The battle of New York sounded much more appealing before the season started. Both Brooklyn and the Knicks had upgraded rosters with lofty expectations that they would run the East and reach the playoffs. There was trash talking throughout the summer. Both teams hyped this first meeting as an epic battle for the city. However, now that the season has actually started, the Nets are 5-13 and the Knicks are 3-13, in the midst of the nine-game losing streak. Exciting stuff.
Pride is really what is at stake here for both teams. Both rosters have underperformed significantly and this has turned into a must-win game as Brooklyn and New York look desperate to turn their year around. Nets head coach Jason Kidd summed things up perfectly when he said that both teams stink. Getting right to the point, coach.
The Nets sit one full game ahead of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference. Before entering the game, only the Milwaukee Bucks have a worse record in the league. Even the rebuilding Boston Celtics who appear to be trying to tank the season are a better unit over the Knicks and Nets.
This certainly was not how the year was supposed to go. Brooklyn has the highest payroll in the league at $180 million after acquiring Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce along with quality bench players. The starting five was stacked with All-Star appearances. Now, Deron Williams, Jason Terry and Paul Pierce are all out with injuries and the Nets are suffering. The team is coming off a convincing win against the Memphis Grizzlies giving fans a glimpse of hope.
The Knicks have no identity as a team. After appearing as a strong defensive unit in 2012, the absence of Tyson Chandler has left the team scratching their heads. JR Smith cannot seem to find his shot. Amar'e Stoudemire is struggling with health and Iman Shumpert is distracted by trade rumors.
Mike Woodson has found himself on the hot seat as is Kidd. Both coaches are taking the blame for the team struggles even though they are only a small part of what is likely a bigger issue. Now playing out the first matchup in what could become an excellent rivalry, the Knicks and Nets have a shot to prove themselves on national television. Someone has to win this game.
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