| Lee Checks In After Quick Start To 08-09 Authored by Michael A. Scotto - November 11, 2008 - 5:04 pm
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Producer Michael A. Scotto has provided the transcript to RealGM.
Anthony Donahue: D-Lee what’s the key to the Knicks 4-2 start?
David Lee: Well I think so far it’s been getting it from different people. I mean in the past we’ve had times when Jamal has had to average 30 when guys have had to do different things. So far I think the new system we’ve been taking turns having good games and everyone is playing together. But I think game in and game out we go in knowing what we’re going to do, knowing what the identity of our team is. In years past we’ve gone to the big guys and other times shot threes. Bu the biggest thing is that game in and game out we know whoever has the best shot is going to shoot.
Donahue: What’s the main difference right now six games into this year and say last year?
Lee: Definitely not the people that are playing because they’re the same. Guys are buying into playing with the right effort and playing unselfishly and hopefully that’s going to continue because if we do that then I think we can be a team that has a chance to make the playoffs in the East and I know it’s still early in the season and a lot can happen but we’re going to be a competitive team because of the number of points we score and we’ll be in games with a chance to win a lot of games.
Donahue: How big was Sunday’s win because you guys had about 7/8 stops in a row?
Lee: Well it was big and we’ve had a couple of wins in a row now and I think playing Utah who was 5 and 0 and probably more than anything they’re the most physical team in the NBA top to bottom and that was a good test for us and I think we really passed that test for us today. We went into halftime and the first thing coach said was we’re shooting 35% and they’re shooting 59% and we can’t hit a free throw and we’re only down five points. So from then on we said if we can play defense then we can have a chance to win and we probably played our best ball of the year at the end of the 3rd quarter and we got some stops and got a hot hand from the outside and we were able to get the victory.
Donahue: How about the play of Chris Duhon? You guys really seem like you enjoy playing with him?
Lee: I think he’s a guy that’s not going to make a lot of flashy plays or look great on the stat sheet, but Chris is a player that makes plays that are winning basketball plays and can win games. He’s a solid defender and he’s not going to have a lot of turnovers and make the easy pass, which is what you need. In games like tonight he took over and gave us that steadying effect as a leader on the floor and that’s what you need in a good leader as a point guard.
Donahue: A lot of guys are doing different things.
Lee (talking about coach’s system): It’s not about who’s scoring, it’s about the system. With the way we’re playing it seems like each guy is getting a different shot everytime down the floor because with our movement you don’t know who’s going to get the shot and we’re getting quality shots everytime down the floor.
A. Donahue: How tough a cover was Carlos Boozer?
Lee: He’s so strong and their offense makes it hard to double team without open passes where I’d have to decide whether to help on a guy like Kyle Korver or stay with Carlos. In the end we were able to bear down and stop what they were trying to do on offense.
A. Donahue: David, the last few games you’ve been coming off the bench, does that bother you or not because you’re a team guy?
Lee: Well I’d love to start, but I have no problem whatsoever doing that. I’ve done both and I’m sure I’ll do both this season. Wilson I splaying great ball this year and has really matured and Zach’s playing great ball and right now we’re winning games and like I said if I’m playing 31 minutes I have no complaints. As long as we’re winning and I get to contribute like I did tonight then I have no problem.
Donahue: You and Nate coming off the bench provides energy for the team.
Lee: I like coming off the bench with Nate because we motivate each other. His defensive strength is that he can annoy you and his speed.
Donahue: How about your college teammate Anthony Roberson’s role?
Lee: What’s underrated about that is it is very difficult to come off the bench cold when you haven’t been shooting for the last 45 minutes. He can come off and just flat out shoot the basketball and he’ll play hard on defense and give effort. We’re luck to have him on the team.
Donahue: Do you think this is the year the Knciks turn it around and compete for the playoffs?
Lee: For whatever reason we’ve responded to coach and gotten some victories and I think we have some good times ahead of us and I think coach has found a way to get guys to play unselfish and to buy into his concept…. In order to win we have to share the ball and do the things we’ve been doing. We need to continue doing what we’re doing because it’s working.
Coach D’Antoni gets upset when we relax and have 4/5 minutes of those stretches and don’t put away teams. He goes back to being positive real quick. He’s a positive guy and that’s his personality.
Donahue: Has it been tougher playing center?
Lee: I’m trying to find my way getting through aches and pains. Sometimes I start slow out of the gate. If we’re worrying about me rebounding then we’re going to be ok. Playing center is an adjustment and it’s fun to run.
Donahue: Do you read the papers or blogs?
Lee: I learned as a rookie not to read it and now all they want to talk about is Stephon and the people who write them don’t have the whole story.
Donahue: Is Stephon a distraction?
Lee: Stephon actually gave me good advice during the second half and hasn’t been a problem and what’s he’s going through is between him and the front office.
Donahue: Is it unfair to blame it all on Stephon?
Lee: All of us have had a part in it. The teams in the East are similar from the 3rd through the 12th spot depends on the coaching and the playing.
Donahue: If Stephon is playing would that bother you?
Lee: I don’t really know if I’d have a reaction. You gotta understand there’s so much going on in N.Y. in the media... I don’t think it’s personal. It doesn’t concern everyone else
Donahue: What about Eddy Curry?
Lee: Eddy is a guy that has unlimited potential. When he’s healthy and in shape he taller and stronger with quick and light feet. Right now he’s struggling with his health and shape to play in this system. Eddy is a good guy with great intentions who’ll rally and figure this out. I think Eddy demands a double team.
Donahue: What’s been your best moment in the pros?
Lee: The tip in Charlotte to win a game.
Anthony "Rice Balls" Donahue is on every Sunday night on Sportstalk1240 AM in Long Island and also live on www.Sportsradiony.com. |
