Steve Popper

Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.

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Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended

Popper: The Durant-Tucker defensive battle will continue

But will Nash's post-game reaction lead to tighter calls by the refs when the series shifts back to Brooklyn?

Popper: Nets had no shot in Game 3
As a team, the Nets were 34-for-94 shooting (36.2%) against the Bucks, who only shot 37.8% from the field.
Popper: The unstoppable Kevin Durant has returned
Two years removed from an Achilles injury in the NBA Finals, Durant has elevated his play for the Nets' postseason.
Popper: What happens when the Bucks start hitting shots?
Can the Nets' defense hang in there for enough moments when the Bucks shoot the ball better in this playoff series?
Popper: Knicks made great progress and need to keep upgrading
The free-agent class is not shaping up with difference-makers, but the club has some draft capital that might be traded for ready-to-win talent.
Popper: Knicks buy into hardnosed basketball, making draft position meaningless
Who needs the pressure of a rookie prospect leading the team to the Promised Land when leadership already has found players and a coach who can do the job?
Popper: Gritty Knicks conjuring images of successful teams in their history
"They make every game feel like a playoff game," The Suns' Chris Paul said after Friday's game. "They don't take any possessions off."
Popper: Once at rock bottom, Knicks under Thibs have solid foundation
Is it likely that the Nets' Big 3 would have worked as well? Perhaps, but Thibodeau's turnaround has been a quality consolation prize.
Popper: Knicks' success began in a minicamp with Thibodeau last summer
After the Knicks were left out of the bubble, the coach started laying a foundation and they found stability.
Popper: Knicks face likelihood of play-in tourney for NBA playoffs
The consolation prize is that they would be in the NBA Draft Lottery if they fell out of the playoffs.
Popper: Knicks seem patient, confident as they build roster
Although mum on the subject, Leon Rose and his staff have a strategy and appear to be sticking to it.