tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

How Bout Those Knicks!!!

The 1969-70 NBA season was when I began to give a damn about the NBA. You see that was the year that the NY Knickerbockers won the NBA title. The team's starting 5 was Willis Reed at center (when centers mattered), forwards Dave DeBusschere & Bill Bradley and Walt "Clyde" Frazier & Dick Barnett at guard. With Phil Jackson and Cazzie Russell coming off the bench, the Knicks went on to knock off the heavily favored LA Lakers who were led by Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. In fact, if memory serves me well the clinching game at MSG, with Reed badly limping to start the game, was the first one ever in prime time on television.

Those were great days and my following of the Knicks was interrupted by the Larry Bird Celtics but I came back with the Patrick Ewing-led team. But after Ewing and Company were gone, my interest in the Knicks evaporated. In fact, my interest in the NBA was pretty much gone. With Emperor Bettman's cancelling of NHL games, I have started to watch the Knicks again and it has been highly entertaining.

Going into last night's game, I wondered how real this Knick undefeated start was. But the fourth quarter last night showed me that this team may indeed be for real. The Knicks were down by 12 midway in the fourth quarter and I'm wondering whether it's time for me to go to bed. I began to rationalize that they can't win every game and they haven't won in San Antonio for years so its not a big deal if they lose. But they came roaring back to take control of the game and win it.

This Knicks team seems for real. Jason Kidd has made a huge difference. His veteran leadership has been a huge factor. Last night, Carmelo Anthony showed that he can contribute even when he is not scoring by playing defense and setting up teammates. And Mike Woodson has been a positive factor as head coach. One wonders how much better this team can be once Amare Stoudmire comes back.

While it is only November, last night's win over the Spurs gives Knick fans reason to have high hopes for this season. It has been a long time since there have been meaningful playoff games played at MSG in late April and May. Could this year be the year that changes?? Maybe. But as long as Emperor Bettman keeps the pucks on ice, I will be along for the ride.