It’s been pretty smooth sailing for the Knicks so far this season. Their record is currently .500 and they stand atop the Atlantic Division. Somehow, the Knicks have found their way into the weakest division in the NBA again, and not only are they in first; they are also currently the number three seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Not bad.
The Knicks received some more good news last week when Allan Houston participated in a half-court scrimmage. Next weekend was then announced as the possible date of his return from his prolonged knee problems.
Although Jamal Crawford has been excellent in Houston's place so far this year, averaging 16.6 points per game, having Houston back in the lineup would be excellent for the team.
Houston's outside shooting threat will relieve the defensive pressure against Thomas inside and Marbury on the perimeter. But Houston will also have to develop chemistry with all of his new teammates on the court. It is almost a completely revamped lineup since the last time Houston was on the court.
But the Knicks have done well without Houston so far this year, after all they are in first place. Behind the Knicks in the Atlantic division are the Philadelphia 76ers. Only a half game back, the Sixers record stands at 6-7. The Knicks have already beaten the 76ers on November 9th by a score of 96-88. Crawford was the leading scorer in that game putting up 22 points while Thomas was the high rebounder, grabbing 11 rebounds.
But the Atlantic division is very close as the third place team, the Toronto Rapters, are only a game back from the Knicks. The Raptors record currently stands at 6-8, which includes a win and a loss against the Knicks. The Raptors put up 114 points against the Knicks 91 in their first meeting this year, but in the second the Knicks pulled off the win behind led by Crawford’s 30 points, 108-102.
Having lost three straight, the Boston Celtics have dropped to fourth place in the division, 1.5 games behind the first place Knicks in the Atlantic. The Celtics record stands at 4-7, which includes a rout of the Knicks earlier in the season.
Four games behind the Knicks, and last place in the division stands the New Jersey Nets. With a record of 2-10, the disappointing season for the Nets has been terrible. They have lost 6 games at home, and have lost 8 straight games. Some turn around from last year after this team swept the Knicks in the playoffs.
The Knicks next three games should provide them with some room to breath atop the Atlantic division. They will travel to Atlanta on November 30th to play the Hawks. The Hawks have struggled this year after losing their first four games. They have already lost to the Knicks this year 104-88.
On the first of December the Knicks will play host to the Memphis Grizzlies. Disarrayed by the unexpected retirement of Hubie Brown, the Grizzlies are currently led by interim head coach Lionel Hollins. Gasol leads Memphis with 18.2 PPG, but he is bothered by a current injury.
On December 3rd the Orlando Magic will travel to the Garden to play the Knicks. The Magic are currently led by Grant Hill, who’s averaging 21.3 PPG as the Magic stand atop their division. This game will provide for an exciting contest between the two Eastern Conference teams.
You can say that you’ve been disappointed by the Knicks play so far this year, or you can say that you are extremely proud of their play, either way, look at the facts. Their record stands at .500 and they are in first place. They would also be the number three seed in the playoffs if the playoffs started today. So you have to be pleased with the facts at this point through the year.
