The best is yet to come from Melo and Amare

Semantics aside, the games have begun and the sports world can rear itself properly back on it axis.  Now the discussions at water coolers and barbershops and street corners will be, “who’s the best player?  Who’s the best and favorite team?  Who will win the NBA Championship?”

The New York Knicks prevailed against the Paul Pierce-less Boston Celtics, 106-104.  The Knicks at one point had a 19 point lead in the first half, but anybody that has watched basketball for any length of time knows that leads in NBA games are like the weather in Dallas, Texas.  It could be up one minute and down the next.

The forward tandem of Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire is one of the most potent in the league.  Melo finished with 37 while Amar’e had 21 points.  Tyson Chandler although his stats weren’t gaudy, (7 points 3 rebounds and 6 blocks) his overall smart and help defensive play was pivotal in securing the victory.

Stoudemire played great as he’s expanded his range out to 3-point land.  But, Melo was indeed a beast; after he was saddled for much of the 3^rd quarter with 4 fouls.  He was unstoppable in the money time 4^th quarter as he scored 17 points.  Melo scored on drives to the basket, midrange shots and 3-point shots.

KNICK KNOTES:  Stud rookie Iman Shumpert suffered a sprained knee (MCL) after Boston reserve forward and former Knick, Chris Wilcox fell on his knee.  Jared Jeffries re-aggravated his calf muscle and also left in the 3^rd quarter, his return to the line-up is not known.  The game had a Playoff like atmosphere.