The Knicks Thread....

I remember a couple of weeks back when the Knicks dropped a couple of games, a few commentators were talking about it being the beginning of the end of their run among the top teams in the league. While I think they've got a long way to go to really prove themselves to be truly viable contenders to come out of the East, I'd still say they are for real. In that respect I'd compare them to the Grizzlies, who appear to be legit but still wouldn't be my pick to come out of the West just yet. Both teams are having great seasons so far, though. Another victory over the Heat, without Melo no less, is huge.

I worry about them relying too much on the 3, Andrew. As you know, you don't get those looks come May & June.

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

Hope the Knicks will be the Heat's waterloo this year. Like the 2007 Warriors to the 2007 Mavs.

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

It's funny how our team identity has changed so much over last few months. We went from one of the best defensive team to one of the worst.

That certainly could be their downfall. On the other hand, if they end up facing the Heat and Miami hasn't improved their defense of the three point line, it could be their key to an upset.

It's funny how our team identity has changed so much over last few months. We went from one of the best defensive team to one of the worst.

But it's a long season and every team goes through lulls. I'm pretty sure Miami will get their defensive swagger back eventually.

Big week coming up - Chicago & Denver back-to-back, Brooklyn on Tuesday, then LA on Thursday. Should be fun.

Very true, it's early days and it's not unreasonable to believe that the Heat will have that figured out come the postseason. All the same, the Knicks are making the most threes per game of any team in the league and doing so at the third best percentage, making it a dangerous weapon for them.

Another great win by the Knicks. But I'm really not feeling the way JR Smith has been playing the last few games, he's returning to the "old" JR. He's been spending too much time dribbling the ball outside the three-point line and jacking up way too many tough shots.

Meanwhile, J-Kidd was superb tonight. That pump fake of him, such a savvy move.

Going to The Barclay's Center tonight!! Excited to see the Knicks and Nets play!!!!

What a game! Melo was in beast mode all night long and J-Kidd with that 3-point dagger. Just an awesome game to watch.

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Great shot by Kidd, a cold blooded three to be sure, though he's probably lucky he didn't get called for the offensive foul for seemingly kicking out his leg. If he did, it wasn't as blatant as usual, so you can't be too hard on the officials there. In any event, they made the call, he knocked down the shot and the Knicks got the big win.

The basketball IQ of the team goes up when Kidd is on the floor. I want the ball in his hands at what Magic Johnson calls, "winnin' time".

Oh man.. Melo took a bad fall, hopefully his leg is okay. He was able to shoot his free throws and then limped into the locker room but I guess that is a good sign rather than him being carried out.

UPDATE: Courtside reports said that it is an ankle sprain and he is doubtful to return tonight.

I guess it wasn't as bad as it looked though. I am quite positive that he'll have to sit out for at least a couple games though, to nurture swelling and all that. Anyways the Knicks are looking very good tonight. But then the opponent is only the Lakers.

Knicks lead down to 10. Kidd better take control of the game with no sign of Melo coming back.

Tyson Chandler's back taps killed the Lakers' chances of a come back. Another great win by the Knicks!

Lakers caught a break with Melo going down but they couldn't capitalise. Tremendous first quarter effort to go up 41-27, great poise in the fourth to hang tough and get the win without Melo.

Houston's got our number, but a nice comeback win against Brooklyn. Looking forward to that Christmas Day game in LA.

Bulls and Knicks got a little old school yesterday. Crazy game beginning late in the third quarter.

Elsewhere: Knicks made Amar’e Stoudemire ‘available for free’ this summer, according to report

Knicks have been blown out 2 out of the last 3 home games and were out-physicaled by the Bulls. I don't like seeing the head coach and star player losing their cool - what's going to happen if these teams meet in the playoffs?

After watching that tough loss to LA, it seems to me Carmelo doesn't get enough respect from the refs.

Knicks have hit a lull. They're getting off to slow starts and slacking on defense.

Amar'e is also back, so they now have to deal with the issue of how and where he fits in with a team that has (for the most part) been playing well this year.

Man after watching the game against the Spurs, Amare has really lost his timing and rhythm. He probably needs another week or two before he can be in game shape but it was really nice to see him playing again.

Amar'e is also back, so they now have to deal with the issue of how and where he fits in with a team that has (for the most part) been playing well this year.

Yeah, three times Amar'e was blocked by Splitter. That wouldn't have happened with Amar'e in his prime. But he'll get his timing back eventually.

J.R. Smith hit another big shot last night - definitely playing the best ball of his career. 6th Man of the Year maybe?

I think he has to at least be a candidate, good numbers for him off the bench so far this year and he's making an impact on a winning team.