The discussion at the announcer's table was heated, and in the Knicks' locker room, the atmosphere of criticism and self-criticism was just as intense.
Zach Randolph was participating for the first time. He was excited, his face red and his neck veins bulging.
Because his teammates were all criticizing him.
"Zach's movement is too slow. He needs to put the same energy he uses for rebounding into his lateral movement. If he improves his lateral movement, the damage from Wade's drives will be reduced by thirty percent."
"He should keep some distance from me. We two big guys should be complementing each other, not leaning on each other."
"If Randolph cut down on some of his spin moves and showboating, our offense would be a lot smoother."
"He could help double-team O'Neal. His long arms would give O'Neal some trouble."
"..."
Randolph had originally thought he'd be praised for scoring 18 points in the first half.
