Going soft on MSG's
hardwood heroes

There came a point in Sunday's Warriors-Knicks cablecast on MSG when viewers saw a picture of people sitting behind a bunch of telephones.

Knicks play-by-play voice Mike Breen explained that these folks were "live sales representatives" waiting to take calls from those interested in purchasing Knick tickets.

Anyone who watched the Knicks' first three games on MSG knows this sales effort is very extensive. It even extends to the announcers. Their job is to deliver an optimistic spin and, no matter how ugly it gets on the court, keep things positive.

This particular brand of salesmanship constructs an illusion of hope, designed to ultimately convince you to purchase overpriced tickets for a team whose marquee attraction is a coach.

That's why on Friday, when the Knicks were getting blown out early in their home opener against Washington, there was no sincere attempt by Breen, Walt Frazier or Al (Wiggie) Trautwig to hold anyone - like Larry Brown (the way he's being treated, he can safely change his first name to Untouchable) - accountable for the Knicks coming out with no energy or motivation.

Hey, why deal with reality when you are encouraged to use the smoke and mirrors at your disposal? That's why all the voices elected to eventually highlight the Knicks' performance on the boards (29 offensive rebounds), which was lacking during the season-opening OT loss in Boston. The con job continued after the game. Frazier said that "historically" Brown's teams get off to slow starts. That's a comforting thought. Open your wallet. Things are going to get better.

Trautwig, looking to go one up on Clyde, produced another excuse for the 86-75 loss.

"When you're down 19 in the first quarter and you come all the way back, maybe you are mentally and physically tired," Trautwig said. Please. Wiggie is tired. Perhaps more sleep will result in a better excuse.

During this 0-3 stretch, MSG voices also have been giving viewers a dubious interpretation of what is happening on the court. After the Knicks' loss to Boston, Breen said they "defended hard throughout the game." Guess the OT doesn't count as part of the "game."

Then there was "analysis" so slanted it was hilarious. On the postgame show Friday, Brandon Tierney (it's only a matter of time before he appears on TV dressed as a Knicks City Dancer) actually compared rookie David Lee to Dave Cowens.

There's more. Like Stephon Marbury being named MSG's "Player of the Game" following Friday's loss. Guess none of the voters noticed Gilbert Arenas' 27 points. Or, on Sunday with 1:27 left in the fourth, MSG naming Lee winner of "The Team Contributor Award."

This was one outcome MSG could control.

No need to concoct excuses.

I agree 100 percent. And you should too.