Sadly, I don't know how we can win now. Melo and Stat have to put it together in the same game and Billups needs to be on the court and facilitate. My heart says we can take the next 2 at the Garden, but watching years of basketball tells me we're likely going down in 5 or 6 tops. It's a shame because with a little less panicky play to close out, we could be up 2-0 and should be tied 1-1.

Thoughts?

Gonna have to settle for moral victories, of which we're up 2-0.

BlueSeats wrote:I'm proud of how they've played but the odds of winning 4 of 5 are slim.

Gonna have to settle for moral victories, of which we're up 2-0.

I like to think of it as holding home court and winning 1 away game.

martin wrote:

BlueSeats wrote:I'm proud of how they've played but the odds of winning 4 of 5 are slim.

Gonna have to settle for moral victories, of which we're up 2-0.

I like to think of it as holding home court and winning 1 away game.

We've got a 6% chance, keep hope alive.

eViL wrote:am i just ridiculously stupid because my only concern in this series is whether the Knicks will be able to maintain their high energy level after two consecutive blowout wins at the Garden?

Yes, if you're not also concerned about the availability of Amear and Chauncey Upchucks you're ridiculously stupid.

Well, you asked.

BlueSeats wrote:

eViL wrote:am i just ridiculously stupid because my only concern in this series is whether the Knicks will be able to maintain their high energy level after two consecutive blowout wins at the Garden?

Yes, if you're not also concerned about the availability of Amear and Chauncey Upchucks you're ridiculously stupid.

Well, you asked.

i'm not concerned with Amare's availability. my gut says he'll be back. i doubt he practices today or tomorrow, but i'd be shocked if he doesn't play Friday.

i still play a ton of basketball and i actually have to deal with back spasms because i have tight hamstrings. they are an absolute bitch. it starts as a little feeling in your back best described as a twinge. then after a few hours you can barely stand straight and you lose power in your legs. i saw it unfold with Amare last night and it was just so painful to watch. i got caught off guard by my first bout with back spasms and i was laid up for a week. i did all the wrong things. i ran a hot shower over my back, i didn't ice. i didn't immediately take anti-inflammatory meds. it was a week before i was walking normally; let alone, playing ball.

today, i've done everything i can to strengthen my core and i know the first signs of back spasms so well that i'm immediately able to begin treatment. the core strength is great prevention. the treatments that i've developed (without the help of an entire staff of trainers) provide rapid recovery. i've managed to get my recovery up to a few days. i've played ball a week after having back spasms. it def takes time. the explosion when jumping is probably the last thing to return.

with that in mind, Amare got therapy immediately, he's got a serious physique, i'm certain he has amazing core strength. he's got trainers who i hope are better than me at handling this stuff. i think it's conceivable that he'll be able to play on Friday. i'm hoping that the trainers are able to restore him to full strength because the dunks he was putting down in game one were just so demoralizing that i think all we need is a few of those in the first quarter and we can run away with the game.

and on the bright side, even with someone like me, who has a predisposition for this injury, it's still a freak thing. it's maybe happened to me 6 times in the last 7 years. i wouldn't call this an ongoing concern for our big man.

fishmike wrote:Friday night will be very telling for a few reasons.

Melo:The game 1 vs game 2 comparison for Melo is bothersome and here's why. The 5-18 shooting doesnt bother me. It sucks, but it also happens. Mariano blew a save last night, Starks went 1-17, bla bla... these things happen in sports. The problem is game 1: 4 rebounds. Game 2: 17 rebounds. If this doesnt tell you point blank that the EFFORT was lacking in game 1 I dont know what does. Its the playoffs. Your our star. Every big player has to deal with bad shooting nights, so show me you can do something besides score to help us win a game. Game one he mailed it in. It would show a lot of see him FIGHT his way out of a bad shooting night instead of CHUCK his way out of it.

Melo expended a huge effort in a losing cause game 2. Lets see how he feels about game 3. Are we going to get the "my shot isnt falling so I'm not that into this game" Melo or are we going to get "I cannot and will not be stopped" Melo? Here's hoping for the 2nd option.

If we got game 2's effort in both games we would be up 1-1 and everyone would be talking about our future with this guy. Instead we have articles from Wojo on yahoo talking about Melo isnt a leader, how he's happy to get his #s and pat himself on the back bla bla bal. I'm sick of reading that crap, but only Melo can change that. The perception is earned and Knick fans are seeing why.

Fish, not saying your points aren't valid, but I think it has to be factored in that at this stage of development it's easier for both Amare and Melo to know their roles when the other is out. I think it's no coincidence that they each excelled when the other struggled. Could take time to get consistency from them simultaneously.

It's not an excuse, it's just perspective on the process.