James is especially hard to confine to one role: he might be most effective rebounding down low on the defensive end, sprinting down court like a point guard, and finishing at the rim like a small forward, all in one play.
Landry had a key jumper and two rebounds down the stretch.
Cappie Pondexter, the sharpshooting centerpiece of the off-season acquisitions, did not want to hear about chemistry after the Liberty failed to hit shots, make stops and grab rebounds down the stretch of its 8-point loss to Seattle on June 18.
In Friday's loss, the Knicks missed free throws, blew defensive assignments and rebounded poorly down the stretch.
Slowly, the home side responded and there was a cry for a goal when Steve Morison's header from a David Vaughan corner clattered the bar and rebounded straight down.
When asked if the 37-year-old Rodriguez could regain his dominance at the plate, Girardi voiced optimism and referenced Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki as two examples of players who had rebounded from down seasons at an advanced baseball age.
With a chance to tie the score, Villanova's Maalik Wayns missed a driving layup, and the rebound came down to Pearson, who had fallen in the lane.
The rebound plopped down in the low slot, giving Radek Dvorak just enough time to bat it in off Cechmanek's skate at 9 51.
The rebound bounced down to Sean Higgins who volleyed towards goal, but Cuthbert had raced back to deny him.
Johnson had a penalty saved after 47 minutes but Scott Nicholson netted the rebound for Down's second goal.
