Yeah Knicks Beat Miami, But Their True Test Will Come In Next 2 Games

Let's be honest, as Knicks fans we are all pumped up about the New York Knicks taking down the Miami Heat Sunday night. The game featured a great comeback, huge shots and finally some defense late‒it truly had it all.

But New York cannot let this win go to their heads. Sure, they can use it as a starting point for their resurgence, but this win should not be overdone.

Now it's really time to prove themselves.

Back to back games against the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets are the perfect chances to do just that. The Knicks can finally prove that they have the ability to win big games consistently and not just every once and a while.

If the Knicks play like they should, they could upset the Magic, and possibly the Hornets, which would get some people's attention. Wins over one or both of these teams would officially signal that they are ready to not just compete with the big boys, but also beat them.

But, New York will only do this if they put the Miami game behind them, and focus on what's ahead. That's exactly what veteran players like Chauncey Billups are for, to do just that. Billups will be a key component on getting younger guys on the team to focus, and make the key plays required for the Knicks to get to the next level.

Not to say that two losses would put New York back to where they were before the Miami game, because it won't. It would definitely hurt though. This is truly an opportunity for the Knicks to regain their former reputation as one of the East's best, and they cannot blow it.

A similar opportunity presented itself to the Knicks back in December, after a thriller with Boston. Unfortunately, the Knicks went on to be blown out by the Heat and then put up a dud against Cleveland.

That cannot happen again; they need to perform.

The Knicks have put us through a lot in the last few years, but I think with a few wins, we will all finally be prepared to say the Knicks are back.