Well, the Knicks just lost to the now 2-8 on the road Toronto, and are now 1-7 at home (worst in the league), 6-13 overall.
After the Raps game, Isiah goes on to say the team is "spooked" at home and he just doesn't know what to do about it, since the MSG crowd has more or less completely lost all sense of patience and are quick to boo the home team.
Originally posted by Isiah ThomasThomas said the players lack "aggression" at the Garden and thinks it's related to a love-hate relationship the fans have with the players. Tonight, the Knicks try to calm the jeers when they host the Grizzlies, whom they beat on opening night in Memphis. Thomas wishes the team could rely on the crowd as its "best friend."
"There's a special relationship between the home crowd and home team," Thomas said. "The athletes really count on it being a friendly relationship and use it in his down moments to get himself going. When that relationship is fractured or questioned, it really affects the psyche of the athlete at home.
"On the road, it's OK if you meet a guy on the street and he berates you and tells you you're no good," Thomas added. "When your best friend tells you that, it's different. Maybe you look at yourself and start questioning and doubting. The home crowd is like his best friend. That's his go-to guy. I'm not having a good night, you're my go-to."
If things don't improve at the Garden, the Knicks could crack the record books for home ineptitude. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Knicks are on pace to smash the league's worst home record for a 41-game schedule - 6-35 - set by the 1993-94 Mavericks.
They play the Gasol-less Grizzlies tonight, whom they needed three overtimes to beat on opening night.
I don't know anymore. Even if they win tonight, it's just a Memphis team being led by Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick. If they lose, all hell might break loose. And like I said, the MSG crowd has completely lost faith in them and the team is afraid of the crowd.
(edited by Kawshen on 4.12.06 1124) The preceding post was brought to you by the letter K and the number 22. kedzie.net
Reading the New York papers, Isiah has been blaming the crowd since before Game 1, as it surely cannot be the man who assembled or coaches the teams fault anymore, so he needs something for a fall guy. Now, if the Knicks crowd wants to see Isiah fired, which seems apparent, and they know that boo'ing the Knicks causes them to play worse, why would they halt this practice until Isiah is off bankrupting another business? Each time Isiah talks, the more difficult the crowd will be. He is perpetuation this cycle that will ultimately lead to his demise.
"So what do you want me to do-- go on television and tell eight million people they have to be nice to each other? Being miserable and treating other people like dirt is every New Yorker's God-given right!"
--The Mayor of New York, Ghostbusters II
"Hurt me if you must, but let the duckie go." --The Oracle of the Sunken Valley, The Order of the Stick
Five-Time W of the Day (5/27/02; 7/3/02; 7/30/04; 8/28/04; 12/16/05)
The Only Five-Time (and Last) N.E.W. World Heavyweight Champion
Certified RFMC Member-- Ask To See My Credentials!
Originally posted by ekedolphin"So what do you want me to do-- go on television and tell eight million people they have to be nice to each other? Being miserable and treating other people like dirt is every New Yorker's God-given right!"
--The Mayor of New York, Ghostbusters II
*LOL* Nice quote. The MSG crowd is this tough to all their teams. Messier and Gretzky got the same treatment when they played bad for the NY Rangers!!!
There is only one way to make sure the crowd doesn't turn on you. Make sure you win. A lot. Then they'll adore you again. For now.
Having said that, I do believe it can affect a team big time.
Isiah Thomas cautioned reporters yesterday not to turn the Knicks' season into a battle of wills between the embattled head coach and the team's disgruntled fan base. But it may be too late.
"I can't expect them to understand the game the way I understand it or see it the way we see it," Thomas said. "It's better that the punishment is given to myself than to the players. The players got to think and move free and perform. We had a good day today."
"I sure as hell don't take it as Isiah against, and I hope you guys give me the benefit of the doubt in the reporting that you don't make it Isiah against (the fans) or them against (him). They're disappointed with our Knicks team, but I also think they're very happy about the future the Knicks hold."
A piece of work this man is, I tell ya.
The preceding post was brought to you by the letter K and the number 22. kedzie.net
Originally posted by Isiah ThomasThey're disappointed with our Knicks team, but I also think they're very happy about the future the Knicks hold."
He happens to be right here. Knicks fans are "very happy about the future the Knicks hold", because clearly that future won't include Isiah Thomas as a memeber of the organization for much longer...
How about because the Knicks suck? He overinflatted the payroll to bring in mediocre players, who couldn't possibly lead this team beyond 25 wins. Ol' Zeke must have something on the Dolans to be able to keep this job, and throw away thier money like this.
Rusty Shackleford is just the name he uses to order Pizza with.
As a former Knicks fan during their glory days with Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason, Patrick Ewing... all those big hosses that would cheat, it pains me to see this.
Just to torture me, I just know the Knicks will win the pathetic Atlantic division, and Isiah will remain employed for many years. The winner will be nowhere near .500, and the Knicks are only 1 game out. Ugh.
I just cant believe none of you New Yorkers are going to MSG to see this go down in person. I told Kawshen he needs to go and bring signs that say "MY NEGATIVE SIGN IS KEEPING THE TEAM DOWN" or something. Your picture would be on every sports page in the city!
Originally posted by DJ FrostyFreezeI just cant believe none of you New Yorkers are going to MSG to see this go down in person. I told Kawshen he needs to go and bring signs that say "MY NEGATIVE SIGN IS KEEPING THE TEAM DOWN" or something. Your picture would be on every sports page in the city!
(edited by DJ FrostyFreeze on 15.12.06 1410)
That still wouldn't top the Sunday 12/10/06 edition of the Post with Isiah Thomas dressed as a circus clown on the back page. Not quite up to the Headless Body Found in Topless Bar level of quality, but humorous none the less.
Well, it's official-- Stephen Jackson is the newest member of the Indiana Pacers, having been acquired from Atlanta in exchange for one of my favorite players, Al Harrington. It's a sad day for me, I'll admit.