re:The Knicks

[opi@unesco.org]

Nothing but sobering news in the papers. Detroit reverts to form on
defense (123 points allowed). Toronto establishes itself in the playoff
picture. Meanwhile, the Knicks will be hungry tonight after blowing a 14
point lead to the Timberpoodles last night.

I guess this is the low point of the season so far. Suddenly, the
Celtics are tied for the 8th best record in the conference, with
wildcard Orlando (4-3) right behind and Philly, Detroit and Atlanta
still expecting to catch up. Honestly, I'm not that worried.

The Boston Celtics have already defeated two of the top clubs in Toronto
and Charlotte, with a combined 7-1 record subtracting their losses to
us. With a little positive thinking (yes!) and a similar level of
execution, they can not only surprise the 4-2 Knicks but blow them out
as well.

The Celtics need to swagger a little. Losing and losing streaks should
not even be anywhere in the back of their minds. There is no way teams
will eventually adjust to good ball movement. There is nothing flukey
about the Celtics' three wins. These Eastern opponents are frankly not
that good. Not better or more balanced than the Celtics' personnel
anyway.

Our Celtics should start playing like a team that's ready to defend 16
championship banners worth of tradition every night. The NY Knicks can
kiss my butt.

Joe

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NBA ROUNDUP
Raptors bounce Detroit
By Associated Press, 11/12/99

Doug Christie scored 24 points, and Vince Carter added 22 points and 11
rebounds as the Toronto Raptors won their fourth straight game last
night, 123-106, over the Detroit Pistons.

 Christie and Carter were among seven Raptors in double figures. Kevin
Willis (18 points, 13 rebounds) and Antonio Davis (10 points, 11
rebounds) also had  double-doubles.

Grant Hill led Detroit with 25 points but shot just 6 for 22. Jerry
Stackhouse had 21 points.

The Pistons, who never led in losing their home opener to New York last
Friday, didn't start better against Toronto. The Raptors scored the
first 4 points of the game and never looked back, rolling to a 41-28
lead after the first quarter.