Top > Sport > 2006 > October > 2006-10-16

Knicks change offense, and win

Although the season has yet to begin, the Knicks 2-0 record in exhibition games and visible change in offense are promising signs for the fans. Coach Isiah Thomas has altered the team`s offense, calling for more players to handle the ball and initiate. Against Philadelphia on Saturday, the team played well, won 102-100 off a winning basket from Jamal Crawford with 1.3 seconds left to play and collected 17 assists.

But would Stephon Marbury, the self-declared best point-guard in the league, play along? Against Philadelphia Marbury had only 9 points and no assists, and was not given the ball on the final possession. The key to a successful season would be compliance from the Knicks players. In fact, that is the key for coach Thomas who is responsible for the team`s roster and is expected by team owner to improve dramatically from last year.

?The way we look at a stat sheet is totally different than the way maybe someone else would look at it," Thomas said. The question now will be if point-guards Marbury, Crawford and Steve Francis will read it the same way. The three have been known for dominating the ball. The Knicks are coming off a horrible 23-59 season.