New York Knicks: 10 Matchups They Are Not Looking Forward To in the NBA Playoffs
New York has been somewhat of a surprise this season.
Many NBA analysts predicted that they would not be able to make the playoffs, even with the addition of Amar'e Stoudemire over the off-season.
However, as it stands, the Knicks hold the sixth-seed in the Eastern Conference and are poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004, barring a complete second-half collapse that is.
The Knicks have struggled as of late though, and going into Wednesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks, they are only one game above .500 with a 27-26 record.
New York's struggles can certainly be attributed to the recent Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, but a solution to that situation is imminent with the trading deadline rapidly approaching.
Regardless of how the Anthony situation plays out, it seems New York will still make the playoffs, but once they get there, they'll have their work cut out for them.
Even though come playoff time the Carmelo Anthony situation will most-likely be resolved, there are a number of player match-ups that have the potential to torch the Knicks this post-season.
So, going on the assumption that the Knicks roster will remain as is, here are the 10 match-ups the Knicks and their fans fear the most heading into the playoffs.
No. 10: Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson Vs. Landry Fields
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Landry Fields is a terrific ball-player and a solid defender.
But Joe Johnson has the potential to torch the rookie.
Johnson is averaging 19.8 points per game this season while Fields only averages 10. At 7 per game, Fields out rebounds Johnson by 3, but it just won't be enough.
Once you look beyond the obvious statistical differences, you also see that Johnson is a more elusive player than Fields.
Johnson drives the ball to the basket hard and often, a type of player that Fields just isn't accustomed to guarding just yet. In addition, Johnson is also quicker than Fields, so not only is this the type of player Fields isn't used to defending, but it's a player he cannot keep up with.
Also, Johnson's ability to drive to the basket makes Fields an easy target to find himself in foul trouble.
Fields' rebounding ability is not something the Knicks can afford to be without, so if Johnson gets him into foul trouble, it will be a long night for the Knicks.
And lastly, Fields has no playoff experience like Johnson. It may be unfair to judge Fields in the post-season department, but the fact is that if Johnson runs circles around him on the offensive end, Fields is likely to get flustered and let it affect the rest of his game.
This is not a potential match-up that New York is looking forward to.
No. 9: Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Iguodala Vs. Landry Fields
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Andre Iguodala is a beast on both ends of the floor.
Iguodala may only be averaging 14.9 points per game this season, but he has the potential to score 30 or 35 on any given night. When he gets hot, there is no stopping him.
Landry Fields has put up comparable stats with 10 points and 7 rebounds per game, but those will decline when being defended by Iguodala.
Furthermore, Iguodala is not just a scoring threat on the offensive side of the ball, but also a passing threat. He averages 6 assists per game so the Knicks can ill afford to double-team him because he will make them pay.
This season, Iguodala has not played exceptionally well against the Knicks, scoring no more than 18 points against them, but that does not tell us anything.
Iguodala is an explosive player who can shoot the jumper and take the ball to the basket. He is a lot more prolific and physical than Fields, and should the Knicks meet the 76ers in the playoffs, the Knicks and Fields will proceed with caution.
Let's not forget that Iguodala is currently coveted by many of the NBA's teams, and for good reasons too. And Fields is a rookie, lacking Iguodala's experience.
This is not a favorable position matchup for the Knicks by any means.
No. 8: Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo Vs. Raymond Felton
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Raymond Felton has flourished since joining the Knicks this past off-season.
But Felton is no match for the ever-elusive Rajon Rondo.
Rondo is averaging 11 points, over 12 assists and 2 steals per game. He is scary.
Felton's numbers are more than stellar. He is averaging 17 points, 9 assists and almost 2 steals per game. However, Felton is not playing Rondo every game.
Let's not forget that Rondo dished out 24 assists back in October against Felton and the Knicks.
Rondo is not the scoring threat that Felton is, but he can still drive to the basket. Rondo moves in and out of the paint with ease and has great control of his dribble when penetrating.
Felton is not the ball-handler that Rondo is and will be unable to prevent Rondo from doing what Rondo does should the Knicks and Celtics meet in the playoffs.
Also, Felton has a tendency to run-wild with the ball at times. He doesn't always pass the ball off when he needs to and his turnovers, though his stats do not show it, come in bunches.
Rondo is a great defender and has the ability to shut Felton down on the offensive end. Felton on the other hand, does not possess the skill set it takes to shut down Rondo.
The only thing Felton can do is hope to contain Rondo.
And let's face it, that's a bit of a stretch.
No. 7: Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce Vs. Danilo Gallinari
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Danilo Gallinari has been tasked with defending some of the most prolific players in the NBA this season.
And in reality, Gallo is a pretty solid defender, but it doesn't often show since he's forced to defend guys like Paul Pierce night in and night out.
Pierce is averaging nearly 19 points a game to go along with 5 rebounds while Gallo is averaging 16 points and less than 5 boards a game.
What also hurts Gallinari in this potential playoff match-up is Pierce has an abundance of playoff experience while Gallo has none. Pierce knows how to play under that pressure and Gallo will be hard-pressed to contain him.
Additionally, Pierce is the Celtics go to guy, meaning that he has the ball in his hands a lot of the time. Gallo will get no rest when defending Pierce.
Furthermore, Pierce is one of those guys that can hit from all areas of the court. He can drive the ball, step back and hit the three, and even hit the fall away.
The only advantage Gallo has on Pierce is the fact that he is three-inches taller, but this advantage is has the potential to be a weakness given Pierce's ability to effectively draw the foul.
It will not be hard for Pierce to make it look like Gallo is knocking him to the ground when he drives to the basket.
Not to mention that Pierce is a lot quicker than Gallo is.
Between Rondo and Pierce, Gallo and the Knicks will be at a real disadvantage if they meet Boston in the post-season.
No. 6: Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose Vs. Raymond Felton
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Chicago Bulls Point Guard Derrick Rose is having an outstanding season.
It comes as no surprise that he is an MVP candidate. At 24.7 points and 8 assists per game, he makes Felton's 17 and 9 look like peanuts.
Rose is also a real threat from beyond the arc. He shoots 38 percent from downtown. But if the three-ball isn't falling, that's okay, because he can hit the mid-range jumper with his eyes closed and even drive the ball to the basket.
Felton may be a quick Point Guard, but Rose is faster and more explosive. He has the potential to drop 35 or 40 points on any given night.
And if that's not enough, Rose is also a stellar defender so Felton will not be able to resurrect himself on the offensive side.
Felton cannot be criticized for paling in comparison with Rose. There are very few, if any Point Guards that would be able to slow down Rose.
The Bulls are making themselves relevant when it comes to selecting the NBA's elite teams and Rose is the main reason that they are a part of the conversation.
Rose will consistently score 20 plus points per game and as of right now, he is nowhere near as banged up as Felton is.
This will be a key a match-up should the Bulls and Knicks find themselves opposite each other in the playoffs.
But unless Felton is holding back any hidden talents, Rose is a lock to win this Point Guard battle.
No. 5: Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard Vs. Timofey Mozgov
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Timofey Mozgov has been the starting Center for the Knicks as of late.
And this is good news for the Orlando Magic if they face the Knicks in the playoffs.
Dwight Howard is arguably the best Center in the NBA and would simply put the rookie to shame.
Howard is averaging 22.6 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. In Mozgov's limited playing time this season he has averaged nothing near any of those numbers. He's averaging 4 points and less than 4 rebounds in 13 minutes per game.
Howard is a master of low-post scoring and he is very skilled at drawing fouls. Think about what he could do to the "foul-happy" Mozgov.
I shudder to think about what Howard could do to Mozgov over the course of at the very least a four series. I believe Mozgov would be experiencing more of the Blake Griffin effect, thus seeing himself on some more posters.
The 7'1 Mozgov does have a 2-inch advantage on Dwight Howard, but given Mozgov's ineffective reckless abandon when it comes to playing in the low-post, and the fact that Howard probably will win Defensive Player of the Year honors, I think Howard will be okay.
And did I forget to mention Howard is fifth in the NBA with just over 2 blocks per game?
It just keeps getting better doesn't it.
I'd like to say Coach MIke D'Antoni could go back to his small lineup should the Knicks face the Magic in the playoffs. But I'd be kidding myself.
The Knicks need Mozgov's height if they play the Magic. At the very least he takes the burden off Amar'e Stoudemire from having to guard Howard.
Unfortunately though, that's the only thing Mozgov can do for the Knicks against Howard.
No. 4: Chicago Bulls' Carlos Boozer Vs. Amar'e Stoudemire
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Carlos Boozer has been sensational for the Chicago Bulls this season.
Boozer is averaging almost 20 points and over 10 rebounds a game. He will be a real problem for the Knicks and Amar'e Stoudemire if these two teams meet in the playoffs.
Some may dismiss this matchup from being this high on the list, but we must give credit where credit is due.
Stoudemire will not be slowed down by Boozer on the offensive end, and he has improved he's defense a great deal this season.
So yes, Stoudemire does have the edge in this match-up, but it can go south real quick, which is why this match-up is number four on the list.
Stoudemire plays very physical defense and he has gotten himself into foul trouble this season on a few occasions. And Boozer, being one of the most athletic Power Forwards in the NBA can exploit this.
Coach Mike D'Antoni said he feels the Knicks have an advantage when Stoudemire plays the five because he is the most athletic five there is in the NBA, but this is also true when Stoudemire plays the four.
Very few Power Forwards possess the athleticism that Stoudemire does, but Boozer is one of the few.
Although Stoudemire has the edge, Boozer has the potential to put Stoudemire on the bench. Boozer drives the ball to the basket hard and can draw a lot of fouls.
If Stoudemire gets into early foul-trouble it means one of two things for the Knicks: 1. Stoudemire will head to the bench and watch as the Knicks fail to contain Boozer or 2. Stoudemire is forced to play "soft" defense and allow Boozer to march his way to the basket.
Either way, this can be bad for the Knicks.
Stoudemire is second in the league at just over 26 points per game and he is fourth in the league in blocked shots with 2.19, but those stats are only reachable if Stoudemire can play his game.
If Boozer catches Stoudemire off-guard and forces him to foul, then the Knicks will be in for a long series against Chicago.
Stoudemire and the Knicks must make sure they do not underestimate what Boozer is capable of.
The fact of the matter is that Boozer has the potential to take the Knicks' and perhaps the NBA's most valuable player out of the equation.
And that is what makes Boozer so dangerous.
No. 3: Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade Vs. Landry Fields
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Landry Fields sure has frequented this list hasn't he?
Believe me when I say it is not because of his ability. It just so happens Fields, like Gallinari is forced with facing some of the most prolific players in the game.
Fields, as previously noted brings 10 points and 7 rebounds a game to the table. But Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is averaging 25 points, nearly 7 rebounds and over 4 assists per game.
No one is as effective at driving the ball as Wade. There is not one other two-guard that can drive and handle the ball the way Wade can.
And Wade's no one trick pony either. He his more than capable of hitting the jumper and the fade away.
As of right now, the Knicks would be facing the Heat in the first round of the playoffs, meaning that Fields has his work cut out for him.
Wade is probably the most elusive player in the NBA and can put up 40-plus points on any given night.
And let's not forget Wade's defensive abilities. He averages over one steal per game and he his a universally feared defender around the league.
This means Wade can frustrate Fields on both ends of the floor.
Additionally, Fields is completely inexperienced when it comes to playoff basketball. Wade and his championship ring have something to offer in that department to say the least.
The only thing Fields can hope to do when facing Wade is try to prevent Wade from exceeding his season averages.
As it is, Wade's numbers can beat the Knicks into submission.
But if Wade catches fire, then it's lights out for Fields and the Knicks.
Failure to contain Wade will result in a speedy exit from the playoffs, something the Knicks would like to try and avoid.
A large part of the Knicks' fate will fall on the shoulders of Fields if New York meets Miami this post-season, and the chance is high right now that they'll meet.
Fields needs to be prepared to bring his best game in that case.
But against Dwyane Wade, even Fields' best play may not be enough.
No. 2: Miami Heat's LeBron James Vs. Danilo Gallinari
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LeBron James is yet again an MVP candidate.
And yet again, his numbers are scary for an opposing team to even look at. James is averaging 26 points, over 7 assists and more than 7 rebounds per game.
Danilo Gallinari's 16 points and 5 rebounds a game do not not stand a chance.
James is one of the hardest players in the NBA to defend. And unfortunately for Gallinari, James plays the three.
Gallinari's finest hour against James was the Knicks' eight point loss to the Heat back in December when he held LeBron James to just 18 points.
It's a scary thing when someone scores 18 points on one of their worst nights.
Again, Gallo's only advantage in this match-up is his height, but James is so effective at pump-faking and getting opposing players to leave their feet that Gallo can find himself in foul trouble very early, very easily.
Not to mention that James is almost has elusive as Dwyane Wade is off the dribble and he can outrun Gallo with ease.
James is also stronger than Gallo and takes the ball to the rim with a force that cannot be matched by anybody.
This is all in addition to the fact that James has improved his field goal percentage in general this season. He is taking higher quality shots and is even knocking down the three-ball more consistently.
Who would of thought James could get any better?
James' dominance in almost all facets of the game is more than bad news for the Knicks. If both James and Wade remain healthy, two of the Knicks' youngest players will be tasked with defending two of the best players in the game.
I cannot see the Knicks taking a series against the Heat to more than five games should both Wade and James be at full-strength.
And as a side-note, if fans think that trading for Carmelo Anthony will give the Knicks a better shot, they are only right to some degree.
If the Knicks get Anthony for a steal, meaning they have to give up very little to get him, the Knicks have a better chance at beating the Heat.
But even though Anthony has played well against James in the past, it must be noted that Anthony is not a defensive force.
If the Knicks have both Gallo and Anthony on the roster, you better believe Gallo is still the choice to defend James.
The Knicks may have a better chance at winning against the Heat if they get Anthony for the right price, but neither Gallinari nor Anthony will be able to save the Knicks from the unstoppable force that is LeBron James.
No. 1: Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant Vs. Landry Fields
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A Kobe Bryant and Landry Fields match-up will only occur if the Knicks make it to the NBA Finals, which is more than a long-shot.
But I had to put one Western Conference player on the list and Bryant is the most dangerous to the Knicks out of anyone else in the Western Conference and the entire league.
Ergo, Bryant is the number one match-up that the Knicks would fear going into the post-season.
Once the Knicks and their fans got past the shock and jubilation of their team making it to the NBA Finals, the panic would set in.
Bryan is averaging just over 25 points per game to go with over 5 rebounds and almost 5 assists. He is a very lethal player to say the least.
Many believe that Bryant is slowing down, and they may be right. At 32, he is on the downside of his career.
But with guys like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James dominating the headlines, Bryant is putting together a tremendous season.
Last time the Knicks and the Lakers met, Bryant dropped 33 points, 19 of which came in the first quarter. This is what makes Bryant so scary. He can pile up points in a very short amount of time.
He is more dangerous to the Knicks then LeBron is because of his playoff experience. Furthermore, he had a 61-point game against the Knicks last February, breaking the Madison Square Garden record for most points in a game.
As cruel as it sounds, Fields just does not stand a chance against Bryant. Bryant's elusiveness on offense is incredible and he can knock down shots from all areas of the court.
And Bryant has proved this to Fields twice already this season.
If the Knicks, somehow, make it to the finals, they better hope it's against anyone else other than Bryant and the Lakers.
Bryant is the modern day Reggie Miller "Knicks Killer."
Even though Fields has said he grew up idolizing Bryant, his envy will quickly turn into frustration should the Knicks meet the Lakers in the finals.
Well, I guess Fields could embrace the opportunity to defend Bryant in the finals.
I mean, there's a good chance Fields could be the co-star of one of Bryant's poster-dunks.
