Chandler: Knicks didn't quit on D'Antoni
Knicks' Tyson Chandler reacts as Indiana Pacers' Danny Granger walks away. (March 16, 2012) Credit: AP
TORONTO -- Tyson Chandler said if he weren't on the Knicks and saw how differently they've played for Mike Woodson since he replaced Mike D'Antoni, he would think the team stopped playing for its former coach.
"If you look at things, it looks like we're playing harder now than we did before," Chandler said before Toronto ended the Knicks' winning streak at five games. "I'm the same as you. If I stepped out, I would say 'yes.' "
But Chandler said that isn't the case, and he feels badly for D'Antoni that it appears that way.
"It would be disappointing to me for Coach's sake because I feel like he's a great coach," Chandler said. "I think you should play the same way regardless. It's our profession."
Chandler's effort hasn't been questioned and he has played with the same passion throughout the season. Carmelo Anthony, who has received most of the blame for D'Antoni's departure, has shown more effort the last six games, though.
Chandler always supported D'Antoni and tried to rationalize the change in the Knicks.
"Sometimes you hear the same message from a different person,'' Chandler said, "and for whatever reason it registers."
Support for slain teen
Florida native Amar'e Stoudemire wore a hoodie during his pregame workout to support Trayvon Martin, the teenager who was shot and killed in Sanford, Fla., last month. "I'm representing Trayvon Martin," Stoudemire said.
Talking and not talking
Things got chippy between Baron Davis and Jose Calderon. Davis, who kept jawing with Calderon, wouldn't speak to reporters after the game.
Lin still has a big role
Woodson was asked about Jeremy Lin the person and player and said he likes both of them. Woodson also disputed the perception that Lin's role would decrease dramatically with him as coach. "Jeremy Lin was a big part of what we've been doing once he got in the starting lineup,'' he said. "And it's not going to change.''
Woodson was asked about Jeremy Lin the person and player and said he likes both of them. Woodson also disputed the perception that Lin's role would decrease dramatically with him as coach.
"I don't know what the big question was," Woodson said. "You never heard it come out of my mouth. Jeremy Lin was a big part of what we've been doing once he got in the starting lineup. And it's not going to change.
"He's great as far as I'm concerned. I love him. I think things that he's done on and off the court to help you win games, hey, he's got my word. I like everything about him."
MRI for Jeffries
