Knicks Win The Sorta/Kinda Must Win

The New York Knicks went into last night's game with the Orlando Magic and were reeling, there is no denying that fact. They had lost six straight games, nine out of 10, and were in danger of falling below that seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. The blame was being tossed around everywhere, it was Carmelo Anthony's fault because he was supposed to make the difference in New York. It was coach Mike D'Antoni's fault because he was not doing his job to make this click, make this team perform like their talent is capable. Chauncey Billups is at fault because while he was injured the team was 4-2, but with Billups on the court they were 3-10 going into last night. The blame deserves to be thrown onto Donnie Walsh for making the deal, and so late in the season, because the chemistry and timing is just off. The blame has seemingly been taken by a person, who is spinning with their eyes closed, then throwing it, only to have it splatter everywhere and have a little over there, a bit over here.

So in come the Orlando Magic, fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, and suddenly the Knicks have to win this game, it has become that important that they must win. Carmelo said so himself when asked about the game by the media, he was not afraid to convey the importance he believed the game had. So in this must win game for the Knicks how did they come out, how did Carmelo come out and perform to show everyone that with the pressure on, pressure perhaps a little self inflicted, how would they perform at Madison Square Garden?

They came out a little flat really, only scoring 18 points in the first quarter, but they were able to hold Orlando to the same total so being tied after the first was a good start. They were able to pull away a little bit in the second quarter taking a four point lead into halftime. As the second half wore on, and Carmelo was able to dominate the game, finishing with a game high 39 points, and the game actually became a must win situation in terms of where the game was at the end.

The Knicks were up three points with 10 seconds left at home. Given that situation you assume as a Knicks fan that you are going to, and should win. Well Jason Richardson hit a three pointer, and Carmelo was able to beat the double team and get a shot off, only to miss that and the follow up attempt to force overtime. In overtime Dwight Howard got his 18th technical, fouled him out, adding to the list of Magic not playing. Coming into the game Jameer Nelson and Quentin Richardson did not play due to injury, so adding Howard to the list the game becomes that much more of a must win.

Then on top of that Hedo Turkoglu fouled out and the Knicks needed to win this game. Behind Carmelo's double double, and some late free throws, they were able to pull away for the 113-106 victory. The game was never a must-win, more of win that was needed for morale. The Knicks are going to be fine, they are still a team you would rather not have to see in the playoffs. You have guys in Carmelo, Billups and Amare Stoudemire that could each take over a one game in a series and get their team a win. That is not something you want to mess with, and teams would prefer to see in a different match up than their own.