<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The atmosphere inside the Garden last night was playoff-like and the opponent was an honest-to-goodness contender. And when 53 minutes of intense basketball were completed, the Knicks still managed to remain unblemished in 2006. Where exactly was this team in November and December? "The way we approach the game is totally different," Stephon Marbury said after leading the Knicks to a 117-115 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks. "We have a lot of confidence. We feel like we know we're going to win. Before, we were just trying to stay in games. We weren't as competitive down the stretch. We kinda gave up. Now, we're very resilient." The Knicks ran their winning streak to five for the first time since February 2004 last night despite blowing an 18-point lead in regulation and despite the Mavs having Dirk Nowitzki on the floor for 44 minutes. But by dominating the offensive glass and making 31 of 33 free throws, Larry Brown's team recorded its most impressive win of the season to improve to 12-21 with its next four games against teams with sub-.500 records.</div> New York Daily News So, with Atlanta, Toronto, Minnesota, and Chicago coming up, it's possible the Knicks can make it 9 in a row. We'll see how it all plays out.
I like the chances...especially with Atlanta ( we owe them for that beat down we got in early December). Blow them out in the garden and then beat them like they stole something when they travel to the ATL on the 23rd. I see Minnesota as the toughest game on the list. 9 in a row...beautiful...8 out of 9...pretty darn good.
Like I said if the Knicks won this game, that would be saying something and the fact that they blew a lead and the Mavs took a lead and still won is really saying something. After Dirk made that shot to take the lead(103-101) the fans went "ahh" some of the Knicks had their heads down and I thought this was just another heartbreaking loss, but they were able to play with adversity and pull out the win. So tons of credit to them. Marbury is playing like the way he should be and everyone seems to be on the same page. As of now the way I see it the Knicks are in the same class as the "other teams" in the East which are NJ, Mil, Phi and Cle. If the Knicks could make the most out of this month and hoover at .500 or just a little below after this month they could still make the Playoffs. Unfortunately Detroit would be the likely first round opponet, but hey at least they would give MSG fans something to cheer about.
We've beaten some tough competition: Phoenix, Cleveland, and now Dallas. I think this is a strong indicator the Knicks are for real about making a run. As it stands now, I believe the Knicks are about 2.5 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. With sub .500 teams coming to the Garden the next couple of games, by next week the Knicks could very well have a playoff spot. At the end of things, the Knicks might end up with a 7-8 seed playing a team like Miami or Detroit and even if they get swept in the playoffs it won't be a problem at all. Our rookies and other young players will get valuable playoff experience going up against one of the best NBA teams. Also, if Chicago gets a lottery pick from us, it will be very embarrasing. The excitement will flood New York City again, too. So, I wouldn't mind losing in the first round at all.
