Knicks' Duhon playing better but faces big test in Nash
Photo credit: Getty Images | Chris Duhon of the New York Knicks drives past Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. (Nov. 29, 2009)
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Nov. 29: Magic 114, Knicks 102
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The Knicks have lost five straight and beginning with tonight's game against Phoenix play three straight games against playoff-caliber opponents.
Yet there is a general perception that the team is playing better, or at least not playing as miserably as they were earlier in the season. And Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said the biggest reason for that is the improved play of point guard Chris Duhon.
"Yes, I do think he's coming out of his funk," D'Antoni said Monday. "He's getting his legs and I think he had a nice game against Orlando. I think that's why we're looking better and playing better."
Duhon scored 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting while adding nine assists with only two turnovers in the Knicks' 114-102 loss to the Magic Sunday night. That followed a no-turnover performance against Denver, where he added 12 points and six assists. Contrast that with the previous 10 games, during which Duhon averaged 4.5 points and shot 19.4 percent (13-for-67).
"Things are starting to come together and I'm starting to get more confident. I'm just going out and playing," Duhon said. "I had worked so hard in the offseason and I came out and struggled a little bit and started pressing a little bit. I started putting the weight of the world on my shoulders. Now, I'm just relaxing and doing what I know how to do."
Duhon will have a tough challenge Tuesday night as he goes up against Steve Nash, who at 35 is having another incredible season. Through 17 games, Nash is averaging 16.4 points and a league-leading 12.1 assists. And, not so coincidentally, his Suns have the best record in the league at 14-3.
Nobody knows Nash and the Suns better than D'Antoni. He brought Nash to Phoenix and then coached the team to four straight 50-win seasons before coming to the Knicks last season. If the Knicks continue to lose at their current pace, D'Antoni will have lost more games in his first two years with the Knicks then he did in his four seasons in Phoenix. D'Antoni said that although he still has close relationships with some of the players on the Suns, he doesn't get any special emotional tug when he goes up against his former team.
"I think I'm over that," D'Antoni said. "I've got enough emotions going on right now with my team, so I can't worry about getting wrapped up in theirs."
Notes & quotes: It's unlikely that Eddy Curry will play against Phoenix. Curry, who sat out practice, has missed three games with a sore left knee. Said D'Antoni: "It's still a little puffy and swollen. We're trying to get it down. As soon as we get it down, he'll be ready to play."
