Redemption: An Unforgettable Overtime

Folks, we’re witnessing a season of redemption. As the final seconds of overtime ticked off the clock in Thursday night’s tumultuous unforgettable overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks, shades of a once-forgotten franchise bellowed from the Garden rafters above. Memories of Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, and others come to mind. The Knicks went to war last night in one of the most physical games I have seen in years. As the injuries piled up on both sides of the Garden, I started to think I was watching wrestling instead of a basketball game. The fourth-seeded Knicks have been the laughingstock of the league for years. Things have certainly changed in 2021.

The Perfect Cast

The Knicks cast of players this year has the perfect combination of veteran presence and youthful exuberance. Led by Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Julius Randle and young gun R.J. Barrett, the Knicks bring a level of energy to the court that we haven’t seen since the 1990s. This team brings something different to the table night in and out. This team has an incredible desire to win. They bring a next man up mentality like no other team in the league. When Mitchell Robinson fractured his foot, someone had to step up. Therefore, veteran journeymen centers Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson have stepped up in his absence. With coach Thibodeau at the helm preaching defense, this team seems destined for more than just a first-round exit come May.

Rising From the Dead Like Lazarus

Long-time Knicks announcer Walt “Clyde” Frazier uses the phrase, “Rising from the dead like Lazarus”. One might say that they have been similarly resurrected like Lazarus and are on a mission to take on anyone who gets in their way. The Knicks’ next game will be a Saturday matinee with the Raptors at 1 pm where they will go for their ninth win in a row. For all the latest sports and fantasy news check out Belly Up Sports.

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