It is a new day.Enough of the second-guessing over what Mike "you know who" coulda woulda shoulda done. It is time to look forward, not backwards. It is time to feel good again because, for one of the rare moments in franchise history, we finally have a General Manager and Head Coach tandem in sync.
The best part? We have leaders on the court who have been there - done that - AND got the t-shirt. How can anyone not love this?
After the Knicks’ 113-112 victory over the Hawks on Sunday, a tough victory over a playoff team, Iman Shumpert said, “I think this is how [the] playoffs are going to feel.”
Tyson Chandler chipped in, “No, not even close.”
The best thing about Carmelo Anthony, that no one mentions, is that he is fearless. Melo gave every ounce of effort in the Boston series last season and almost pulled out two wins by himself. Imagine if Landry Fields made a jumper. Add to that the fact Amar'e was hurting more than he was willing to admit. the point being, the real season starts next week and our veterans understand what is at stake.
Tyson Chandler will wear his championship ring into a film session and no one will doubt his words.
Carmelo, with the trust of his coach, will embrace the added responsibility on both ends. "Amare was phenomenal. The way we played off each other - when he had it, he had it. When I had it, I had it."
Amar'e will dig deep into his soul, dedicate the playoffs to his brother, and find a gear that puts to rest any notion of incompatibility.
Landry Fields will not back down and get into his first NBA fight with Udonis Haslem. He is suspended for one game but the tone is set.
Iman Shumpert will make a game changing steal under two minutes, dunk on the breakaway, and The Garden will explode.
Baron Davis will find 15 good minutes. It's the other 3 minutes we need to worry about.
JR Smith will feed off the intensity. If Smith can find a groove, watch out.
Steve Novak needs to sprint to his spot.
Of the above mentioned, outside of Shumpert and Fields, all are seasoned veterans. In NBA years, Fields is still a baby. The other six have a minimum of 6 years NBA experience. Davis, Carmelo, Amar'e and Chandler have acquired exposure to playoff intensity and that is a good thing.
Time to make the donuts.