The Mavericks continue their Eastern Conference home stand tonight against the New York Knicks. The Mavs had no problem with the Knicks in their meeting in Madison Square Garden in mid-December and have now won four straight against them. It is the second of four straight home games against the East, and it will finish up with Charlotte and Indiana later this week.
Lame duck?
The Knicks, who are usually active at the trade deadline acquiring new gargantuan contracts and dealing away expiring contracts, were surprisingly silent this year. That could be an indication that GM/coach Isiah Thomas may finally be on his way out after mucking up the NBA's supposed premier franchise for several years now. Owner James Dolan has been very tight-lipped about the situation, which is different than his past vocal support of Thomas.
Marbury not around
Point guard Stephon Marbury elected to undergo surgery that ended his season and now has been excused from attending Knicks games as an observer. The alleged ongoing fued with Isiah Thomas is likely the cause, so don't expect him to see him near the bench anytime soon (and maybe not next year, either). In his absence. Nate Robinson has been up and down with the additional minutes, but recently has been doing quite well. He scored a career-high 45 in Saturday's game and has averaged 25 points over his last four games.
A few shining stars among the muck
Although the Knicks are basement dwellers, there are a few guys who the Knicks have depended on to be a positive force all season. Jamal Crawford is easily having the best season of his career and is averaging a career high 20.8 points per game. He sat out the last Knicks game with a bruised right hand, but might be back tonight.
David Lee has been the other positive force for the Knicks and is averaging 10.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. But, he is actually playing less than he did last year, which doesn't make a single bit of sense. Then again, what does Isiah Thomas do that makes sense?
Burning question
Could James Dolan finally be ready to get rid of Isiah Thomas?
-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd
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