While it is hard not to dwell on what could have been, what should have been, or what was, Tuesday night brings a new game and a clean slate.  KnicksTweets’ super-intern Netta, breaks down the seemingly new matchup that will take place at TD Garden in game 2 of 7.

What Worked:

Big Baby Davis is Just That

After making a comment prior to Game 1 that STAT was easy to guard, Amar’e obliterated Davis and his team. Amar’e under the basket was perhaps the biggest reason that the Knicks were able to establish a lead and stay in the game. Davis is slow. In reality he is just a more finely tuned version of Eddy Curry: A big body with soft hands. Essentially Big Baby deserves his nickname, he is just that a big ol’ cry baby.  Amar’e needs to keep proving Davis wrong.

Rookie On Ray

Landry Fields did a lot of things wrong in Sunday’s loss, but the one thing he did really well (in the 19 minutes and 2 seconds he was on the floor) was turn Ray Allen into a non-factor. Ray was quiet for most of the game (with the exception, of course, of his dagger from three that ended the game) and this was in large part due to the aggressive defense that Landry (or as I like to call him, Lance – watch Friday Night Lights for that reference) played against the veteran all-star. So next time you doubt D’Antoni’s choice to play the rookie, remember that he can prevent Déjà Vu.

What Needs to Change:

Energy and Attitude

The Knicks, and most importantly ‘Melo, need to realize that this is it. This city has been waiting for the post-season for seven long years and expects nothing less than wins. So in the spirit of Charlie Sheen, they need to start thinking they are WINNING. While ‘Melo obviously needs to crackdown on this and Amar’e clearly had this mindset in Game 1, it was apparent in the bench as well.  While Ronny Turiaf, who started, played the game like it was his last, Landry Fields continued to get lost and forgot how to play scrappy. It was his ability to put his heart on the floor and do the intangibles that got him playing time and notice this season, if he can do it in the post-season too the sky is the limit. Toney Douglas looked like the class clown in Game 1. He did not appear to be taking the game seriously. He looked more like a fool getting schooled on the blacktop than an NBA guard in the post-season.

Pace and Momentum

Since the big Carmelo blockbuster trade, the Knicks have seemingly strayed from Mike D’Antoni’s “7 Seconds or Less” philosophy. This in part has to do with Chanuncy Billups command of the offensive flow without a need to push the ball up the court. But with Billups likely sidelined for at least Game 2, the Knicks need to return to their fast paced roots and make the Celtics play their type of ball game.

Uploaded by MSGOnline

You can hear the confidence building in this team.  Sure Toney Douglas nearly melted down in the 4th quarter that should have never come down to a final shot.  But, when your new superstar hits a pretty game-winner you celebrate now and ask questions later.

Just wait til the other Mr. Big Shot returns to the lineup…

Via The Bergen Record:

“Chauncey is the furthest away [of the three injured Knicks to returning] but he could play,” D’Antoni said after Tuesday’s practice. “I don’t know. Chauncey could be another day or so but we’re hoping that [today] he wakes up feeling really good.”…

“We’re not going to push him,” D’Antoni said. “He said he feels a lot better, but I don’t know what that means because I thought it felt a lot better the other day.

“When the medical staff, plus Chauncey, say we’re ready to roll, that’s good enough for me. But we’re going to make sure he’s right.”

The injury that Chauncey Billups sustained initially looked bad and kept him out for the final minutes of a close game against the Magic that the Knicks looked poised to win.  After the game, Billups was visibly limping and (to paraphrase) noted it was rare for him to be sidelined by this kind of injury, but it was worse than any thigh bruises he could remember.  (Knick fans have to be asking themselves whether the severity has anything to do with Billups’ age, and how that will play into their long term plans for Billups and at the point guard position)

From there, we heard Chauncey would miss one game…then two…then three…then four.  But the truth is, as long as Toney Douglas and Anthony Carter are leading this team to more wins than losses, the Knicks would be wise not to bring back Billups before he is 100% confident that the injury is healed.

Chauncey’s leadership ability is on display regardless if he is running the point or watching from the bench.  In his absence, we have seen Toney Douglas’ confidence increase sharply.  Seemingly, Billups, serving as his mentor, has broken through to the Knicks young guard in a way that D’Antoni and Raymond Felton could not.  Moreover, Anthony Carter has shown that he still has a little gas left in the tank and fire in his belly.

While it is impossible to argue that the Knicks are better off without Chauncey Billups for the long run, his absence may have fortified the TD/AC combo as the viable backup point guard the Knicks desperately will need going forward.

Via The InCrowd – Atlanta via (Posting and Toasting):

Assuming this is real, which is questionable being that Andy Rautins’ picture is actually Danilo Gallinari, the Knicks might be a bit off for their game against the Hawks on Sunday.

Chauncey hurts his thigh
TD outplays CP3
Beat The Heat, Hornets

Via ESPN NY:

New York Knicks point guard Chauncey Billups sat out practice Thursday and was listed as doubtful for Friday night’s home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After last Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, the Knicks should be out for blood Friday night with or without Chauncey Billups. If Toney Douglas plays within himself and anywhere near as well as last night against the Hornets, this is a very winnable game regardless.  The  risk of further aggravating the knee does not seem worth it, as the Knicks are going to need a healthy Chauncey if they are to have any shot at a deep playoff run.

Via NY Daily News:

“Who would have thought in October that the Knicks would trot out a lineup featuring (Jared) Jeffries, Shawne Williams and Anthony Carter. Better yet, who would have predicted that Toney Douglas, who replaced the injured Chauncey Billups, would outplay Chris Paul to almost embarrassing proportions?…

In his second start at point guard, Douglas scored 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting as the Knicks improved to 31-28. He also hounded Paul, who is either not 100% healthy, disinterested or both.“

It was only one game.  But if Douglas continues to improve as the Knicks backup PG, perhaps Donnie Walsh would be better served to go after Dwight Howard rather than Chris Paul next year.

Via NY Post:

The Spotted Pig that netted the superstar and fellow new Knick Chauncey Billups Wednesday night with an intimate dinner for 40 hosted by teammate Amar’e Stoudemire… (more…)

Via Dime Magazine:

Dime: What has been the biggest transition for you from college to the NBA?
Andy Rautins: I think for me it is the transition to point guard. Trying to be more of a combo-guard, I’m learning everyday. I’m getting better at it, especially learning from guys like Ray [Felton] and Toney Douglas. The speed of the game takes a little adjusting to, but that comes with time.

Dime: What did you do this summer to prepare?
AR: I was training down in Dallas with a guy named Kyle Meadows. It was great. It worked for me and I hope to go back down there this summer. I just need to continue working my tail off.

If you are a Syracuse fan, be sure to check out the whole interview.