Davis Gives New York an Option Behind Lin
Mike D’Antoni had searched for an answer at backup point guard all season, and Monday night against the Nets, it looked like he found one in Baron Davis, who made his season debut.
Even though the Knicks lost 100-92 to the Nets, Davis showed promise with his ability to get into the paint off the pick-and-roll. Davis played 10 minutes as a sub (a number that should float around 15 to 20 consistently), scoring on a 3-pointer and collecting an assist on a Steve Novak three in the second quarter. More important, starting point guard Jeremy Lin played 36 minutes instead of more than 40, his usual routine.
“He plays with excitement,” (Amar’e Stoudemire) said. “He’s a phenomenal point guard where he moves the ball well. He’s very crafty. And once he gets going, it’s tough for teams to defend us. So we’re going to see that from him. I was very excited when he went behind the back and threw that no-look pass to the corner. So we’re looking forward to that.”
“I love Baron’s game, ever since my rookie year in New Orleans,” said (J.R.) Smith, who was wearing bright orange Nike Hyperdunk sneakers during the game. “The way he passes. He’s a pass-first point guard for sure. He wants to push the ball up and down the court. He plays defense and, the most important thing, is he plays with heart, and that’s what you really need out of your point guard. He’s very vocal and he’s a leader. Once he really gets 100 percent and gets his feet up under him … It’s going to take time for him as well.”
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