Van Gundy to Garden: Quit groaning
ESPN.com news services
NEW YORK -- It seems like an annual refrain, but Jeff Van Gundy has come to Patrick Ewing's defense once again after more groans were heard in Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
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The Knicks coach was less than amused with the crowd's reaction every time Ewing touched the ball.
Although the 92-88 victory over the Raptors was not one of Ewing's most shining efforts, he did score 15 points. Even after Ewing converted a 3-point play with just over 5 minutes left in the game, the groans grew as he missed a layup a minute later.
Even after he forced a turnover by Tracy McGrady with 4:13 left, subtle boos filled the air as Ewing started to post up Oakley only to get stripped by Muggsy Bogues.
"Why were they groaning?" Van Gundy said. "Every time he was getting the ball, there was a groan. He's a Hall of Fame player. He's getting the ball in the right spot, and he's hearing groans. This has been happening for two years."
When Ewing was injured during the conference finals last season, there were some that said the Knicks would not have reached the finals with Ewing on the court.
"Hello, people," Van Gundy said. "We were 8-3 with Patrick in the playoffs and 4-5 without him." |
