Knicks Loss to Celtics Reveals True Character

Several players showed their ability in Tuesday’s loss to the Celtics.

Wilson Chandler, a first round pick of the Knicks last season, who many regarded as a bad selection has taken his game up a notch, earning a starting job with D’antoni’s Knicks.

Chandler put up a career-high 27 points against the C's which kept the game within reach. Chandler has averaged around 15 points and 5.5 rebounds this season as a Knick, and has become a serious scoring threat under their new coach.

D’antoni has implemented Chandler in several roles this season and his athletic ability has helped him fit D’antoni’s system.

Another player who has played very well for the Knicks has been Zach Randolph.

Randolph scored 18 points and had eight rebounds in Tuesday's game. After a bad season under Isiah Thomas, Randolph has become a scorer under D’antoni and has had similar production to his days in Portland.

Randolph averages 20.5 points and 12.5 rebounds so far this season and has become the scoring forward the Knicks hoped he would be. Randolph has shown a touch from the outside as well and is a definite scoring threat.

The revamped Knicks squad have matured under Mike D’antoni and the good results early in the season should encourage Knicks fans.

For the first time since the Lenny Wilkins era in New York, the Knicks have reached a mark of two games over .500.

While there are many strong teams in the Eastern Conference this season, the Knicks are going to be able to compete for a playoff spot. They are in the second-tier of teams behind the Celtics, Cavaliers, Hawks and Pistons.

Although it is very early to make predictions, it looks like the Knicks will be in the running for a playoff spot this season. Mike D’antoni’s style has fit this Knicks team perfectly and the improved play of several players has led them to a good start this season.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?