Section 423: Contender or Pretender? For Knicks, the Time Is Now

(Note: A piece by A.F.O.M.G. will follow later this afternoon.)

The wild, wild west has been settled, and taking 2 out of 5 these days is a big, big deal. After chowing down at Spago thanks to Malik Rose, the Knicks were lethargic and sloppy New Year's Eve against the struggling and then Cassell-less Clippers.

Things continued to unravel against the Kings as our boy Ron Ron reminded the world why he is the biggest hood legend of all time. Can you imagine him in the orange and blue? Wow, nothing gets me more tingly.

So after solid and convincing "1990's" style beatings of the Blazers (someone save Zack Randolph!) and the Sonics (RIP Rashard Lewis), it's back to the east coast and the friendly confines of The World's Most Depressing Arena.

Philly tonight is a must win, just because. The depleated and defeated 76ers have turned into the worst team in the league. A side note: C Webb owns Harriet Tubman's journal, the original.

When the squad takes care of Philly, they will be on a 3-game win streak, and only a few games under .500.

David Lee is a beast, with the 2nd most offensive rebounds in the league, and a legit double-double threat every night.

Got to love his quote the other day, when he said the only way for him to maintain his averages is if he counts his stats during the game. How real is that? He is the dude you get bunked up with at basketball camp. He looks like he would be really good at 'Knockout'.

So now is a time of questions for the New Knicks. Are they still a pretender? A team of overpaid stiffs and unerachievers? Or are we on the verge of something special in New Yourk? Will their youthful enthusiasm carry them into the postseason?

Only time will tell, and every game counts. The time for wins is now. Eddy Curry, stand up. Steph, stand up. Nate Robinsoin, please, please sit down... you are a circus clown.

- Chris & Mase

(Note: Images appear courtesy of nba.com)