New York Knicks- Starting to play as the Big Apple expected them to at the beginning of the season

The New York Knicks have not been this popular in ages. Their season tickets were sold out the day they came out, and fans were desperate to see the Knicks make the playoffs for the first time in 5+ years. They signed free agent superstar Amare Stoudemire and added key role players such as Ronnie Turiaf, Anthony Randolph and Raymond Felton. NY fans couldn't wait for the season to start, and it seemed like the Knicks were finally moving forward.

The Knicks had a fine start, with a 3-2 record (losing to the BLAZERS at the MSG). Yet suddenly, things got very sloppy after this. After losing to the 76ers at home, the Knicks went on a 6 game losing streak, where more than half of those teams were under .500. NY fans were very upset with the Knicks' performance and started to think that this year was going to be another 20 win season.

Maybe this is what made the Knicks players motivated. After losing to a hard fought game at Denver, the Knicks pulled off wins in 3 straight games in the West coast (Clippers, Kings and Warriors). They then won both games of the back-to-back against the Bobcats yesterday and today. Amare Stoudemire has been playing very consistantly during this win streak, but the key players were definitely Raymond Felton and Landry Fields. Landry Fields has been averaging close to a double-double during the 5 game span, and is playing like a veteran. He has been playing lock on defense on the scorers of opponents, and has held them to less than 20 points. Raymond Felton had two fantastic games against his former team, and was the "hero" that saved the Knicks late in the 4th quarter (clutch floaters and jumpshots in both games) for of the Bobcats games.

If the Knicks continue to play like they are right now, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs (possibly 6th seed). Not only would this be a huge improvement for the Knicks organization, but it will also set the fans of NYC on fire. I am a die hard Blazer fan, but I do want to see the Knicks come back and play like they did in the 90's. Continuing this success may also trigger Melo and CP3 to go to New York next year. If this happens, New York will have several championships in no time.

But still... Blazers > Knicks anyday.

KNICKS

BROBB