The power forward went off on the Celtics for 28 points and victimized anyone who got in his way. Both Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O’Neal learned this the hard way when Stoudemire ensured both KG and JO would be coming to a poster near you soon.
Stoudemire is only one of the Knicks’ options. Alongside Carmelo Anthony, the duo is about as good as any two-player tandem in basketball today.
They both bring different things to the table. Stoudemire is a big body who plays a versatile style. He can crash the boards and can also score. He’s able to get out in transition and he’s also able to knock down the occasional jump shot. He’s also got incredible athleticism, especially for his 6-foot-10 frame. While Glen Davis may not think so, Stoudemire is an absolute handful for anyone who has the unfortunate assignment of checking him for an extended amount of time.
Anthony, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic to the Knicks. When he’s going well, Anthony is one of the best scorers in the game — maybe the absolute best. When he’s got the hand, he’s near impossible to stop as he can get to the rim at will and has the ability to knock down jump shots from all over the floor.
While Stoudemire and Anthony are two of the best players at their respective positions, the Celtics do have the means to slow — temporarily, at least — the Knicks’ top tandem. Garnett, who continues to get recognition as one of the league’s best defenders is usually charged with trying to slow Stoudemire. If he’s not doing it, then the responsibilities usually fall to Davis. And with Anthony, Paul Pierce did another solid job on his All-Star adversary on Sunday night in Boston limiting Anthony to just 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting.
It’s not usually easy to play defense against an offense led by Mike D’Antoni. The Celtics, who have seen the new-look New York team just twice heading into Tuesday night will surely attest to that.
Which Knicks player is the biggest concern for the Celtics? Share your thoughts below.
Sunday, April 17: Can the Celtics win an NBA title without a significant contribution from Shaquille O’Neal?
Which Knicks player is the biggest concern for the Celtics?survey software
