May 4, 2013
But luckily, thankfully there will be no Game 7, as the New York Knicks hold on and win 88-80, and advancing to the second round of the playoffs since 2000.
All I can say from that minor fourth quarter collapse, is the Knicks got to comfortable. Like Wally Szczerbiak said on the MSG postgame, the Knicks to pedal of the gas. When they got a 20-point lead, they strolled, skipped with no care in the world, as if the win was going to fall on their laps. Knicks even got sloppy. Then the referees started to favor the Celtics and fans, and things got out of control.
It got scary, but the Knicks held it down and got the win, which is most important.
This game was a big positive for the Knicks. Why? They won a playoff game without having their big guns, Carmelo Anthony and J.R Smith, play well. Anthony and Smith were pretty much non-extent, and still manage to win; with good defense, mind you. They played effective defense and didn't have Anthony and Smith play well for the must, must needed win.
With the big two not playing well, in comes Raymond Felton and Iman Shumpert to have a great second half. Literally save the Knicks from losing this game and maybe the series. Without those two, we're starring at a Game 7, probably.
Having the series stay alive, opened the door for Felton, and mainly Shumpert. Shumpert has played unbelievable basketball in these past three games. He's started to play well in Game 4, with Smith being out with the suspension and he stepped up to show the world that he is the Knicks other star player that you have to watch out for.
We all know Shumpert's defensive ability is a-list, but now he's starting to show his offensive game. He starting to drive the ball to the basketball and hit some big three-point shots.
Keeping the series alive was something we didn't want to see, though, it gave Shumpert the spotlight in the NBA playoffs. He was given the opportunity and took advantage. Now you have coaches from the Indiana Pacers focused on Anthony, Smith, Felton, and now Shumpert.
Pablo Prigioni: Last Friday on Game 3 he had a big game at the TD Garden, then comes back for a Game 6 and the results were the same. And just like in Game 3, in Game 6 he jumpstarted the offense, again. He sets a tone that the other Knick player feed off.
Prigioni reminds me of a San Antonio Spur type player. Plays defense and does the little things excellently.
Knicks vs Pacers: Even though the Knicks had a tough time with an old Celtic team, I still like them in this series against the Pacers. The Boston series was just weird for the Knicks; they were up 3-0; J.R got suspended for Game 4 which through a monkey wrench into the whole series.
Not gonna say the Knicks are gonna sweep the Pacers, but they'll get it done.
The Celtic series staying alive through Games 5 & 6 will help the Knicks, mentally. Having to beat a team that had amazing success in the postseason since 2008, should strengthen the Knicks to beat anyone in the playoffs. Celtics were a tough, tough team for the past five years in the playoffs. This is a team who gave the Miami Heat fits.
Again -- not saying they'll blow by Indiana, but a lot things will seem easier.
So, here we come Indiana! This should be fun.
