Knicks on the Rise

It's holiday season, and Santa Claus has brought the New York Knicks, along with its fans, a nice early holiday gift. That gift being a 16-9 record, had astounded and marveled all NBA fans, along with Knick fans. They have already exceeded expectations for the season, and have surpassed the win total of last year's New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves. They are rolling right now, and are in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Celtics(19-4). After recording a 6 game losing streak to drop their record to 3-8, the Knicks have been on a roll ever since, posting a 13-1 record within the past 30 days.An even bigger surprise, they're tied for 4th in the Eastern Conference with the Orlando Magic. That's right, Dwight Howard and his team. But why is New York so good now after being mediocre the past decade?





There are many reasons to support the Knicks 16-9 record, the largest being the signing of C Amar'e Stoudemire, considerably the leagues MVP presently. Stoudemire has put on a show both offensively and defensively. Ever since he has re-joined coach Mike D'Antoni in New York, has put up 26.1 points per game(3rd in the NBA) and 9.1 rebounds, as well as 2 blocks per game. He has been an absolute force, and continues to dominate, with the emergence of his jumpshot. Not only that, but Stoudemire has been able to pass the ball out to his teammates, since he almost always draws a double team. He hasn't just gotten better himself, but his teammates as well. His best game came against the Detroit Pistons on November 28th at the Palace of Auburn Hills in a 126-116 win. Stoudemire put up very impressive numbers, scoring 37 points, recording 15 rebounds(5 offensive rebounds) and recording a season high 7 assists. The Knicks' success almost certainly depends on the health and and success of Stoudemire, and has been proven so thus far.

The other big player this season for the Knicks has been a quite smaller name in the NBA, PG Raymond Felton, whom the Knicks signed in free agency as well, but for 7 million dollars, rather than Stoudemire's 17 million dollars. Felton has become one of the biggest surprises of the year thus far, after a decent 4-year stint with the Charlotte Bobcats. He entered the fall as the likely candidate to be the point guard for Amar'e Stoudemire. The last point guard Stoudemire played with happened only to be 2-time MVP Steve Nash in Phoenix. Well... Felton has played great, scoring 18.4 points per game, grabbing 4 rebounds per game, and recording 8.4 assists per game, along with an even 2 steals per game. He is in line to be an All-Star, and is becoming a fan-favorite among New York. He makes Stoudemire look even better, and vice-versa. Felton has a great sense for the game, as well as ball-skills, along with a beautiful shot. He, along with Stoudemire, can be the new Batman and Robin duo in the NBA if they continue their recent success. Felton's best game came during a 125-119 win against the Golden State Warriors on November 19th. Felton posted 35 points on 13-17 shooting, while grabbing 5 rebounds, and posting 11 assists and 4 steals.

Along with the duo of Stoudemire and Felton have come many other breakout stars, those being forwards Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, both averaging above 15 points and 5 rebounds per game. A big surprise has been possible contender for rookie of the year, 2nd round draft pick SG/SF Landry Fields. Fields. Fields has averaged 10.6 points per game, but has been a rebounding machine, grabbing at least 5 rebounds in 20 of 25 games, including 17 against the Denver Nuggets in a 120-118 loss on November 16th.

All in all, look for the Knicks to become a breakout team within a few seasons. Now they won't win the NBA title right away, but with the right pieces, they will become not only a playoff contender, but a championship contender. Oh yeah, guess who is sure to be a Knick next year, after expressing great interest in becoming a Knick? Don't know? It's only superstar SF Carmelo Anthony, who has twice rejected a trade to the Nets, only to say he wants to be a part of the Knicks organization.