The New York Knicks Getting the Broadway Treatment

It’s amazing to wonder how things can change in a span of four-and-a-half months in the crazy world of professional sports.

Gone are the days of internal bickering, infighting amongst players and coaches, and fans screaming for the head of Isiah Thomas.

So in comes Donnie Walsh, the new team President, and Mike D'Antoni, a coach loved by fans and players alike for his coaching style, but more importantly, loyal Knicks fans' finally having something to cheer about.  

I had the chance to catch the Knicks playing the Wizards on Friday night and couldn’t help but notice three things: Chris Duhon thriving in the role as the provider, a revitalized Zach Randolph playing up to his potential, and players actually sharing the ball with each other while spreading the scoring around.

This fine display was surprising to say the least, not to mention the fact that the Wizards are a dismal 0-4 to start off the season.

The Knicks played smart, they played fast, and they scored at each and every opportunity. Even when at times the Wizards would close the gap, there was no questioning the Knicks had the game in the bag. 

As usual, Jamal Crawford took over in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter, but every now and then you need a special player who can win those games for you.

What Knicks fans' are witnessing is a revival not many in the basketball world would have expected.  This team is actually sharing the ball with each other, scoring is very well balanced, and the players are loving the system coach D'Antoni wants them to play. 

The players are getting along with each other. You can sense a calmness and ease in the dressing room, and Stephon Marbury no longer plays the role of distraction.

Instead, D'Antoni was able to find a way to keep Marbury out of the loop without damaging the team's new found chemistry.

Forget the Toronto Raptors being called the new Phoenix of the North, and forget everything you were told about Bryan Colangelo and his restoration of the Raptors.

D'Antoni's Knicks can actually play the game...something Raptor fans would have to admit is a slap in a face.

They say it’s usually the coach that can make all the difference…well for those who see otherwise, perhaps looking at the Knicks under the guidance of Mike D'Antoni would be an example.

It’s only the beginning of a new season for the Knicks, but an important one nonetheless. Let’s hope this carries on into the New Year, and if so, possibly into a playoff round or two.