Been A While ; What's going On?

It's the midway point of the season and yes, the Knicks have the same exact record as they did last year; 17-24. This year seems different though. Closing in on the coveted summer of 2010, the aura of Knick-land has a different spark to it.

Without a doubt, the Knicks are playing their best basketball since the 2003-2004 season. Their effort has improved on the defensive end immensely and it has translated into wins. Wins they would not have gotten in previous years. Granted, 17-24 is nothing to brag about at all; however the Knicks don't seem to be winning by accident anymore. The new defensive attitude has enabled them to hold leads as well as get themselves back into games. The Knicks have also countered their inability to establish any type of home court advantage with decent play on the road. Last year they won a total of 12 games on the road and this year they have already won 7. More than the number of wins, I'm impressed with the quality of victory. Two wins in Atlanta and one in New Orleans, which completed the 2 game season sweep of them.

Who are the main culprits of these new attributes, you may ask? Surprisingly, the defensive versatility of Jared Jefferies has been the key. Often guarding point guards such as Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo creates somewhat of an 'annoying' presence for the opposing point guard. The play of Wilson Chandler has also been important. Often guarding the other teams best perimeter player, Wilson has stood clear of cheap fouls and created havoc. He can still do a better job helping on the glass and play the passing lanes better. With his athleticism, he could and should average 1-2 steals every contest.

Effort goes a long way in this league; just ask Larry Brown's Bobcats. The number one defense in the NBA statistically and they currently hold the 7 seed in the East. People always say, the East is a joke, it's weak, and they can't be argued with. However, the playoffs in any sport are a crap shoot, just ask the 1999 New York Knicks. Once you get in, anything can happen.

It's an easy week for the Knicks, considering the fact that they don't have any games until Friday when all hell will seemingly break loose. The Lakers come in Friday, followed by Dallas on Sunday. Fighting for a playoff berth, the Knicks have no time for another losing stretch of games. After playing very well through December, the Knicks are just 5-5 in their last 10 games and have lost 4 of their last 6 including an embarrassing blow out home loss to the Raptors.

It's very hard to get a good grasp on whether or not this team will make the playoffs or not. A good combination of competing hard against the elites and taking care of the games against the teams with similar or worse records will be the formula, but do they have what it takes. Lately, amidst the recent losing funk, the Knicks have shown a certain fatigue that would definitely prevent them from the post season. It's clear that Chris Duhon can't start in the NBA but sadly he is our best facilitator so he must play. Unless Nate Robinson finally grows up and increases his decision making level to that of a player that has been in the league for 5 seasons. We'll see what happens, should be an interesting weekend let's hope Kobe doesn't go for 71 this time.