Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

[RMJH4]

Game 8: Knicks @ Pistons

Game 8: New York Knicks 124 - 115 Detroit Pistons.

November 6th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
M. Camby
P. Ewing

Pistons Starters
C. Atkins
J. Stackhouse
B. Owens
B. Wallace
M. Moore


Game Leaders
Pts - 40 - J. Stackhouse (Pistons)
Rebs - 10 - K. Thomas (Knicks)
Asts - 7 - C. Ward (Knicks)
Stls - 3 - M. Camby (Knicks)
Blks - 3 - P. Ewing (Knicks)

Player of the Game
L. Sprewell (Knicks)
30 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 1 blk.

Game Recap by David Aldridge.

"Sprewell to the rescue tonight as the Knicks bounced back from the Kings defeat at home. Jerry Stackhouse was a man on a mission as per usual to be leading scorer tonight. His 40 points put the Pistons in a with a shot to get the win, but as usual his 24 shots ended up costing the Pistons. Sprewell was an outstanding threat on the break again, with Charlie Ward and Marcus Camby setting him up numerous times. The Knicks bench performed again tonight as Sprewell had much more help than Stackhouse. Houston (17), Childs (15), Redd (14), Ewing (13) and Johnson (12) all performed well. The Knicks seem to have one of the deepest benches in the league at the moment and it's why they are leading the Eastern Conference."

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Game 9: Knicks @ Mavericks

Game 9: New York Knicks 100 - 108 Dallas Mavericks.

November 8th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
M. Camby
P. Ewing

Mavericks Starters
S. Nash
M. Finley
E. Najera
D. Nowitzki
S. Bradley


Game Leaders
Pts - 25 - D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
Rebs - 14 - D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
Asts - 7 - L. Sprewell (Knicks)
Stls - 4 - A. Houston (Knicks)
Blks - 2 - P. Ewing (Knicks)

Player of the Game
D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
25 pts, 14 rebs, 3 asts, 1 blk.

Game Recap by David Aldridge.

"Dirk Nowitzki is proving again why he is so highly regarded down in Dallas. His team high 25 points was the pace setter for the Mavs tonight. The Knicks had no answer to Nowitzki's inside and outside game as they tried multiple defenders on him to no avail. Steve Nash seems to be a very able sidekick for Dirk, Nash has 18 points, 6 assists and 3 steals to help run the Knicks out of steam in the 4th quarter. Sprewell (16), Houston (15) and Redd (13) led the chase of the hot shooting Mavs as Coach Van Gundy threw some 4 guard lineups on the floor at times to match Dallas. Camby (13 pts, 9 rebs) and Ewing (11pts and 8 rebs) almost had double-doubles but tonight the Knicks bench couldn't match their usual output, leading to another defeat on the road."

[RMJH4]

Game 10: Cavs @ Knicks

Game 10: Cleveland Cavs 91 - 117 New York Knicks.

November 10th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Cavs Starters
A. Miller
L. Murray
M. Harpring
C. Weatherspoon
Z. Ilgauskas

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
L. Johnson
M. Camby


Game Leaders
Pts - 21 - Z. Ilgauskas (Cavs)
Rebs - 14 - P. Ewing (Knicks)
Asts - 6 - A. Houston (Knicks)
Stls - 3 - C. Ward, A. Houston (Knicks)
Blks - 4 - P. Ewing (Knicks)

Player of the Game
M. Camby (Knicks)
18 pts, 8 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 2 blks.

[RMJH4]

Game 11: Knicks @ Bulls.

Game 11: New York Knicks 89 - 76 Chicago Bulls.

November 12th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
L. Johnson
M. Camby

Bulls Starters
J. Crawford
R. Mercer
R. Artest
E. Brand
B. Miller


Game Leaders
Pts - 21 - A. Houston (Knicks)
Rebs - 12 - M. Camby (Knicks)
Asts - 8 - L. Sprewell (Knicks)
Stls - 5 - C. Ward (Knicks)
Blks - 4 - E. Brand (Bulls)

Player of the Game
A. Houston (Knicks)
21 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 1 blk.

[RMJH4]

Trade Alert.

Trade Alert.

[RMJH4]

Game 12: Mavs @ Knicks

Game 12: Dallas Mavericks 88 - 98 New York Knicks.

November 14th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Mavs Starters
S. Nash
M. Finley
E. Najera
D. Nowitzki
S. Bradley

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
M. Camby
P. Ewing


Game Leaders
Pts - 21 - M. Redd (Knicks), D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
Rebs - 11 - L. Johnson (Knicks)
Asts - 7 - S. Nash (Mavs)
Stls - 5 - C. Ward (Knicks), S. Nash (Mavs)
Blks - 2 - K. Thomas (Knicks)

Player of the Game
L. Sprewell (Knicks)
16 pts, 7 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls, 1 blk.

[RMJH4]

Game 13: Hornets @ Knicks

Game 13: Charlotte Hornets 92 - 97 New York Knicks.

November 16th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Hornets Starters
B. Davis
D. Wesley
J. Mashburn
PJ. Brown
E. Campbell

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
M. Camby
P. Ewing


Game Leaders
Pts - 23 - B. Davis (Hornets)
Rebs - 12 - M. Camby (Knicks)
Asts - 7 - B. Davis (Hornets)
Stls - 4 - M. Redd (Knicks)
Blks - 4 - P. Ewing (Knicks)

Player of the Game
P. Ewing (Knicks)
19 pts, 8 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 4 blks.

[RMJH4]

Game 14: Cavs @ Knicks

Game 14: Cleveland Cavaliers 96 - 120 New York Knicks.

November 18th, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

Cavs Starters
A. Miller
W. Person
M. Harpring
C. Weatherspoon
Z. Ilgauskas

Knicks Starters
C. Ward
A. Houston
L. Sprewell
M. Camby
P. Ewing


Game Leaders
Pts - 26 - A. Houston (Knicks)
Rebs - 10 - P. Ewing (Knicks)
Asts - 9 - A. Miller (Cavs)
Stls - 3 - L. Sprewell (Knicks)
Blks - 3 - C. Mihm (Cavs)

Player of the Game
A. Houston (Knicks)
19 pts, 2 rebs, 6 asts, 1 stl, 1 blk.

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Teams impressed by new Knicks GM Hobbs.

Teams impressed by new Knicks GM Hobbs.

November 19th, 2000.

Since taking over in June, Rookie GM Mike Hobbs, has been solid in every move he has made so far. After serving his time as an Assistant for 3 years prior to this season, he learned the ropes as the Knicks made their way to the NBA Finals in 98/99 being the highlight. This was followed up last season with another trip to the Eastern Conference finals.

Hobbs was surprisingly given the GM job after new owner James Dolan dismissed Scott Layden after one season. So far Hobbs has guided the Knicks to the top record in the Conference. The Knicks have been impressive so far led by stalwarts like Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and Patrick Ewing. Hobbs has drafted well so far, in taking Eddie House and in particular Michael Redd, he has drafted rotation players late in the draft. Redd in particular, although the latter pick in the draft, has been so impressive he currently averages 11.2ppg. He now regularly plays 17 minutes a game, which is incredible considering Jeff Van Gundy is Head Coach.

The signings of free agents Chauncey Billups and Felton Spencer were cost effective and good value for money. Billups and Spencer have played sparingly, but have integrated well when called upon. Marcus Camby has been particularly impressive as Hobbs and Coach Van Gundy agreed to run with Camby at Power Forward alongside Ewing this season full time. This has made the Knicks again the #1 ranked defensive team in the league so far.

Camby is a double-double threat every night, and his play allows Ewing to catch his breath regularly. While Hobbs has only been in the job about 6 months, his steady safe decision making has impressed many other franchises. It could be championship or bust in New York with new owner James Dolan, but if the Knicks don't win, teams will be waiting in the wings to swoop for Hobbs if he becomes a free agent.

Teams Interested:

#1 Chicago Bulls.
Still in rebuild mode, the Bulls have made some good draft picks in Elton Brand and Ron Artest. Veteran GM Jerry Krause may not have the patience to hang around for much longer, even though he desperately wanted to build another championship team from scratch when he broke up the Bulls team in 1998. But Krause has numerous health issues and owner Jerry Reinsdorf might relocate Krause higher up in the organisation and hire a new GM to do the heavy lifting. The Bulls have not improved much this season and could have a very high draft pick in the summer.

#2 Seattle Sonics.
If the Sonics can't break through this season it may be finally time for GM Wally Walker to move on. The Sonics are currently in talks to sell the franchise to a new owner and that could spell a changing of the guard in Seattle. Gary Payton could look for pastures new, and finally compete again for a championship ring somewhere else. The Sonics have had dealings with Hobbs this offseason as they made a push to acquire Patrick Ewing. Hobbs turned it down and looks to have made a good decision as Ewing has been good soldier this season so far.

#3 New Jersey Nets.
The Knicks local rivals from East Rutherford may have just gotten the #1 pick in the draft this summer, but their start so far doesn't lead many to believe it will suddenly turn the franchise around. Stephon Marbury is a superstar on a team full of spare parts and one other young building block. A more experienced GM like Rod Thorn would be the favorite here, but Hobbs could also interest the Nets.

#4
Houston Rockets.
Hakeem the Dream is an expiring contract this season and with it Houston's chances of competing for an NBA title have long since vanished. Similar to the New Jersey Nets the Rockets have a superstar point guard in Steve Francis, but its the mish-mash of players around him that are the problem. It's unlikely the Rockets can put together a good enough season to make the playoffs in the Wild West, so the offseason will be tear it down time. What better time to bring in a new enthusiastic GM to start from scratch and relive GM Carroll Dawson.

[RMJH4]

Knicks in cruise control, lead Eastern Conference.

Allan Houston was draining shots this month, hitting 3 of his 28 here vs the 76ers.

Knicks cruise through November improve to 16-4.

December 1st, 2000 | by ESPN.COM

The New York Knicks were incredible this month as they have hit a full head of steam by the 1st of December. They are now 1st place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. Van Gundy has his team as the #1 ranked defense in the league, and have the 2nd best W-L in the league. Only the Portland Trailblazers at 18-2 are better than the Knicks record.

The Knicks rolled off some impressive victories this month and have laid down quite the marker for the rest of the conference. Two solid wins over the 76ers were probably the highlight. On November 20th, Allan Houston poured in 28 points to pace the Knicks to a 9 point victory over Allen Iverson and Co. Latrell Sprewell was impressive in holding Iverson to 24 points on the night, a season low. Michael Redd the Knicks rookie was impressive in both matchups with the Sixers this month. That night he hit 19 points and ten days later he led the Knicks in scoring with 21.

Not to be outshone in scoring, Latrell Sprewell had highlight games vs the Pistons (30 points) Mavericks (21 Points), Cavs (21) and vs the Nets (22). Quite the output for the Knicks premier wing defender. Marcus Camby has been a force this season too, and part of one of the best defensive front courts in the East. His averages of 10.7ppg, and 9.8rpg seem pedestrian, but his 1.1 steals per game and 1.2 blocks per game really show he impacts the game in so many ways.

The Knicks are always a match for most teams, and part of that is their new deeper bench. Larry Johnson has been rejuvenated as a 6th man, now not having to play long minutes as a starter, he can make more of an impact. The rookies House and Redd have been solid. Redds shooting and scoring has added a dimension the Knicks have not had the past two seasons. Kurt Thomas and Chris Dudley have been solid. Chris Childs has had some spectacular scoring nights, and defensive nights too. Charlie Ward has just about held down the starting point guard spot, with stiffer competition coming from Childs and now Chauncey Billups starting to find his groove. Van Gundy regularily goes 12 deep most nights.

And the longer the season goes on the Knicks will need that depth. Ewing and Johnson in particular are not as indestructible as they used to be and need nights off and possessions off. Van Gundy has managed that well, and lowered their playing time signifigantly. The Knicks may need to use their depth as trade assets at some stage over the next two months, as inevitably they either have an injury, or somebody gets unhappy with their playing time. For the moment however, the Knicks are a good bet to go deep in the playoffs once again.

Here are the Knicks results from the last two weeks.

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Around the NBA - December 1st 2000

Around the NBA - December 1st 2000.

Eastern Conference Standings.





Western Conference Standings.





Scoring Leaders.



Rebounding Leaders.



Assists Leaders.



Steals Leaders.



Rookie Report.

[kibaxx7]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Looking great early. Hobbs has done a great job with the rotation!

[RMJH4]

Re: Nowhere to Hide. The Mike Hobbs Story

Looking great early. Hobbs has done a great job with the rotation!

Thanks man! Very enjoyable to play and sim so far, nicely ticking along!

[RMJH4]

Trade Alert December 2nd 2000.

Trade Alert.

[RMJH4]

Knicks still blazing ahead in Eastern Conference.

Knicks still blazing ahead in Eastern Conference stand at 25-9.



Marcus Camby has been excellent as the helpside defender in the post this year.

January 1st, 2001 | by ESPN.COM

The New York Knicks came back to earth a litle this month as they went 11-6 through the month of December. They are still 1st place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. Van Gundy's team is also still the #1 ranked defense in the league, and have the tied 2nd best W-L in the league with the Sacramento Kings. The Portland Trailblazers still have the league best record at 29-6.

The Knicks had some good and bad performances this month. December began very poorly with a 20 point loss to the Celtics in Boston. Antoine Walker scorched the Celtics for 28 points along with Paul Pierce hitting 21 points. Despite Houstons 21 and Sprewells 19, the rest of the Knicks left a lot to be desired with their scoring output. Larry Johnson led all other with only 11 points. The Knicks pride was wounded with the loss and it led to a big turnaround the next night on a back to back with the Bucks. The Bucks were missing Ray Allen that night, but the Knicks still had a tough game.

'Big Dog' Glenn Robinson stepped up in Allens absence and knocked down 34 points. The Knicks struggled to matchup with the athletic forward all night. Sam Cassell was his usual steady self with 20 points and 12 assists. Luckily the Knicks had some more depth than the previous night. Sprewells 20, Childs 19, Houstons 18 and Ewings 16 helped ensure the Knicks bounced back in Milwaukee with a win.

Two further losses followed however against the Nuggets and Pacers both in MSG. Sprewell led all scorers on both nights, hitting 18 vs Denver and 28 vs Indiana. But the slide didn't stop there. A west coast trip to Portland also ended in a loss, 3 on the trot and 4 losses in 5. Rasheed Wallace and Sabonis made mince meat out of the Knicks front court as Wallace went off for 38 points.

Allan Houston has been red hot this month for the Knicks.

Van Gundy has seen enough. He laid into his charges in the dressing room after the Blazers loss and questioned the teams performance in the last week. And Van Gundy got the reaction he wanted from his team. The Knicks bounced back with 5 wins on the trot, including four strong road victories over the Warriors, Kings, Nuggets and old rival Miami. The win over the Kings laid down a marker as they are 2nd in the Western Conference this season.

Allan Houston was 'En Fuego' again with 33 points, following up his 28 point outburst vs the Warriors. Houston hit over 20 points in the next 6 games and really showed he can still lead this team in scoring when he focuses on his game. Chris Webber was a handful with Vlade Divac, scoring 34 points exposing the Knicks frontcourt woes once again. But the Knicks guards dominated, with Sprewell and Rookie Michael Redd contributing strongly throughout.

Ray Allens return meant the Knicks dropped another game on Dec 21st to stop the 5 game win streak. But that loss again set the Knicks off on a rampage against some of the East bottom feeders, 2 more wins over the hapless Wizards and the injury plague New Jersey Nets looked to round the month out well. Houston again caught fire in these three games, hitting 33 v Washington and 30 vs New Jersey. Chauncey Billups got some more playing time in these 3 games with Charlie Ward carrying an ankle sprain. Billups was steady, averaging 6.4ppg and 5.5apg in the 3 games. You have to wonder if the Knicks can get him more playing time if he could take on a larger role.

January 1st came and with it the league leading Portland Trailblazers. Wallace and Sabonis were again dominant, with 32 and 26 points each. Patrick Ewing was completely lost out there and his form has been dropping off appreciably this month now. Houston, Sprewell and Camby brought the fight to Portland, but it was not enough again. The Knicks have a problem here that GM Mike Hobbs might have to address soon. Too often this season they are dominant in the backcourt, but their frontcourt can get out muscled. Camby has been outstanding as the help-side defender, but his frame needs more bulk. Ewing may not be fit to continue to start at center for much longer before burning out.

Here are the Knicks results from the last month.