson’s %’s, Boguts FT% and TO’s), and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute made good use of his extended minutes by posting a double double with two steals. Q-Rich and Z-Bo put up nice lines in the losing effort, Duhon and Lee’s performances exemplify that of the team, and Nate Robinson collected some nice numbers… but did so in just about the ugliest fashion possible.

Trendspotting: In three games, New York has blown the doors off of a team with no low post scorers, and shown total incompetence in half court offense and an inability to run against two teams who had decent-great low post scorers. I won’t declare this case closed yet, but I will definitely watch their mathcups with Charlotte, Washington and Utah this weak with great interest.

*Minnesota – 85 at Oklahoma City – 88

Minnesota had this under control until there were 4ish minutes remaining in the fourth, when OKC got hot and closed a 10 point gap. The score was close throughout the first half, but it was very much “Minnesota gets consistent but slow coming offense, OKC will go four possessions without even getting a good look, then KD will knock a few 20 foot fade a aways in to even the score”. Russell Westbrook got to the rim at will for most of this game, but it was due in part to Mike Miller being the guy assigned to him (this made no sense?). Nick Collison had a double double and filled it out nicely with 3 steals, 2 blocks, and the first post game interview of his NBA career. Jeff Green put up another line that is only marginally better than his rookie averages, and Johan Petro was very quiet after having a nice game last night. Minnesota’s offense is a total mess. Randy Foye is not a point guard. They would be better off starting Kevin Ollie. Foye’s only assists were on things like “dump to Jefferson, Jefferson dunks” and “pass to Miller, Miller makes his own shot and scores”. He either can’t find, or simply doesn’t look for guys once he takes the ball inside the 3pt line.

Things to watch: Corey Brewer is quietly assembling a very nice roto repertoire on the level of JaMario Moon. If you have an H2H team that ditched PTS, or a roto team who is set in points, he is worth looking into, as his array of painless hustle stats and the occasional 3ptm could prove useful.