Fresh off their solid win last night in Portland, the New York Knicks take their bus, plane or train to the Salt Lake City tonight to take on the Utah Jazz. The Knicks are currently 2-1 on their recent west coast trip and hope to wrap up the finale tonight with a win. Amar'e Stoudemire has scored 23 points in each of the games on this trip and Raymond Felton really showed he can control the tempo of a game last night in Portland. Wilson Chandler has played strong all year and has led Knicks president, Donnie Walsh to make the bold statement that he will sign Chandler to a contract when he becomes a restricted free agent. What does all this mean? Well, since the absence of Danilo Gallinari due to a knee injury, the Knicks have played some solid and fluid ball while weathering the storm without their sharp shooting wing. But, that doesn't mean the Jazz will roll over and play dead. In their last four games in Salt Lake City, the Knicks are 0-4. Felton has proven he struggles against the Jazz dating back to his days with Charlotte only averaging 12 points and five assists. A lowly cry from the 18 points and nearly nine assists he's averaging this season. After last night's performance, my gut tells me Ronny Turiaf will be called upon yet again to provide the same spark. Turiaf allows Stoudemire to work at his regular position of power forward and helps off set the size advantage of bigger teams. Al Jefferson of the Jazz was an absolute beast in Minnesota and this year has been sort of a disappointing experiment. Deron Williams will match up with Felton and that should be fun to watch for any fan. Both point guards will be up and down the floor tonight especially in the system the Knicks are thriving in. In order for the Knicks to take control tonight, they need to keep playing solid defense. The Knicks defense has been noted by many writers and scouts as recently being more solid than ever. I've noticed this especially in the transition game. New York is getting back on defense and making teams set up their offense and that in turn slows the other team down. Truly a valuable asset for the Knicks because easy transition baskets can be killers. Peace Up, Threes Down!