Going over the 3-6 matchups; Why the Knicks and Blazers can win their series
The New York Knicks have let 2 games slip right between their hands. If they let Game 3 do that, they are pretty much cooked. Down 2-0, the Knicks need to find a way to come back and stun the Celtics.
Ray Allen sank the Knicks with a game-winning 3 pointer in Game 1, and Kevin Garnett's short turnaround jumper drowned the Knicks in Game 2. New York needs to find a way to stop Boston, eek out wins in those close games and even up the series at 2.
As for Portland, the margins of the games were 8 and 12, but both were much closer. In Game 1, Portland led for most of the fourth quarter, but after some big shots by Dirk and Jason Kidd, they fell on the wrong side of the scoreboard. In Game 2, Peja Stojakovic drained a couple threes, and Dirk played a huge part in the Game 2 win.
Brandon Roy has received 36 total minutes, and he has only scored 2 points. He used to be the leader and star of the team, and now his buckling knees have caused him trouble. He doesn't fit in with the fast-paced style that Portland likes anymore, and this may be his last hurrah with the Blazers.
If Roy doesn't step up and start scoring in double-digits, expect Dallas to win in 5 or less. If Roy starts playing like he did 2 seasons ago, expect Portland to win in 6. Dallas has the edge when Roy doesn't play well. Roy is in control of Portland's success. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24. Gerald Wallace and Andre Miller scored 18. If Roy can't get shots, he can get free throws. He did in Game 2, and he missed 2 out of 2 free throws.
As for the Knicks series, Carmelo Anthony scored 42, but the second highest scorer only racked up 14. Amar'e shot badly and left after the first half, and it looked like the Knicks would be OK, but Carmelo just couldn't do it. It's either Amar'e or Carmelo performing well. Carmelo cost the Knicks Game 1 with a costly foul, and Amar'e didn't help in Game 2 (in the first half). If they both play well at the same time, the Knicks can tie the series at 2.
Each series is in the hands of one or two players. Brandon Roy plays well, Portland plays well. Carmelo and Amar'e click, the Knicks win. Those are just a few simple things that can make a big difference, and they can power New York and Portland over the Mavs and C's.
Ray Allen sank the Knicks with a game-winning 3 pointer in Game 1, and Kevin Garnett's short turnaround jumper drowned the Knicks in Game 2. New York needs to find a way to stop Boston, eek out wins in those close games and even up the series at 2.
As for Portland, the margins of the games were 8 and 12, but both were much closer. In Game 1, Portland led for most of the fourth quarter, but after some big shots by Dirk and Jason Kidd, they fell on the wrong side of the scoreboard. In Game 2, Peja Stojakovic drained a couple threes, and Dirk played a huge part in the Game 2 win.
Brandon Roy has received 36 total minutes, and he has only scored 2 points. He used to be the leader and star of the team, and now his buckling knees have caused him trouble. He doesn't fit in with the fast-paced style that Portland likes anymore, and this may be his last hurrah with the Blazers.
If Roy doesn't step up and start scoring in double-digits, expect Dallas to win in 5 or less. If Roy starts playing like he did 2 seasons ago, expect Portland to win in 6. Dallas has the edge when Roy doesn't play well. Roy is in control of Portland's success. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24. Gerald Wallace and Andre Miller scored 18. If Roy can't get shots, he can get free throws. He did in Game 2, and he missed 2 out of 2 free throws.
As for the Knicks series, Carmelo Anthony scored 42, but the second highest scorer only racked up 14. Amar'e shot badly and left after the first half, and it looked like the Knicks would be OK, but Carmelo just couldn't do it. It's either Amar'e or Carmelo performing well. Carmelo cost the Knicks Game 1 with a costly foul, and Amar'e didn't help in Game 2 (in the first half). If they both play well at the same time, the Knicks can tie the series at 2.
Each series is in the hands of one or two players. Brandon Roy plays well, Portland plays well. Carmelo and Amar'e click, the Knicks win. Those are just a few simple things that can make a big difference, and they can power New York and Portland over the Mavs and C's.
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