By Andrew Rosario
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
When the New York Knicks hosted the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden it would be the last time they faced each other. The Knicks were eliminated from the playoffs last week. The Nets hosted the Houston Rockets Tuesday night clinging to the 10th seed. If the playoffs started today, they would face the #9 seed Charlotte. A win would match them up between the Cleveland or Atlanta. The Hawks took out Brooklyn last Saturday despite Kevin Durant dropping 55 points. If the Nets advance, they could face the #1 seed Miami Heat who they took out on the road March 26th.
Last Thursday, the Knicks were officially eliminated from the playoffs. It was a rollercoaster ride for the team who took the NBA by storm last year. Julius Randle had a banner year as he was named Most Improved Player leading the team to the playoffs. Unfortunately, they could not get past the Atlanta Hawks losing in the first round of the playoffs.
This year, they did not take anyone by surprise, Randle struggled all year and the fans turned on him as he gave them thumbs down when the boos rained down on him. Derrick Rose lost the year with ankle surgery and what was suppose to a welcome home season for Bronx born and schooled Kemba Walker turned out to be a nightmare. Head coach Tom Thibodeau moved Walker in and out of the line-up until he dropped him from the rotation in November. After the All Star break, the team released the following statement by Knicks President Leon Rose: “We fully support Kemba’s decision to shut it down for the remainder of the season and use this time to prepare for next season. His long-term success on the court remains our priority.”
Rumors circulated that Randle told management he wanted to get traded. He vehemently denied the rumors. The magic that captured the Garden has disappeared as the boos rained down the last time he was introduced.
The Brooklyn Nets still have a shot at doing major damage in the post-season. Ben Simmons is dealing with back issues and may not play unless the team advances. The Knicks, on the other hand, have to regroup. Getting Rose healthy is a start. Walker can be traded but getting something of value will be the issue.
Another year, another season of disappointment from the guys at the World’s Most Famous Arena. The Brooklyn Nets have a chance to do something the Knicks have failed to do in 48 years. Win a Championship.
