Falling Apart

F Carmelo Anthony has not gotten the Knicks to the level of play fans want to see.

The New York Knicks did what many Knicks' fans, including myself, have been accustomed to for a long time -- they choked down the stretch against the Boston Celtics. This game certainly had the feel of a playoff game. There were iconic images during this game. There was F Amar'e Stoudemire and F Kevin Garnett crashing to the floor scrambling for a loose ball. There was G Ray Allen getting elbowed by F Jared Jeffries, opening up a big gash that required stitches. Then towards the end of the game, there was F Carmelo Anthony getting elbowed by G Rajon Rondo and then he required stitches to close a gash.

F Kevin Garnett had a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knicks were in control for three quarters. They held a double-digit lead through most of the second and third quarters. They held a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but completely faded down the stretch. This game seemed to be another one of those marquee wins for the Knicks, beating a very good team while playing good defense like they did against the Miami Heat on February 27. Instead, they were outscored 23-4, turning a nine-point lead into a ten-point loss. This came after a bad loss to the Milwaukee Bucks the night before, preceded by a loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

During this Knicks recent struggle, losers of six of their last seven, and below .500 since the Anthony trade, the Knicks are getting a ton of media attention, much like the Heat received earlier this season when they were just above .500 at the end of November. Anthony wasn't the only piece received in this trade. The Knicks also got G Chauncey Billups, and his play was impressive early on also. However, it has fallen off since he came back from injury.

All Knicks fans want to see the Knicks make a serious run in this year's playoffs, even if they have to face a team like the Celtics or the Chicago Bulls. With that being said, Knicks fans will be happy to see the Knicks back in the playoffs after a seven-season drought. These last 12 games, plus the playoff run, should help the Knicks start next season strong. If the Knicks go through any stretches similar to this stretch next season, you better believe Donnie Walsh will hear all of New York City, particularly calling for Mike D'Antoni's job.