2006 has been very good to the Knick so far. With a 105-94 win against the Atlanta Hawks the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to 6 games, remained undefeated in 2006 and brought Coach Brown his 1,000th career victory. Larry Brown is now 1,000-762 in 23 seasons as an NBA coach joining the likes of Lenny Wilkens, Don Nelson and Pat Riley as the only coaches to post 1,000 victory resumes. Notice a trend amongst the four? Each was the Coach of the Knicks at one point or another in their glorious careers. Brown was happy with his accomplishment, “It’s a great feeling, when you look at this league, to be in it this long, you feel lucky.” This was the Knicks first 6 game winning streak since a span ranging from 2000-2001. The last time these two teams squared off the Knicks were in their worst stretch of the season as they were continually lit up from the three point line. This time around the Knicks were playing their best basketball and it showed. Last time the Knicks suffered a harsh loss 122-111 at Atlanta, when Josh Smith, and Al Harrington went off combining for 71 point, shooting 12-13 from the three point line. This time around was a different story as the Hawks shot a woeful 10 percent from beyond the arc and Harrington finished with 18 points, while Smith finished with 9.
The Knicks were off to a hot start as they took a 27-22 1st quarter lead. Nate Robinson proved to be the catalyst for the Knicks in the early going scoring 11 first half points, 9 of which came in the first quarter. After Robinson himself went on a 7-0 run hitting a three and two jump shots, the Knicks had their biggest lead of the game 26-14. The Knicks then went on an offensive drought being held scoreless from 3:13 remaining until, Eddy Curry hit a foul shot with around one second left on the game clock.
Jamal Crawford proved to have the big second quarter for the Knicks scoring 9 points, and continuing to contribute off the bench. After the Knicks took a 41-32 lead on a Channing Frye jump shot it seemed as if they were going to allow the Hawks back into things as they brought the game within two points on foul shots by Zaza Pachulia. After Josh Childress made a mid range jump shot the Hawks tied things up at 45, but the Knicks refused to let things fall apart led by Jamal Crawford, and Stephon Marbury the Knicks went into the half up 50-47.
Stephon Marbury and Nate Robinson got the Knicks off to a fine start in the third quarter as Marbury hit an opening layup, and Nate Robinson connected on two straight free throws. As Marbury and Robinson started things off Maurice Taylor and Channing Frye reassured fans that the third quarter would end well also. They scored the last seven points for the Knicks as Josh Childress went off and brought the Hawks within two at 75-73.
Although it seemed as if the Knicks were constantly giving way for the Hawks to make things interesting, they closed things out well. After Al Harrington tied things up at 84 apiece with 8:33 remaining the Knicks went on a 16-4 run led by Channing Frye and Eddy Curry. During that span Eddy Curry had two dunks which really energized the Knicks as a team. Channing Frye continued to show his touch making a layup and shooting 2-2 from the foul line during that stretch. Fittingly so Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury finished things off for the Knicks giving Brown his 1,000th career victory a 105-92 W over the Atlanta Hawks.
Again if the Knicks are serious about solidifying themselves in this league they need to win games like this against struggling opponents. Most importantly the Coach and his extension are on the same page. Larry Brown reiterated throughout the entire time the Knicks were struggling that the point guard, Stephon Marbury, needs to be the extension of the coach out there on the court. Marbury after much criticism has proven his dedication to winning as shown in today’s game. Marbury scored 19 points, and had 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals but stats don’t show everything. Marbury continually penetrated and had the Hawks on their heels creating many opportunities for his teammates. Throughout the win streak he has averaged over 23 points and 9 assists a game. Brown again has been nothing but complimentary of Marbury, “He’s gotten better each game, of all the games that he’s played this year, this is by far the best.”
Jamal Crawford has proven to be big off the bench scoring 23 points in 31 minutes. Crawford is aware of the strides being made, and knows that winning makes winning easier as simple and paradoxical as that might sound. “We’re just now getting a taste of what it feels like to win,” said Crawford. This taste keeps the Knicks coming back for more as they nearly doubled their season win total since the last time they lost.
As the Knicks continue to improve no one is more satisfied than the fans. The fans have been deprived of winning basketball for a long time now. Although the Knicks are still way below .500 their is a sense of this improvement and the player’s as well as the fans have a confidence about them, missing since the Ewing Era. Being such a youthful team this experience is vital. 2006 has been good so far for the Knicks, so lets let the good times roll.