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Rookies Key to Knicks Resurgence

Even though the New York Knicks had opened the season 0-5, everyone figured that at some point in time Larry Brown will be able to steer the ship in the right direction, which he has. The Knicks have snapped out of their five games losing streak with back to back wins on the road, over Sacramento and Utah. In all the years I have watched Brown coach, I have never seen him giving so man minutes to rookies. All three of their first round choices have played a big part in the team?s turnaround.

The player who has been boasting the most impressive numbers is Channing Frye who has been the most pleasant surprise of the Knicks young season. Through last week, Frye was the fourth amongst all rookies in scoring (10.4 PPG) and third in rebounding (6.2). He has shown fantastic range out to 18 feet on his jumper. He also showed a deft touch around the basket. Moreover, Frye has quickly dispelled any notions that he deserved to be labeled ?soft? by some heading into last June?s draft.

Another reason for the Knicks turnaround has been their defense, which is no surprise considering who their coach is. The Knicks smothered the depleted Jazz unit all night and refused to let them get good looks at the basket. The Jazz shot just 27-for-75 from the field ? the worst percentage in team history. The Knicks only allowed the 62 points, which is a team record for fewest points allowed in the shot-clock era.