April 11, 1997

This week's "highlight" - I don't know ... maybe Chris Childs picking up his dribble and fading away from LJ as he tries to dump the ball down to him on the low block ... or should it be Allan Houston pulling up uncontested from behind the arc and shooting an air ball, proving that someone might need to take a plunger to his private parts to prevent this guy from breaking down and weeping right on the damn court.

MY TAKE> I am thoroughly frustrated with this Knicks team right now. Chris Childs is simply not getting it done. Charlie Ward seems to have forgotten how to play defense - "2" guards are going around him with ease. Allan Houston is a basket case right now; I could swear I was seeing Charles Smith out there last night. How nice would it be to have Derek Harper right now?!! This.avi is the best case scenario for the first round of the playoffs. It might well happen if the Knicks can somehow hold on to the third seed as Detroit is struggling.

May 9, 1997

Knicks came out sluggish Wednesday night but hung around and ultimately waxed Riley's ridiculous Heat. The fun was punctuated by this masterpiece of a dunk.avi by the ORIGINAL Georgetown center.


This week's highlight - Obviously, the above referenced slam. I mean, does it get any better than that??!!!

MY TAKE > Game 1 featured everything that separates this year's Knicks team from previous editions as well as the essential components from years past. Their defense was great when it needed to be. Of course, Miami looked very much like some recent Knicks teams in terms of their inability to score. Regardless, Patrick was very active on the boards and blocking shots. Oak and Buck were flailing themselves around disrupting Miami's big men and the backcourt did a commendable job defending Tim Hardaway in the second half. Charlie Ward did a great job spelling Childs who offset a pretty lousy game with a clutch, Derek Harper - like, jumper down the stretch. And Allan Houston was just tremendous - he seems to be playing with much more confidence now. I'm not sure how much Starks will be able to contribute this series; I think he gets too psyched up trying to impress his former coach. The one guy that still makes me nervous is LJ; at times he really seems confused out on the court.

Tonight is an important game, one that I feel is very big for the Knicks. This may be overanalyzing but the Knicks have now won 7 consecutive games dating back to the regular season. On two previous occasions this year, they have followed up seven game win streaks with ugly losses to lousy teams. It would be a resounding statement to come back to the Garden up 2-0.

July 17, 1997

This week's highlight - It has to be the news that the Jerry's of Chicago finally came to their collective senses an re-upped with Phil Jackson, which most likely means MJ will be back. Let's face it, if the Knicks ever do reach the promise land, I would certainly hope they do so by getting past Michael & Co. To take any other route, however unlikely, would probably feel just a little less meaningful.

MY TAKE> Not too much news on the hoop front. I'm obviously thrilled that the Knicks and Patrick were able to reach an agreement on a new contract quickly and relatively pain free. As for the O's, they have struggled somewhat recently but the Texas three-step has their fans feeling a little better. I'm still excited about the '97-'98 Oilers. Despite some of their significant free agent losses on the defensive side of the ball, and the relative unknown that is McNair as a starter, I think this year will be successful and I won't back down from my earlier prediction: The Oilers will advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.