NEW YORK –– Coming off a 29-point blowout loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Tuesday, the Knicks have something to prove in their home-opener on Saturday, says Memphis coach David Fizdale.
“I see a lot of talent, I see a lot of guys that’s causing me a lot of pain, I see a group with something to prove, with big chips on their shoulders,” Fizdale, whose team is coming off a season-opening win over Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves on Wednesday, told me at shootaround at Madison Square Garden.
There has been speculation about whether Derrick Rose and the Knicks will play more pick-and-roll and less triangle (something Rose has said he would prefer), but Fizdale thinks whatever offense they play it could be difficult to defend.
“I don’t know what they’re going to decide on ultimately offensively but the bottom line is they got so much talent, whatever they pick they’ll be able to score,” the coach said.
Asked if Rose especially has a chip on his shoulder coming off the Chicago situation and his civil trial for sexual assault where was found not liable, Fizdale said, “For sure. That situation in Chicago really disintegrated for whatever reasons. And you’re talking about a former MVP. He’s got a lot of pride and a fresh start for guys like that usually means a big chip on their shoulder.”
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