SU has claimed a spot on the Knicks’ bandwagon. Actually, there was plenty of room – didn’t have to climb over anyone. I tuned in Sunday night as well as Friday. There is an entirely different vibe this year. Porzingis and Afflalo have made a huge difference in being unselfish and playing in the flow of the offense. Robin Lopez does what he does – and will not stray from that. The bench guys bring energy. And, in a departure from my normal hating on Melo, he is playing very differently.
On Sunday night, he was bounding, driving and dishing and — wait for it — playing defense. Announcer Mike Breen said that Melo was actually a good defender – something we all knew for the last 13 years but never got to see. Something has clicked in his head and he is now willing to spend energy on defense as well. Funny: I thought that was part of the $24 million contract but I guess that was optional. The NBA: gotta love it. Playing defense is optional but appreciated. In any event, he is now playing both ends and you can see it has a big impact on his teammates.
Much of this will depend on the health of Porzingis. But for now, SU will enjoy it. He is fun to watch and shows some new aspect of his game each night. This is an interesting team. There, I said it.
SU’s preseason Super Bowl prediction of Green Bay over Denver is still in play as Aaron Rodgers appears to have found the magic again. No doubt getting engaged to Olivia Munn has also provided a spark. Vegas likes Arizona but SU doesn’t see it. Plus where is the love for Carolina? Carson Palmer has a little Ryan Fitzpatrick in him – a turnover waiting to happen in a big spot. Should be a good match up this weekend in the desert.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
I used to be a Phil Jackson naysayer when he was with the Bulls because I figured I could have been the coach and the Bulls still would have won. I started to become a believer when he took an underachieving Del Harris coached Laker team and took them to multiple championships – with the same roster. Now he has gotten Melo, he of the 60 points and 0 assist game, to both play defense and dish out assists. It is hard to doubt the Zen Master with a record like that.
I see the Cardinals getting past the Packers more because the Packers have been looking shaky not that the Cardinals are unbeatable. However, I would not be surprised to see Seattle get back to the Super Bowl despite the fact that I was surprised they escaped Minnesota with that missed FG aided win.
Mark, I agree about Arizona beating Green Bay. The Packers have not really looked good in weeks. This last game was a surprise offensively. I always believe that the teams who get the bye week have a big advantage. Rest is important and you have to think the home teams will do well this weekend. Seattle has been playing better of late but Carolina had a great record for a reason this year. Newton has a playoff game under his belt from last year and that will help him a lot.
“Funny: I thought that was part of the $24 million contract but I guess that was optional.” Great stuff, Howard!