Good game. Amazing what a difference playing the bench can make. Last time we played the Knicks, we got slaughtered. I laughed when the announcers were talking about missing Sheed and Rip. Gee, like what good did they do the last time we faced the Knicks. Not much. I was also amused as Kelser was saying how energetic the team was. At a moment when none of our starters were in the game.


Not to pick on you Oracle, but hey, I am going to pick on you in fun. Still think Stuckey is a situational player for the playoffs? Nope. This is one rookie who can play the game. First, his D is solid. Second, the way he shot tonight, you better expect just one thing - it will get better even yet. And Stuckey finds open players well and passes well. Pull up jumpers, getting to the basket some.


Dixon started the 2nd half after Rip was tossed for two techs arguing the same play. He did little in that 2nd half besides give up points to the other team. Although I think he did hit a triple in the 2nd half so he did something. His first half was better, with him making several alert plays. But nothing Afflalo can't do, and Afflalo plays so much better D its just not funny. We barely won this game. Without the 6 minutes of decent perimeter D by Afflalo there to start the 4th, this probably would have been another loss.


Amir had some nice moments. A few blocks in the first quarter after he was the first big off the bench. A couple of baskets on cut ins. A couple of free throws. I do wish both he and Maxiell would start hitting more free throws when they get the chance.


Maxiell made double figures in scoring. A couple of outside shots made, some dunks, a free throw or two. He did a decent job guarding Curry for a spell also.


Billups? Did he play in this one? Kind of overshadowed by the play of Stuckey in my opinion. Rip added a lot of energy when he was in, hitting some shots and making their defense really work hard to keep up with him. Them grabbing him to slow him down is what got him tossed when he complained.


Tay was the scoring hero. 28 points. He worked outside and in. Good solid job of scoring.


Hayes hit an outside shot. More importantly, he played a lot and did not muck it up too bad on D so that Tay could catch some rest.


Welcome back Theo. He played fine D on Curry for the most part, blocked a shot, and scored some on cuts into the basket. He airballed his lone outside shot. As I guessed, he did not play that much even though he started, coming out early, like at the 6 minute mark, in each half and then getting another stint later in each half.


Dyess gave us a worthless outside shot or two. Not even thinking it might help to go inside and draw fouls. He did have one of the keys to us winning though. He played less than usual. (And this is truly a good sign, considering Sheed was not playing? No, Dyess was just in foul trouble. I am sure Saunders would have messed this up if he could have.)


In all a good game. Another win. Clinched a playoff spot. Our youngsters all played, though Afflalo did not play enough and did not shoot enough. (He needs more in game practice.) A new player was added to the rotation, one who can help. (Theo). Even though I don't like seeing Dixon getting Afflalo's minutes, I still like the added depth he brings us, and that he played minutes tonight is not a bad thing.


In my opinion, our active roster should consist of the following 12 guys when the playoffs get here:


Billups, Stuckey.


Rip, Afflalo


Tay, Amir


Sheed, JMAX


Theo, Dyess


Dixon and Samb as the last two guys dressed.