This week, NYP TV Sports’ Pat Reichart spoke with Mike Breen, MSG’s Knicks play-by-player and ESPN/ABC’s main NBA voice.
Q: Earlier this week, the Knicks gave Isiah Thomas a multi-year contract extension as coach and GM. Did the announcement – or its timing – come as a surprise to you?
A: I’m not surprised it happened. I felt all season long that Jim Dolan wanted to bring him back. Because last year was such a disastrous year, progress was going to be made – you just knew progress had to be made. I don’t think [Dolan] wants to start all over with a new GM and a new coach. I think he likes the stability. As for the timing, I was surprised, because he did say he was going to wait until the end of the season.
Q: Have you noticed any changes in Stephon Marbury’s attitude or approach to the game under Thomas?
A: The two biggest changes for Marbury have been his desire to play defense and his leadership. I’ve always felt that those were two weaknesses in his game. He’s doing the right thing – he’s sacrificing some of his own offensive game for the sake of the team. More importantly, he’s playing hard defensively and he is trying to be encouraging to his teammates. In past years, he’d roll his eyes and walk down the court when a guy would fumble a pass. This year, he’ll go over and put his arm around him and pat him on the head. We haven’t seen that from him in the past.
Q: Many fans believe the objectivity of MSG broadcasters is, at times, somewhat compromised by management. What kind of experiences have you had along those lines?
A: I don’t feel any pressure [from management]. I’m broadcasting the games the same way I’ve done them every year since I started doing the Knicks.
Q: Despite a number of key injuries and tough losses, the Knicks have made very few excuses for any shortcomings this season. Does that surprise you?
A: The one thing this year that they certainly didn’t have last year is that they have a fight in them. Whether they lose a couple of games in a row or fall behind in the first half, they’ll fight back. Last year, they threw up the white flag as soon as they faced any kind of adversity. This year, they have some resiliency, but there’s still a number of games to go and they are under .500. Granted, there’s been progress, but they are under .500 in a weak conference coming off the easiest part of their schedule. Have they taken the first step toward progress? Yes. Now it’s time to see if they are ready to take the next step.
Q: Will the Knicks make the playoffs this year?
A: I don’t really know, but the opportunity is there. This team hasn’t proven yet that they’re ready to take that next step. But it’s right there in front of them, and now it’s time for them to prove they can.
THE SIXTH QUESTION: For more of Pat Reichart’s interview with Mike Breen, check out The Best Sports Blog in Town at http://blogs.nypost.com/sports
Breen talks more about Thomas’ first year as coach, and about discipline issues in the NBA.
