Chandler Hasn't Missed a Beat in Emotional Return

It’s been a difficult week for Wilson Chandler after the passing of his grandfather last Saturday, but the New York Knicks forward hasn’t allowed his loss to affect his performance on the court in his two games back since rejoining the team Friday night in Toronto.

A night after scoring 18 points while playing in a reserve role for the first time this season, Chandler was back in the starting lineup Saturday and recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds in a 113-93 loss to the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden. He will look to have another strong game when the Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday before hitting the road for a five-game trip.   

Chandler hasn’t missed a beat despite missing two games last week to be with his family in Michigan, especially on the offensive end where he is shooting 15-for-31 since his return. He said that just being around his teammates, coaching staff and the game has helped him deal with this difficult time.   

“It helps a lot,” Chandler said. “You have to go out and just have fun. Being with my teammates and just interacting with those guys has taken my mind off a lot of things.”   

The support of everyone on the team shows just how tight the Knicks are as a group. Chandler mentioned more than once how good of friends he is with his teammates when talking about how nice it is being back to work and back to his regular routine.   

“And the coaches are great, too,” he added. 
  


Chandler met the Knicks in Toronto prior to Friday’s game and came off the bench in the loss to the Raptors, but he was back in his usual starting spot against New Jersey. He replaced second-year forward Bill Walker and helped get the Knicks off to a quick start by scoring six points and grabbing four boards in the first quarter as they pulled out to an early 16-point lead.   

Chandler may have to play an even bigger role against the Hawks to get the Knicks back on track. The Knicks could be shorthanded after Tracy McGrady declared himself as a game-time decision after Sunday’s practice. The seven-time All-Star, who has been running the point for the Knicks in the previous two games, says his body is fatigued after playing in the recent back-to-back set.   

It’s unclear who would join Chandler in the starting lineup if McGrady is forced to sit out the game. D’Antoni wouldn’t say who could see more playing time, but the choices to fill in at point guard are playmaker Sergio Rodriguez, rookie Toney Douglas and veteran Chris Duhon.   

But one thing that is for certain no matter who else is on the court is that Chandler will once again play hard as he continues his emotional return to his team.

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