Westminster Dog Show 2012: Jeremy Lin and Knicks Cede MSG Spotlight to Pooches

Basketball fans in the Big Apple hoping to catch another glimpse of Jeremy Lin in person will have to wait until Wednesday to do so, when the New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden to take on the Sacramento Kings.

In the meantime, folks in Manhattan will have to settle for the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Rumor has it, the Knicks front office might let Carmelo Anthony out of Mike D'Antoni's doghouse to participate.

The canine-inclined certainly won't mind watching a pooch parade rather than Linsanity lighting up the Garden floor. The shows are slated to feature all 185 of the breeds currently registered with the American Kennel Club, including six newcomers to the pack.

The favorite to walk away as Best in Show this time around? A black Cocker Spaniel named Beckham.

And if David Beckham's own success with the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS is any indication, this week's festivities should be fruitful, indeed, for the Londoner's namesake. The winner is treated to a royal round about town, including a guest appearance on the "Today" show, a scrumptious steak at Sardi's, a chance to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and, best of all, a personal meeting with Donald Sterling himself.

Who knows? Maybe the Westminster champ will garner The Donald's Republican presidential endorsement. The field's full of dogs as it is.

So while a dog show may not be quite as "Lintertaining" as a Knicks game these days, it should make for some interesting television. Though, personally, I have my doubts about whether Mary Carillo can measure up to Buck Laughlin in terms of commentary genius.

In any case, be sure to check out all the non-Knick action at MSG starting Monday night at 8 p.m. EST on USA, with coverage to continue from 9-11 p.m. EST on CNBC. If that doesn't satiate your hunger for hound dogs, be sure to click back to USA on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. EST for the riveting finale.

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