2012 NBA Playoffs: Best Post-Amar'e, Shump Starting Lineup for New York Knicks

In case you've missed out on the punch heard 'round the world, Amar'e Stoudemire lost a fight with a fire extinguisher last night. Upon losing the hard-fought battle, Stoudemire emerged with a severe hand laceration and is now considered likely to miss Game 3.

Rather than debate whether or not the New York Knicks will or will not thrive in Amar'e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert's absence, it's more important to look at the reality of things. For instance, what will the New York Knicks' starting lineup look like in Game 3 and beyond?

While that question has yet to be answered, there is a best case scenario.

Point Guard: Baron Davis

Through the Knicks' first two games, Baron Davis has averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 assists, and no steals. He's also averaged 4.5 fouls and shot 64 percent. In other words, you take the good with the bad.

While these numbers aren't necessarily poor, they're not what you'd expect from one of our generation's greatest playoff performers. Instead, the Knicks need him to step up how he used to: big points, big assists, big rebounds and absolutely no fear in attacking the basket.

Baron Davis has become the key to the Knicks' potential historic upset. Fortunately, he has a high-quality track record in these situations.

Shooting Guard: J.R. Smith

The man who some readers have referred to as a "cancer" has been one of the most consistent players on the Knicks' roster. In fact, Smith is shooting 51.6 percent over the past five games while averaging 16.0 points, 4.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 steals.

Yes, 2.8 steals.

That's exactly why Smith is right to start: his defense. While he's always had the reputation of a player who gives little-to-no effort on the defensive end of the floor, this year has seen a major change in his game. Whether that can be accredited to Mike Woodson or his time in China, Smith has become as frustrating a defender as any for opponents.

He's active in disrupting passing lanes, has excelled in staying in front of ball handlers and even crashes the boards more than he used to. All in all, J.R. Smith is more of a weapon than a hindrance for the Knicks. Whether fans want to acknowledge it or not.

Small Forward: Landry Fields

The fact of the matter is, LeBron James is going to get what he wants. He'll score, he'll rebound and he'll get to the basket with ease. Rather than having Carmelo Anthony waste energy in failing to defend him, why not accept that fate and give Melo a chance to do what he does best?

You know, score.

In order to do so, the best case scenario would be to put Landry Fields at the 3. Fields is a much better defender than Melo and moves well without the basketball. While LeBron James is athletic enough to handle such a foe, Fields' activity on both ends is likely to place Carmelo Anthony in a more comfortable place while on the opposite side of LeBron.

If nothing else, Fields is a great decoy in this situation.

Power Forward: Carmelo Anthony

The Knicks' greatest post-Linsanity success has come with Carmelo Anthony at the 4. He's strong and physical enough to handle Chris Bosh, athletic enough to pull him out of position, and would offer the Knicks' their first favorable mismatch of the series.

And yes, that includes Tyson Chandler as he battles the flu and inefficiency.

As for Melo, his play on the perimeter would stretch the floor in a way that they've failed to thus far in the series. It would also create opportunities to get Bosh in foul trouble and expose the lack of depth in the Heat's front-court. This move is a must.

Center: Tyson Chandler

Prior to this series, Tyson Chandler presented the Knicks' greatest advantage over the Miami Heat. His defensive prowess and offensive efficiency both top the Heat's centers in every way imaginable. Unfortunately, Chandler has been hindered by the flu and has yet to display those characteristics.

With Amar'e Stoudemire now likely to be absent, it's time for the reigning NBA champion to do what he was brought in for. Chandler must dominate the paint, prevent LeBron James from scoring around the glass and absolutely own the defensive boards.

If he fails to do so, this series will be over rather quickly.