JAN

23

January 21, 2008. Thirteen games on deck in the NBA calendar. But for me, none more important than the one here in New York City. My first game at Madison Square Garden. The 13-27 New York Knicks versus the 32-6 Boston Celtics. Their records predict the most likely outcome. But then again, the Knicks had won 4 of their last 5 (against Detroit, Washington, New Jersey, and the equally hapless Miami respectively). Maybe the Knicks could make a game out of it? Well, there was that hope. But I was there to cheer on the Celtics anyway. Even sported my Mitchell & Ness Larry Bird road jersey. Truly, there is no such thing as a live experience. Especially from my great seat. My vantage point. Some of the highlights: • Malik Rose comes out into center court prior to the start of the Knicks and Celtics match up to pay tribute to Dr. King on his birthday. He also appeared on the Jumbo Tron. I assumed that was the extent of his participation that afternoon. Any you know what? I was right! These public appearances and pep talks. At least Malik his earning his paycheck. • Kendrick Perkins was practically pitching a tent or setting up his apartment in the paint during the first quarter scoring on six straight field goals and finishing with 15. Perkins 15 – Knicks 23 after one. He ended up having a career scoring night with 24. • The Eddy Curry line: Curry is certainly massive but not as tall as Kevin "KG" Garnett who towered above everyone on the court. Eddy takes up a lot of real estate and there was a point in the game when I thought he was going to land on all of the flat screen monitors in the reporters' row. Scary moment! • Knicks Head Coach (for how much longer? He was thoroughly booed during the introductions.) Isiah Thomas was right on the money when he described the Boston Celtics after the game: Thomas said, "Shit, they got Kevin Garnett." In the contest, KG was awesome. Poetry in motion. From his footwork to his post moves—it see...

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