NY Knicks: What a season for the New York Knicks, which ended last week in Miami. Sixty-two games in 120 days – just too many games for any athlete. When the season began, there were high hopes in Knickerbocker Land with the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, the defensive stopper that the Knicks so desperately needed, along with the rookie prospect Ian Shumpert from Georgia Tech. Many critics, including myself, picked the Knicks to finish 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
We were so wrong! Tthe chemistry with this group took longer than expected. The Knicks were totally out of sync – no leadership and no identity. The type of offense that Mike D’ Antoni ran was not clicking with this group of players, decisions that ultimately cost him his job as head coach of the Knicks. D’Antoni resigned after a seven game losing streak; he was quoted: “I feel the team needs a new voice.”
It was a season of ups and downs as the injury bug was prevalent throughout the season. Out of nowhere, called up from the wavier wire, the Knicks’ savior Jeremy Lin (AKA Lin Sanity) revitalized the Knicks and the city. After Lin was inserted into the starting lineup, the Knicks went on a seven game winning streak. Madison Square Garden was the place to be as stars flocked there to get a glimpse of Lin.
It was a sub-par start to the season for Amar’e Stoudemire, who looked as if he was playing injured. Finally Stoudemire would turn things around late in March, until he went down with a lower back problem. Then in the playoff – after game two in Miami – Stoudemire injured his left hand when he tried to smash the glass that covered a fire extinguisher.
Tyson Chandler was the one steady piece for the Knicks. His defensive play was key in making the Knicks one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. Chandler played hurt, never complained, was always willing to sacrifice his body for the betterment of the team. Chandler was named Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA.
With the weight of New York on his shoulders, Carmelo Anthony was criticized in every way possible. Many were calling for him to be traded, saying he’s a selfish player and that the Knicks are better off without him. What an insult to a guy who makes no excuses for his play. Without Melo the Knicks had no chance of making the playoffs. He carried the Knicks down the stretch, made the fans believe and brought excitement back to the World’s Most Famous Arena.
There is hope in Knickerbocker Land once again. Hopefully the organization can find the right pieces this off-season: bring back Mike Woodson, secure a formidable point guard and continue to build this team.
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportsNY