Just Like I Said They Would

KNICKS IN 6, NETS IN 7

You might remember about 2 weeks ago I made the following prediction on the home town teams NBA opening round playoff series: If the Knicks don't win this series, the regular season acolades mean nothing. I like the Knicks to win in 6 and the Nets to win in 7.

So far, I appear to be a profit as the Knicks finally disposed of the hated Boston Celtics with a triumphant win on the parquet floor. Actually, the Knicks held on for dear life turning a 3-0 series lead into a bitterly fought four games to two win over their rivals from New England. 

The Knicks were fortunate to win because they have yet to make adjustments when the outside jumpers don't fall. We have noted all year that they play an exciting brand of baskeball but that playoff basketball is another matter entirely. When the ball movement is crisp and varied this Knick team conjures up memories of the 70's with Frazier and Reed.

But, the one thing this team lacks is intellect. Did you hear the astonishment in Clyde Frazier's observation that although the Celtics could not hit an outside shot the Knicks continued to keep them in the game by fouling them? No doubt Clyde was cringing at what he saw courtside. 

Anyway, on the next series for New York as they take on another playoff rival the Indiana Pacers.  As a preview the Pacers are more athletic and taller than the Celtics and why they may be as offensively challenged as Boston the Pacers play better defense. This Knicks won't win this series unless they imporve thier play...substantially.

The Nets need to do their part in making me look like a prophet as they hosted the Chicago Terri Bulls at Barclay Center for game 7. Deron Williams and company stepped up big time with a game 6 win in Chicago. Wihout Rose and Demps the Bulls have persevered about as far as they can and anyway the winner gets the honor of being sent home by the Miami Heat.

In other matters this is one of the busier weekends in the sports world, here are some observations:

Rangers vs Capitals-Game 2 of their best of 7 playoff series.  The Caps lead 1-0 in games and the Rangers best player goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was not good in game one.  Its important for the Rangers to win this game

Yankees vs A's at the Stadium-Lotta empty seats showing up as fans this week in the Bronx.  It shoulld be said that one can no longer blame the fans for not showing up with the costs of these games and the state of our economy

Mets vs Braves in Atlanta-much like the Yankees game nobody goes to Braves games anymore.  Atlanta has never beena big time pro sports town anyway, one often wonders why pro sports tries, ie 2 hockey failures in Atlanta

The Kentucky Derby-Really? Horse racing is not a sport.  Anytime there is a strike at a race track and patrons are prohibited from gambling you see the real horse racing fan----NO BODY

The NY Islanders- yes those New York Islanders return to Network TV since the 80s as the face the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday on Channel 4  yes that Channel 4!!1