Chandler's offense an unexpected bonus
Tyson Chandler #6 of the New York Knicks reacts after dunking against the Charlotte Bobcats at Madison Square Garden. (Jan. 9, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- When the Knicks signed 7-1 center Tyson Chandler in early December, the belief was that they'd found their defensive-minded stopper.
That hasn't changed. But lately, they're finding something else.
Without the usual production from Carmelo Anthony, who was battling some fatigue Monday night, the Knicks were sustained by 20 points and 7-for-8 shooting by Chandler. It was something of an anomalous performance but not far from what the team is starting to expect from him.
"Tyson Chandler's playing at a very, very high level, and a lot of minutes," coach Mike D'Antoni said Tuesday. "We've got to be a little careful about the minutes but at the same time, we're real excited about what he does."
With a career average of 8.3 points per game, Chandler has never been viewed as a scorer. His shooting range barely extends beyond the paint. Last year, according to the website HoopData.com, he attempted only 51 of 407 shots from outside 15 feet, making 24 of them.
But in the Knicks' pick-and-roll schematic, Chandler has been a beneficiary, averaging a career-high 12 points. His 20-point performance Monday was his second of at least 20 this season (he had four such games in 74 starts with Dallas last season) and he's third in the NBA in dunks, with 18. He's also 12th in the NBA, averaging 6.8 free throws.
"I think my teammates are really getting accustomed to understanding where I play and getting me into rhythm," Chandler said. "I just want to make things easier, honestly, for them. I feel like if we can attack the defense from different angles, it opens up opportunities for other guys."
Chandler's production as a third scorer helps take pressure off Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, who are expected to carry the offensive load every night. In the shortened NBA season, nights like Monday -- when fatigue likely played a role in the Knicks shooting only 38 percent and 1-for-10 from three-point range -- require having paint scoring from players like Chandler.
Moreover, his efficiency has been superb, shooting 73.2 percent from the field (Chandler does not have enough attempts to qualify among league leaders). "He's getting a lot of open shots," Anthony said. "That's what we want him to continue to get."
Chandler said he's not about to change his approach or lobby for more shots.
"I have to be aggressive to take the pressure off them," Chandler said, referring to Anthony and Stoudemire. "Our job is to make things easier for them. We know they're great scorers and they're going to get their numbers."
D'Antoni believes the team is still jelling offensively, developing with a new point guard in rookie Iman Shumpert and a lack of bench production. The Knicks are last in the league in bench scoring.
"A lot of good things are happening," D'Antoni said. "We're not totally cohesive as a unit. We're still weeks away."
