At halftime I spotted a familiar face. He was barely recognized by the pseudo-basketball fans on the club level of Philips Arena. So, I decided to show the brotha some love and thank him for what he meant to my beloved franchise. He was gracious enough to engage in a friendly conversation while he waited on his pizza. Although he resides in Atlanta, he confesses, "once a new Yorker - always a New Yorker"... "I'll root for the Knicks but I sit on my hands" We laugh. I feel like I made a new friend.

We shook hands twice and went our separate ways.

About five minutes later I run into two business colleagues, who invite me to their suite. My section 103 row E seats didn't suck, but what da hell, I'm still enjoying the afterglow of the previous conversation. Besides, the Knicks are moving the ball aggressively and Nate is back. Jeffries grabs a few rebounds and throws a nice outlet pass. I understand why D'Antoni likes him. My two associates are waiting for their third person, who happened to be in the concession line. It's the same brotha I just introduced myself to. The four of us proceed to the elevator, while I am savoring how the planets have aligned so perfectly.

The Bank of America Suite is half full. Mostly corporate types. A few random couples. Another former pro basketball player is seated in the second row. It's Joe Barry Carroll, who, like my new bff, also lives in Atlanta. It's the early third quarter and I'm watching Knicks basketball, talking about the eighties, the playoffs, The Washington Bullets, Silver Spring MD and standing next to... Bernard King. I'm watching The Mayor with one eye, and double-taking with the other eye to make certain I'm not dreaming this stuff up.

By the fourth quarter, with the game on the line Bernard is having flashbacks. He is explaining everything from Joe Johnsons reluctance to go inside to the potential of Wilson Chandler, who he likes. He is enjoying the reunion with his former teammate at Golden State, and running plays in his head - knowing he always wanted the ball with the game on the line. I'm trying to contain the urge to hand my cel phone to my boy Eric (with Bernard King on the other end) but that would be tacky. But I thought about it more than once... he probably woulda done it.

Even though the Knicks execution prevents them from getting good looks the last two times down the court, the people in the suite (including my gracious VP host from Bank of America) breathe a sigh of relief. They know the shameless Knicks fan would have been insufferable. The best sign of better days was not the final score. It was the guys on the Knicks bench who waited to congratulate their teammates. They walked off the court with their heads up - together.

Bernard grabbed my hand, patted my shoulder and smiled. He asked how many games I attend. "I see all the Knicks games when they come here".

I have a feeling I'll see him again.

Great stuff, misterearl!

What exactly did he tell you about Chandler and how good he thinks he can be? Did he tell you anything else about other Knicks like Lee, Nate, Duhon, Harrington?

Posted by misterearl:

Bernard King mentioned that he liked Chandler's athletic ability and the fact the showed good instincts at a young age. More than individual players, he absolutely lit up when I asked what he thought of Mike D'Antoni. His eyes danced wide open with the thought of playing in system that rewards quick decision-making. "That is the way the game is meant to be played"

"Guys love it when they are trusted to run plays without slowing things down"

It was as if he was visualizing his game in the context of 7 seconds or less, and daring the scoreboard to keep pace.

Thats awesome. Yeah, when watching the old Knicks videos of their championship seasons, you could see that they played Mike D style. Would be amazing to have good players on this system to prove it can win championships in this era.

Good stuff Earl...I saw Bernard a couple of times on the upper West Side in NY... Man what could have been had he been healthy when Patrick got here..Earl, you're one of the true assets of this forum...Keep it coming....

One of the best sigs...I don't know why you guys don't just love Marbs...I'm gonna miss him..Crazy MoFo...

Nice story. Thanks for posting it.

Great story Earl. I was at the game aswell with my boys. section 112 behind the Knicks bench. Didn't see Brenard King, but I did see Ciara and Kheri Hilson . The experinece you had will be cherished by you indeed. Talking hoops with Bernard...amazing . Actaully, he did a guest appearance on NBATV last friday and talked hoops with Rick Kamla and Steve Smith. Good stuff Earl.

Thanks Mr Earl good story. Keep typing.

Martin - thank you. I'm still kicking myself for forgetting to ask Bernard about his brother Albert.

93BUICK - your are very welcome. Did I mention the new Knicks are a 6'7 Tayshaun Prince type shooting guard away from being more dangerous?