Chandler, Fields Thrive in New Roles
Oct 27 2010 10:53PM
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Landry Fields impressed in his professional debut, making an impact on both ends of the floor.
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All eyes were on Amar’e Stoudemire as the Knicks kicked off the 2010-11 season. While the superstar didn’t disappoint, recording an impressive double-double in his Knicks debut, it was the duo of Wilson Chandler and Landry Fields that gave New York the extra lift to give them the 98-93 opening night win over the Toronto Raptors.
Much was made before the game over Head Coach Mike D’Antoni’s decision to make the versatile Chandler the team’s sixth-man and inster rookie swingman Fields into the starting lineup. Clearly, D’Antoni knew what he was doing as each man thrived in his role.
Chandler provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring a game-high 22 points along with eight boards, two assists and two blocks. He also made a game saving play with his tight defense on Leandro Barbosa in the Raptors last ditch effort to tie the game late.
"(Wilson) was very key,” D’Antoni proudly said after the game. “He's been that player for a while. He was very good, and the reason we want him off the bench is not because he isn't good, but because we needed that fire power."
His teammates also agree, noting that his energy and production lifted all their spirits.
"Wilson did great,” said Stoudemire, who played pretty ‘great’ himself with 19 points, 10 boards, two assists and two blocks. “He shot the ball well and attacked the rim. He got a couple of offensive boards when we needed it. That's the type of energy that we need."
Ronny Turiaf, who himself had an impressive game off the bench, agreed, adding that “With his skillset, there are not many people who can guard him in the NBA."
While Chandler provided the spark off the pine, Fields provided the intangibles as a starter. The first Knicks rookie to start on Opening Night in 24 years, the athletic 22-year old finished with 11 points, four boards and one nifty block. He made constant hustle plays, and was often the glue that kept the Knicks together out on the court.
“This is a great feeling, especially since we got the win,” he said following the game. “Hopefully I can continue to build on this because it is a long season. But it was exciting and I was excited about tonight… (It was ) my first game and we won. Obviously to be able to start and perform the way I did is a great thing, but I really wanted to win tonight."
So did the entire Knicks nation, who waited patiently for this day to come for over two years and were rewarded with a thrilling victory to kick off the 2010-11 campaign. If Chandler and Fields can keep playing like they did tonight, the Knicks are surely in for an exciting and successful season.
Much was made before the game over Head Coach Mike D’Antoni’s decision to make the versatile Chandler the team’s sixth-man and inster rookie swingman Fields into the starting lineup. Clearly, D’Antoni knew what he was doing as each man thrived in his role.
Chandler provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring a game-high 22 points along with eight boards, two assists and two blocks. He also made a game saving play with his tight defense on Leandro Barbosa in the Raptors last ditch effort to tie the game late.
"(Wilson) was very key,” D’Antoni proudly said after the game. “He's been that player for a while. He was very good, and the reason we want him off the bench is not because he isn't good, but because we needed that fire power."
His teammates also agree, noting that his energy and production lifted all their spirits.
"Wilson did great,” said Stoudemire, who played pretty ‘great’ himself with 19 points, 10 boards, two assists and two blocks. “He shot the ball well and attacked the rim. He got a couple of offensive boards when we needed it. That's the type of energy that we need."
Ronny Turiaf, who himself had an impressive game off the bench, agreed, adding that “With his skillset, there are not many people who can guard him in the NBA."
While Chandler provided the spark off the pine, Fields provided the intangibles as a starter. The first Knicks rookie to start on Opening Night in 24 years, the athletic 22-year old finished with 11 points, four boards and one nifty block. He made constant hustle plays, and was often the glue that kept the Knicks together out on the court.
“This is a great feeling, especially since we got the win,” he said following the game. “Hopefully I can continue to build on this because it is a long season. But it was exciting and I was excited about tonight… (It was ) my first game and we won. Obviously to be able to start and perform the way I did is a great thing, but I really wanted to win tonight."
So did the entire Knicks nation, who waited patiently for this day to come for over two years and were rewarded with a thrilling victory to kick off the 2010-11 campaign. If Chandler and Fields can keep playing like they did tonight, the Knicks are surely in for an exciting and successful season.
