New York Delivers

Let me start by a little back-pat.... My prediction of Knicks-98, Bobcats-96 was close. Actual score Knicks- 97, Bobcats-93.

I am not going to lie, the National Championship stole my attention so I didn't get to watch the game but from what I saw in highlights and box scores, it was good basketball as expected.  The Knicks had to battle back from down 10 late in the 3rd quarter.  They took the lead early in the 4th and controlled the end game.

Nate Robinson is getting a lot of air time after throwing down a ridiculous slam but the question I have to ask is how good is he for the Knicks?  On one hand he is a high energy guy that gives the players and fans a healthy shot of life.  But he also coughed up the ball 6 times in 19 minutes, including 4 in the final period.  Thats some dangerous ball control if you ask me.  Nate has a place on any team but its only a few notches above mascot.  Basically, be positive, throw down sick dunks in warm ups, do elaborate hand shakes and chest bumps during introductions, wave a towel on the bench, do silly little dances behind the coach during time outs, and log about 10 minutes of tough defense, diving on the floor and taking it to the hole.  That's it!  If he can't accept that role, he is not good for any team he plays on.

That being said, Wilson Chandler is a beast.  Not only did he have to split his time guarding the 'Cats two best players who have very, very different offensive skills (StephJackson and GWallace) but he also poured in 27 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds while shooting 11-17 from the floor.  I was able to sneak an interview with Chandler after the game and this is what he had to say on his performance.

Seriously, though, he held Wallace to 13 points on 12 shots and while Jackson scored 26, he had to chuck up 26 shots to get there.  Translation: Wilson Chandler was the man for the Knicks once again.

Meanwhile, Galli shot 11 threes.  This guy is a black hole.

The Knicks are currently a half game behind Charlotte and Milwaukee who hold the 7 and 8 spots in the East, respectively.  So... if the Knicks can keep up .500 basketball, they are in a good place to take the 7 spot which at this point will afford them a first round match up against the Cavs and their future starting forward, LeBron James :)

This guy is only a memory....