Clearly, it has been a long time since the Knicks have put together back to back playoff seasons. Last year's playoffs showed that the Knicks needed some more pieces as they were swept away by the Celtics in the first round. This year could be a huge improvement for the Knickerbockers as the team has some more depth and shooting, something they needed desperately last season. Once Amare Stoudemire went down with injury in the playoffs, Carmelo Anthony had the ball every possession taking more shots than he should.
The Knicks will get Stoudemire back tonight against the Cavaliers and will have him ready for the playoffs this year. The team has pieces this year that it lacked last season coming off the bench. Steve Novak has been monumental in the Knicks success lately as he continuously knocks down clutch three pointer after clutch three pointer. J.R. Smith has started to come alive of late and everyone knows when his game is on, he will make a lot of shots. Rookie Iman Shumpert has done a tremendous job bringing energy and a defensive presence that will be key come playoff time. Mike Bibby has also played a role of late starting in the absence of Baron Davis and playing well.
The Knicks clearly have much more depth and a bench presence than they had last season. Melo is also playing the best basketball we have seen him play as a Knick and maybe his career. The Knicks are really hoping that they fall into the hands of the Bulls and stay away from the Heat in the first round. We have seen how competitive the Knicks have played with the Bulls and how remarkable of a series it could be. It is guaranteed the Knicks will play one of the two in the first round. We will find out in a week who it will be. The Knicks are the one team that nobody at the top of the conference wants to play. I can guarantee that this year's playoffs will be a much better one for the Knicks as the Garden will be rocking like it did back in 2000.
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