KNICKS RECAP

The last time The Boston Celtics stepped foot in Madison Square Garden the Rondo less Celtics tuned the Knicks up to a 30 point beat down and probably their worst loss of the season.  So tonight's 114-88 spanking of bean town was nothing short of payback.

It may have been a win over a mediocre team and a franchise with a first year former college coach with zero NBA experience but the Knicks drubbing of the Celtics at the garden tonight may be the Knicks most important win of an obviously disappointing season thus far.

For obvious reasons the Knicks absolutely needed this win.  Entering tonight's game the Knicks boasted a 17-27 record only one loss shy of last years 28.  With the playoffs still well in sight it would be a deep blow to the Knicks moral to suffer a second loss at home to the Celtics during a rebuilding year in Boston.  Boston embarrassed the Knicks earlier this season and if the last years division champions intend on defending their crown a massage needed to be sent tonight.

Coming into the season the NBA's Atlantic division was thought to be a two team division.  Both of those teams reside in New York.  The Knicks and the Nets have both been sheer disappointments this season.  Brooklyn's recent resurgence as well as Toronto looming around the 500 mark but still in first place means the Knicks better get going on short notice.

It was definitely refreshing to see someone other than Carmelo Anthony contribute during tonight's game.  Carmelo is definitely in the midst of one of the  best stretches of his career.  Carmelo poured in another 24 points along with nine rebounds and four assist.  If New York can manage to finish the season over 500 Carmelo should definitely place himself in the thick of this years MVP race which seems to be a two man race thus far.

Tyson Chandlers performance tonight was encouraging.  It seems as if Chandler plays that much harder when the Knicks are losing.  His fire and desire reminds me of Charles Oakley during the 90's.  Chandlers 10 points and eight rebounds in the first half was a big reason the Knicks lead wire to wire.  We all know what the Knicks are capable of after getting off to a fast start.

For the Knicks to continue on this latest winning streak the team is going to need continue to get contribution from multiple sources.  JR Smith's 17 points tonight is exactly what the Knicks need from him. Nothing more and nothing less.

The Knicks next game is Thursday against the Cavs.  This is a prime opportunity against a disappointing team to string together back to back home wins and once again establish themselves as a dominant home team like they were last year.