- Adam Parker
The New York Knicks are facing a 2-0 deficit against the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Amare Stoudemire's frustration fight with a fire extinguisher case that led to an injury which could cost him the rest of the series doesn't help matters. Carmelo Anthony is going to need to give a Herculean effort for the remainder of the series if the Knicks are to have any chance. But even if the Knicks don't succeed as a team, you have to give another pivotal piece in their puzzle some props -- defensive maestro Tyson Chandler. The Knicks' center has been voted the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, ending the three-year reign of that guy down in Orlando. Chandler's impact cannot be underestimated. While with the Charlotte Bobcats during the 2008-09 season, Chandler -- along with Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson -- led the young franchise to its first-ever playoff berth. Though the Bobcats were swept in the series, Chandler held Magic center Dwight Howard to averages of nine points and nine rebounds per game, both well below his career averages. When Chandler was traded to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2010-11 season, he was credited with giving the Mavs' the 'toughness' and defensive intensity that they sorely lacked. Chandler was the defensive anchor for Dallas en route to the team's first-ever NBA Championship. He was instrumental in preventing LeBron James' and Dwyane Wade's penetration to the rim. Chandler was even selected to the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team for his efforts. And now, after not being re-signed by Mark Cuban and the Mavericks, Chandler joined the New York Knicks with a four-year, $58-million deal. The Knicks, who have long been one of the league's worst defensive clubs -- especially under then head coach Mike D'Antoni -- were more than happy to dole out the big bucks to bring the 7'1" defensive specialist to the Big Apple. And boy was it worth it. The Knicks went from tied to 27th in opponent points per game last season to 11th in their first season with Chandler at center. They trimmed an astounding 11 points off the 105.7 points they yielded in 2010-11. Chandler is a defensive force, no doubt. Move over, Dwight. There's a new sheriff in town -- and his name is Tyson Chandler. Be sure to follow Beard And Stache on Twitter @BeardAndStache, and also Adam @Adam_Parker43, Like our Facebook page HERE!
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