17. Game 7 1984 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Knicks vs. Celtics

 

Three straight Celtic games!

..I swear, the Celtics won’t keep appearing on this list.

 

1984 was a magical year for the Knicks; it was their best year since their championship year in ’73. Bernard King was a monster, averaging 26 pts on 57% shooting, finishing second in MVP voting.[1]

57%!!  Holy shit!  King was easily the best pure scorer  in Knick history.

Not only did he average 26 on 57% for the season, but he may have had the most dominant postseason in Knick history.  He turned it up a notch, scoring 35 points a night on 57% shooting. He averaged 43 points in the first round against the Pistons and leading his team to a series victory with 44 in the deciding game.

Too bad, there isn’t anything to show for his dominance. Just like Melo’s 42 against the Celtics in Game 2, this game was painful to watch. It’s always excruciating to see a great performance be wasted on a loss, ask LeBron James during his first stint with the Cavs.

The Knicks were massive underdogs in this series; the Celtics were the best team in the league, winning 62 games, and the Knicks were just a scrappy 45-win fifth seed, who needed every bounce to beat the Pistons in the previous round.

The Knicks never really had a chance in Game 7.  The home team had won every game of the series up to that point and the Celtics had won the previous home games in this series by an average of 18 points, while the Knicks squeaked out three close home victories.  Larry Bird had one of the greatest performances in a Game 7 in NBA history ,finishing the game with 39 pts, 12 rbs, and 10 assts.

Sure, the Knicks weren’t supposed to win, but the aftermath is the main reason why this game appears on this list.

Unfortunately, that’s as close as the King would ever get to a title. The next year, King blew out his knee, against the Kings and we never got to see the dominance of King in a Knick uniform again.

The good news is that the Knicks were “awarded” the first pick and selected Patrick Ewing, who became the greatest Knick of all time.

Too bad Ewing never won a ring and I have a sneaky suspicion you’ll see some of the reasons why later on this list….

 

Up Next: 16. Game 6 1969 NBA Eastern Division Finals Celtics vs. Knicks

 

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[1] Larry Bird won the MVP and was amidst of one of the most dominant stretches in NBA History.

18. 2011 Game 2 Eastern Conference First Round vs. Boston Celtics

 

To be honest, it took me several hours to decide which of the first two games against the Celtics was more agonizing to watch.  After going back and forth with myself, I decided this game was more agonizing for one reason and one reason only:

Carmelo Anthony’s Performance

No, it didn’t match Jordan’s 63 against the Celtics in ’86, but it was still extraordinary.  It’s not hyperbole when I say it is the greatest Knick offensive performance in the playoffs I have ever seen. [i]

He finished with 42 Pts, 17 Rebs, literally carrying the entire team on his back, like Bernard King did back in ’84.

Where was Amare?  He finished with four points on 2-9 shooting. Let’s give him a break though, he did miss the second half due to back spasms he suffered doing a dunk before the game.  And like I mentioned in the previous game, Billups did not play due to a strained left knee and wouldn’t play another game in a Knicks uniform.

The Knicks lineup during crunch time consisted of: Carmelo Anthony, Toney Douglas, Jared Jeffries, Bill Walker, and Roger Mason.

Think about that for a second….

 

The Knicks still had a chance to win this game; Jeffries converted with 19 seconds left, putting the Knicks up by one. But Kevin Garnett hit a tough shot putting the Celtics back up one with 13 seconds left.  On the ensuing possession, Melo gets the ball, and passes it to a WIDE OPEN Jeffries, who inexplicably fumbles the pass and loses the ball out of bounds.  Of course, it should have been Amare down there, instead of Jeffries, but still, Jeffries is an NBA player (who led the Hoosiers to beat my Blue Devils back in 2002) and he should be able to at least attempt a shot. He had just made a more difficult layup 15 seconds earlier.

No one he was frequently booed during his tenure with the Knicks.

As a result of the play, the Celtics had the ball with about four seconds left.  Melo inexplicably forgets he has to foul Rajon Rondo and nearly lets time expire before fouling with .9 seconds left.

How the hell does he forget to foul in that situation? That play doesn’t negate Melo’s magnificent performance, but one can argue that is his career in a nutshell.

The Knicks lost 96-93, a game they should have won and because of that game, the Knicks were demoralized and ended up getting swept and being the only team who qualified for the playoffs, but didn’t win a game.

 

God, I hate the Celtics….

 

 

Up Next: 17. Game 7 1984 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Knicks vs. Celtics

 

 

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[i] I’m talking about from the 90s on, I wasn’t alive to witness King dominate in ’84.

19. 2011 Game 1 Eastern Conference First Round vs. Boston Celtics

19.  2011 Game 1 Eastern Conference First Round vs. Boston Celtics

After what seemed like an eternity,[1] the Knicks were playing basketball in late April.  I finally got to witness a playoff game since the first time I was an eighth grader at A.B. Davis Middle School, fawning over some girl named Olivia.

Unfortunately, the Knicks first playoff game ended in heartbreaking fashion, a loss in Boston, to the hated Celtics[2].

  The Knicks actually came out strong to start the game, which led Knicks fans believe we actually had a chance to win this series. They even led by 12 at halftime! This was a team who had dominated the Knicks during the Dolan Era.  I still remember this game to this very day.  The Celtics fought back in the second half, but the Knicks were still able to take a slim five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter took years off my life, as both teams went back and forth trading the lead.  When Toney Douglas hit a three pointer[3] with about 35 seconds to go, to give the Knicks a three-point lead, I was ecstatic!  The Knicks were finally going to win a playoff game for the first time in TEN YEARS!!  But then, the Knicks inexplicably allowed the Celtics to convert an alley-oop off coming off of a timeout, which cut the lead to one. 

On the ensuing possession, the Knicks gave the ball to Melo.  Even though he was having a rough shooting night, (5-17 at that point), I thought to myself, “Of course, he was going to score and ice the game. This is why the Knicks gave up half of their team and future draft picks, just for moments like these. “

 But Paul Pierce flopped, and Melo was called for a bullshit offensive foul with 21 seconds remaining.  How many times has he flopped in his career? 10? 20? 10000??  Remember this?   What I thought and what they called were two different things," Anthony said after the game. Everyone with a semi-functional brain, knew that was a bad call, except for Doc Rivers. 

“Heck of a call to make," he said, "but it was the right call."

Of course, it was the right call Doc.  Had he been on the other end of that call, he’d be bitching about the refs like he did here, here, here and here.

On the next possession, Ray Allen hits a three, aided by the 400000^th million illegal screen set by Kevin Garnett, which put the Celtics up two with 11 seconds left. 

Out of timeouts, the Knicks raced up the court, Melo got the ball and shot desperation three that missed, and just like that, the Knicks lost the game.

How painful!  

This game ruined a great night from Amare who finished with 28 pts and 11 rebs. Even though the Knicks lost this game, they were confident they would still be able to win the series.

And then there was Game 2…….

Up Next: 18.  2011 Game 2 Eastern Conference First Round vs. Boston Celtics

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[1] Actually it was seven years, but it sure seemed like an eternity.

[2] At least Larry Bird did not walk out through that door..

[3] Billups sprained his knee with a minute left  to go, and would not play another game in a Knick uniform.

Open Letter to Knicks Fans: We are Delusional

Dear Knick Faithful,

I have been concerned with the overwhelming positive fan reaction regarding the Knicks’ offseason this summer, so in response, I am reverentially writing this letter to inform you: we are unequivocally the most delusional fan base in the National Basketball Association.   I assume you must be pondering: “Who the are you to say something like that?”

Please allow me to overture this by saying, we generally are the most obsessive fans in the league; it is admirable how we consistently fill the World’s Most Famous Arena, whether the team stinks or not.  Unfortunately, in regards to our Knickerbockers, while we excel in loyalty, we are severely lacking in intelligence.  It is baffling the amount of praise we are giving Phil Jackson for this offseason.  Let us not forget Jackson’s draft debacle. Despite what NBA draft experts claim, we were justified in booing Kristaps Porzingis. We decorously assumed the pick was catastrophic. Jackson drafted a player, who will probably make little to no impact, thus effectively wasting another year of Melo’s prime.  Don’t be shocked if Melo eventually waives his no trade clause, and decides he wants out of New York. A month later, we’re praising Jackson for taking the long-term approach in rebuilding this team back to prominence, instead of taking the “quick fix” approach, an approach that has bedeviled us for almost two decades. Of course, no one raised the question: how exactly does one rebuild with a 31-year-old star in Melo, who delayed knee surgery, just so he can impersonate John Starks, in an all star game?

 In addition, let us also not forget, when Phil Jackson was hired on March 18^th, 2014, he stated, he planned to make a big splash in this free agency class.  He reiterated this statement in March, as the Knicks were in the middle of the worst season in franchise history, stating, “We know what the first-round pick is going to mean for us, but we also know we're going to build our team with free agents.”

Jackson, whose  $12 million a year salary exceeds league MVP Stephen Curry’s[1], failed to make a big splash in free agency, in fact, he failed to even make a ripple. When did our standards become so low, as to where Robin Lopez, a decent center, but certainly not a game changer, Aaron Affalo, a pro who is basically on a one year deal, but is slightly overrated, especially on defense and Derrick Williams, an athletic four, but has been a bust since being drafted number two overall four years ago, warrants a successful offseason? [2], A few months ago, if someone had told you the Knicks would land Robin Lopez, Aaron Affalo, Kyle O'Quinn, and Derrick Williams this offseason, would you have been satisfied? I’ve heard fans claim this was the plan all along; Jackson wanted use cap space, to find role players, who fit his outdated system (The Triangle), instead of max guys like LaMarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol.  Let’s be honest with ourselves, given the chance, do we really think Jackson wouldn’t have signed Aldridge or Gasol?  I’ve even heard fans claim players will perform at a higher level in a structured system. For example, Demarre Carroll was a journeyman his first few years in the league, before blossoming into an excellent ‘three and D’ player in Mike Budenholzer’s system in Atlanta and just became the highest paid player on the Raptors.  Do we really think Derek Fisher, who arguably was the worst coach in the NBA last season, can pull the same feat?

After all of these moves, according to the gambling website Bovada, the Knicks have just 150-1 odds to win the championship, after having 50-1 odds to win the championship last year. That’s right, there is actually a less chance the Knicks will win the championship. So I ask you again, how successful was this offseason?

I will give Jackson some credit: he and his eleven rings, have amazingly hypnotized an entire fan base, in such a way that makes even Sam Hinkie jealous.

Unfortunately, when someone constitutes a negative point, or a possible concern, we have a tendency to designate that person as a hater.  For example, we designate guys like Frank Isola and myself as “Knick haters” due to our propensity for negatively writing about the Knicks, but praise guys like Alan Hahn, who notably had Jason Smith in his “ideal starting five.” May I ask, what makes us Knick haters? Do we not bleed orange and blue, similar to the rest of you? May I remind you this is the worst stretch in franchise history? We’ve dealt with terrible teams, despite high payrolls, due to abysmal trades and draft choices. Not to mention, we’ve only had the pleasure to witness one playoff victory since 2000, after setting an NBA record for most consecutive playoff losses. Are we not allowed to be naturally pessimistic after nearly two decades of incompetence?  I understand things can eventually turn around, we need to look no further than the Golden State Warriors, the current NBA champions, who were incompetent for decades, before an ownership change and some shrewd moves, led to their first Larry O’Brien trophy since 1975.  Believe me, if the Knicks start to progress, I will be the first one to praise them, but I will continue to criticize the team, if need be. I’m not guiltless either, but at least I have the decency to recognize what is actually going on.

 If you want to join a Knicks group filled with positivity, join the Knicks’ Click, a group on Facebook, which is over 16,000 members strong.  It’s a closed group, but I’ll be glad to add you, if you’d like. You can all sing kumbaya songs, while holding hands and all of that jazz.

As long as James Dolan is the owner, we should continue to have my doubts on whether things will eventually turn around, no matter what high profile name Dolan decides to hire next. Oh believe me, it will happen again, and once again, we will be genuinely excited, despite the lack of experience that person may have in whatever position they’ll get hired for.[3]  How excited were Knicks fans, the day Phil Jackson was hired as President of Basketball Operations, despite never having experience running a team?  And as long as we continue to attend the game, purchase the merchandise,[4] Dolan won’t have any incentive to sell the team.

I urge you to open your eyes; hopefully after reading this letter, you will start to see what ‘s really going on. I don’t hate any of you, despite the ridiculous statements, in regards to the Knicks, I hear on a daily basis. I’ve consistently used the word “we”; despite our opposing views, we are in this together, And if you disagree, that’s fine, but try to articulate intelligently, instead of resorting to using the appalling “hater” phrase.

Of course, I’ll be watching our Knickerbockers this season, and I look forward to debating with you all.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    A realistic Knick fan.

 

 

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[1] Curry signed a four-year, $44 million extension in October 2012

[2]  I will admit, I am a fan of the Kyle’ O’Quinn signing, as he is a fantastic passing big man and his some range; at only $4 million a season, I believe we are getting a steal.

[3] Isiah Thomas and Derek Fisher, are other examples that come into mind.

[4] I admit, I should be the last one discussing purchasing merchandise; after all, I’m considering spending over $100 dollars on a t-shirt.

The Worst Day in Knicks History

                                  

The day is June 2^nd; there is a mammoth thunderstorm outside, so petrifying everyone has been advised to stay inside for safety. There is an outlandish man outside, donning a threadbare Allan Houston jersey, sitting adjacent to a tree, with a gloomy look on his face, with a complete disregard for everything that is around him. The more I look at him, the more I realize this man is a similitude for not only the current state of mind for Knicks fans around the world, and more importantly, this day should be considered the worse day in Knicks history.

The day was June 2^nd 1993; with the series tied two games apiece, the New York Knicks faced the two-time defending champion Chicago Bulls in a pivotal game five of the Eastern Conference Finals. Unlike last year, when the Knicks lost to the Bulls in seven games in the semifinals, the Knicks were favored to dethrone the Bulls and reach NBA Finals for the first time in 20 years. After winning the first two games in New York, the Knicks lost the next two in Chicago. But the Knicks, winners of 27 in a row at Madison Square Garden, were confident they were going to win the game, and ultimately win the series.  The game was akin to a heavyweight fight; the game seesawed back and forth throughout. 

But the last 20 seconds will live in Knicks’ infamy forever. Down one, the Knicks had the ball; Starks initially went up for a shot, but judiciously decided to pass it to Ewing. He drove to the rim, passing it to Charles Smith, before tangling with Stacy King and falling down. Charles Smith a soft player, who Knicks traded Mark Jackson and a first round pick for, halfheartedly attempted four shots at the rim, all which were blocked by Grant, Jordan and Pippen. Just like that, the game was over, as well as the Knicks’ chances of winning the series. To this day, I have never seen Jordan enthusiastic after winning a basketball game. Sure, there was another game to be played, but everyone, including Jordan and  the Knicks team, knew it was over. The Knicks proved everyone right, losing game six in Chicago, 96-88, becoming the first team since 1977 to lose a seven game series after winning the first two games.

 In hindsight, the Knicks’ dreadful free throw shooting (20-35) prevented them from winning game 5, but at that moment, Smith was lucky he got out of Madison Square Garden alive. Sure, he may or may not have been fouled, but at 6’10, he should have gone up stronger than that.  Now, whenever Knicks fans hear the name ‘Charles Smith’, all they think about him getting stuffed at the rim four times, costing the 93 Knicks, possibly the best Knick team of all time, their best shot of beating Jordan, and winning the title.  

Exactly seven years later, it was  game six of the Eastern Conference Finals;  this time, the Knicks were down 3-2 to the Indiana Pacers. Unlike last year, when the Knicks miraculously defeated the Pacers in six games, the Knicks have been completely outplayed this series during the first five games of the series, but the Knicks were looking to win another nail biter at Madison Square Garden[1], to extend the series to a seventh game. Ironically Patrick Ewing due to a foot injury, missed the two games the Knicks won.

 Unfortunately, game six was no exception, Reggie Miller dominated, scoring 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, as the Pacers defeated the Knicks 93-80. With the win, the Pacers advanced to their first ( and only ) NBA finals, in franchise history.

If losing to the goddamn Pacers was bad enough,  this game wound up being Patrick Ewing’s last game in a Knick uniform. Ewing, who believed he was being treated unfairly, insisted to be traded.  Unfortunately for Knicks fans, his wish was ultimately granted.

 On September 21, 2000, instead of waiting for Ewing’s contract to expire, the Knicks traded Ewing to the Seattle Supersonics, in part of a four  team trade ,receiving  peripheral players in Glen Rice, Luc Longley, Travis Knight, Vladimir Stepania, Lazaro Borrell, Vernon Maxwell, two first-round draft picks  and two second-round picks.

"The one thing I know is that Patrick is happy," said one of his best friends, Alonzo of Miami. "Based on the way New York treated him the last couple of years, it was disheartening to him that what he gave to that organization wasn't appreciated."

It’s great to know the best player from ,one of the Knicks vastest rivals, was more concerned with  how Patrick Ewing is beating treated, than the Knicks were.

... I guess it’s karma, the Knicks have been the NBA’s laughing stock since.

Fifteen years later, the Knicks still haven’t found a player who can be considered a Patrick Ewing facsimile, Phil Jackson grosses $12 million a year to be a figurehead,  fans can’t decipher whether Derek Fisher is an NBA Head Coach, or a mime, and the Knicks just finished their worse season in franchise history.

Not to mention, J.R. Smith, and Iman Shumpert, two Knick cast-offs, are four wins away from accomplishing something Patrick Ewing never did in his 17-year illustrious career.

Two hours later,  it’s still raining, and the outlandish man is still by the tree, but sun will shine sooner or later.

…Who are we kidding?  Knicks fans have been saying that on this day every year since 1993.

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[1] The Knicks won games three and four at Madison Square Garden, by a combined five points.