The Knicks fought off the Sixers 4th quarter push for the win

Last night I was at the Wells Fargo Center.  I have to say that because I felt like I was in New York.  I heard so many "Melo" chants and was surrounded by a bunch of fans that were wearing New York Knicks jerseys, that at times I felt like I was at Madison Square Garden. 

Knicks fans representing

If you like physical basketball, you should have been at the New York Knicks v Philadelphia 76ers game last night.  I decided at the last minute to go to the game and I don't regret it for one moment.  I have been wanting to go to the Wells Fargo Center for a Sixers home game for some time now, but lacked motivation.  ****  I'd been to the venue before, but not for a game and needed to check it off my list.

As I entered the arena, I took in the sights and noticed that there was an auction going on for Sixers' charities.  Fans could bid on baskets donated by the players and organization.  I saw Elton Brand's favorite things basket and decided to bid.  His basket included an iPad.  After bidding $900, I kept it moving and went to my seat.  ****  The basket sold for $2,000.

I have an interest in the Knicks for various reasons.  I mean, come on.  Instead of spending Christmas with my family, I went to watch the Chicago Bulls play the New York Knicks at The Garden.  However, I had yet to see Carmelo Anthony in a Knicks uniform though and I needed to see the "new look" Knicks for myself.

As I watched the Knicks dominate the Sixers for 3.5 quarters, I was already thinking about the next step of my night.  Suddenly, the Sixers started playing and Andre Igoudala found his game.  Elton Brand was playing solidly as well.  Next thing you knew (i.e. with Chauncey Billups out of the game with a bruised thigh) and Carmelo in foul trouble, the Sixers were cutting the lead.  

The cutest, little Sixers fan
capturing the action



With about 2:40 minutes left in the game (i.e. and Carmelo Anthony in foul trouble), the Sixers took the lead and their fans were off their feet.  The score was 88-87, and the Sixers hadn't led since the score was 13-12.  How do I know?  I re-watched the game on TV.  Yeah.  You heard me.  I re-watched the game on TV.

It's no secret that Doug Collins has been coaching his tail off with the Sixers.  It's also no secret that the Knicks aren't known for their defense.  However, Ronny Turiaf came up with some great defensive plays and played a huge role in the win.  He may not be an offensive weapon (i.e. 0 points, and 1 blocked shot), but he brought it on defense.

Ronny Turiaf's one blocked shot of the game

At the end of the day, the Knicks escaped the 4th quarter surge of the Sixers and won the game. 

In the losing effort, Thaddeus Young had 25, points and Elton contributed 24 points.  Andre Igoudala ended with 15 points, and most of them were later in the game.

The Knicks ready to finish off the Sixers

For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 31 points and 11 boards.  Amare Stoudemire put in work for 18 points.

What a game!  It was well worth the trip to the Wells Fargo Center...  Cross it off the list.

Oh and, I even made it on TV...  See me in the lower left-hand corner?  My cousins recognized me and called me during the game.  Too funny!

THE WIRK

NBA: My thoughts on the Eastern Conference ~ Can't we just pick 6?

I was talking to my friend, Teri, over the weekend and we were talking about the Eastern Conference and how it's "weak" relative to the Western Conference. 

The final 2 spots in the East as of now are being held by 2 teams that are below .500.  When was the last time any of you basketball fans were clamoring to see the Sixers or the Pacers this year?  Yeah, I know.  Me neither.

1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. Orlando Magic
6. New York Knicks
7. Philadelphia 76ers (17-23)
8. Indiana Pacers (16-22)

Granted it's still early, but my initial reaction is "ewwwwwww". 

I like the Boston Celitcs on top and with Kevin Garnett back in the line-up, let's hope they stay healthy. Now I just need to check and see if there's a time table for Kendrick Perkins. I know Perkins has practiced, but last I saw he was on the bench during the game.

I'm anti-Lebron but pro-Dwyane Wade/Erik Spoelstra/Pat Riley, so I'm torn when it comes to the Miami Heat. Even being anti-Lebron, I have to admit that play when he twisted his ankle, went out of bounds, and then drained a 3 from the corner was impressive. Yes, I'm not blind. I saw it, and I was impressed.

How about Derrick Rose's triple double (i.e. granted it was against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it still counts)?!?!  What about Kyle Korver's 3-point shooting?  If those guys can keep up the effort and keep making shots while Boozer is out, then I'd consider the Chicago Bulls to be a viable threat.  I'm just not sure about their strength with Joakim Noah still out of the line-up.

I think the biggest surprise is Atlanta. In the words of Elmer Fudd, they've been "very, very quiet" yet the numbers don't lie (27-15).

I like the Knicks and am impressed with how well Amare Stoudemire is playing.  I anticipate heading to Madison Square Garden again before the NBA All-Star break to catch the Los Angeles Clippers and/or the Los Angeles Lakers in town.  I'm not sure how long the Knicks can continue to "bring it", but I am pulling for them.   

Those are my thoughts on the East.


THE WIRK