Painful, but expected. While the Knicks could have, and probably should have won games 1 and 2, once Garnett swiped the ball out of Jared Jeffries hand like he was stealing candy from a baby, it was only a matter of time before the Knicks vacation began. And while the vacation was delayed for a couple of weeks thanks to Amar'e and to some extent, Carmelo, the Celtics sweep ensured it will have to be 11 years before the Knicks even have a chance to win a playoff game. The Knicks squandered their chance in 2011, as a furious rally couldn't withstand pinpoint Celtics execution and questionable officiating.
At least they battled. With an incredible third quarter, led by a couple of fast break slams, and the three point shooting of Anthony Carter, the Knicks once again had the Garden rocking, and me screaming like a girl at a Justin Bieber concert. With STAT obviously hurting he still managed to play 44 minutes and have a double double, and Melo also carried the load with 32 points, in willing the Knicks to within 5 points. Even after game 3, and after an atrocious first half that left the Knicks trailing 55-38, they battled back.
But it wasn't enough. Just when it looked like the Knicks were about to make that final breakthrough the Celtics responded every time. Whether it was a Pierce charge, or the pivotal Allen 3, Boston had a response to every New York run. When things got chippy with Melo's flagrant foul on Rondo and the tech on STAT, the Celtics never overreacted, relying on incredible execution and a myriad of pick plays to frustrate the defense and get good looks for the big men.
And it was the big men who led the way for Boston in game 4. While Rondo and Allen dominated in game 3 the Celtics exemplified some of the many ways they can win. With the Knicks overplaying every Allen screen and trying to be physical with Rondo, it was KG and Big Babies turn to kill the Knicks. KG led the way with 26 scoring on jumpers and getting to the bucket in taking advantage of Stoudemire's back injury and Turiaf's lack of speed. But it was a Glen Davis elbow jumper that pushed the lead up to nine and was the nail in the coffin for the Knicks 2010-2011 season.
And it is a Knicks team that leaves with more questions then answers for next season. What will happen to their aging GM Donnie Walsh? Will their be a new perhaps defense oriented coach for next season? Will they pick up Chauncey Billup's 14.2 million dollar option for next season? Who will be the new additions to the Knicks of next year? Will the NYPD ever find Landry Fields, who was seemingly abducted by aliens before the start of the playoffs? It will be an interesting time for the Knicks and the league in general but after game 4 they can only watch from the sidelines pondering these questions and the what-ifs, that will surround their playoff experiences this year.
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Tough ending for the Knicks, but as you said, Russell "at least they battled". It was really disappointing to see them roll over in Game 3 so at least they can say they battled for 3 out of 4 games in the series.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that they need a new coach. Pringles lost the team at time and they need a coach who has a little bit of a better handle of the players.
As far as Landry Fields, let's hope he was just gassed. He looked totally lost once Melo and Co arrived and it was disappointing to see from the player I was very glad they didn't trade. That spark he provided earlier in the season was gone by the playoffs and so, it seemed, was his confidence.
I agree with Andrew. D'Antoni has to go.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting the campaign to bring back Van Gundy.
Landry played almost 3 college seasons. He did not forget how to play, and he will be fine.
ReplyDeleteD'Antoni is going no where. The Knicks were capable of winning the series. I am not saying they were the better team but if they did this series 10 times, maybe they win 3 of 10? If they win game 1 or 2 I doubt anyone calling for D'Antoni's head. Next year is a little far off especially if they have a lock out. I think it is wise and interesting for Knickerbocker fans to watch Chris Paul and his will and determination and dream of him coming to NY. Obviously he is all healed up, and if you saw any of that game last night you WANT him on the Knicks BAD!!!! Of course it would complete the big 3 toast from the LaLa Melo wedding.