The Knicks have a shot to upset the Celtics. Give them a puncher's chance. They don't have the talent yet, to play man for man, but they may be deeper overall, if their bench can overachieve in this series.
What the Knicks do best is rely on their three stars, who can win games by themselves. But they must move the ball around, and avoid the isolation plays that will play into the hands of the Celtic defense.
Carmelo Anthony will be doubled for most of this series, but he's still a great shooter. Amare Stoudemire can play with Kevin Garnett and maybe even out play him. Chauncey Billups has been there before. He's a champion, and with the game on the line, can sink any shot, as Carmelo can.
If the Knicks can play with 100% effort on defense and execute the offense close to perfectly, they can beat the Celtics, but it will take all 3 players to play at the top of their game. The bench must contribute as well. Simply put, they must out play, and outhustle the Celtics. Certainly a possibility since Perkins' departure has torn the heart out of the team.
If Boston's mental attitude is not "on", the Knicks can take the series.
We'll know after the first half of the first game. From that first moment, the Knicks must outplay their rivals. If they are lookin' good at halftime, we'll have a series.
Prediction:
Game 1 at BOS: Celtics
Game 2 at BOS: Celtics
Game 3 at NY: Knicks
Game 4 at NY: Knicks
Game 5 at BOS: Celtics
If the Knicks win, it will have to be in six, because game seven at Boston will be all Celtics. They would have to take one game at Boston and sweep in NY. That's the only way they can make it happen, and I don't see it. In the end, I think the Celtics big men will just be too much for the Knicks. Rebounding, the Knick's Achilles heel, will be their undoing.
Game 6 at NY: Celtics
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