Knicks Show Flashes, But Tough Loss Makes Playoffs An Uphill Battle

The ball hung in the air for what seemed like hours, released from the old pro who had came up clutch hundreds of times before. The Knicks battled, playing one of their most complete games all year, but this one will still be the one that got away. As Ray Allen's three whistled through, and Carmelo Anthony's prayer (Why didn't he drive!!???) went unanswered, the Celtics survived, in a loss that certainly leaves the Knicks playoff hopes much bleaker then they looked with 30 seconds left in the 4th.

The way the Knicks dominated for much of the first half, and then withstood a Celtics assault in the third, certainly gives Knicks fans hope for the rest of the series, but we may look back on the the final 37.3 seconds as those that eventually killed any chance of the Knicks advancing. It started inconspicuously enough, with Rondo throwing a beautiful lob to KG for the slam. But after a stupid offensive foul by Melo it was only a matter of time before Allen delivered the dagger into the hearts of Knicks fans everywhere.

In the end, unfortunetly, it came down to Melo. Anthony had a brutal night from the start, picking up a quick two fouls, and watching from the bench as the Knicks lead grew. Melo finished with 15 points and only 2-8 from behind the arc. The Knicks played together for the whole game but in crunch time, Anthony didn't give it to Stoudemire, instead opting to try to be the hero. This isn't the movies! Melo should have tried to penetrate to try and get an easier shot, he didn't need a three and with the time left on the clock should have definitely given it to STAT for a short jumper from the wing that he can knock with his eyes closed, as opposed to a 30 foot, double teamed, chuck.

The Knicks loss overshadows a stunning performance by Stoudemire. Amare was brilliant, with 28 points and 11 rebounds hitting difficult shot after difficult shot. If there is any way that the Knicks can come back and win this series, it will be with him, not Melo, taking the last shot. Amare's offensive performance was still not even as good as his defensive performance, and the Knicks team D as a whole. Having watched the Knicks give up easy buckets, and have maddening defensive lapses throughout much of the season, it was refreshing to watch them play sound defense for basically the whole game. Only a KG screen and a beautiful shot prevented a big win.

And in the end it was that shot, that sunk the Knicks and makes this series an uphill battle for the Knicks. While this loss hurts New York must be able to respond on Tuesday, it should be interesting to see if the Knicks can recover from such a tough loss. The loss of Billups kills as New York will have to go with inexperienced guards for game 2, assuming Chauncey is out for that long. Now it's a one game season for the Knicks, and with this tough loss it could be a full year before they get as good a chance to take the lead in a playoff series.