Knicks-Heat

[MikeO]

After tonight I think its safe to say the Heat want no part of the Knicks in Rd 1 of the playoffs. They shut Miami down the final 3 quarters. Once again the Heat proved tonight, if they aren't running, their offense stinks. You slow the game down and if your a quality/decent team you have a shot to beat them.

As a neutral fan, I am hoping they meet in Rd 1 of the playoffs. Would be a great 7 game series to open the playoffs

[EDGECRUSHER]

That game was a throwback to the Knicks/Heat rivalry in the 90's with it's defense and hard play. In the first quarter, the Heat looked really good. No look passes and alley oops. The Knicks just went on a ridiculous 16-0 run to end the half and take the lead.

In the first half the Knicks just weren't making shots and in the 2nd they stopped taking stupid shots. Just a better offensive flow in the 4th quarter. The 3rd was just trying to contain Miami's onslaught and they did a fairly decent job.

I wouldn't want to play the Knicks in the playoffs, but if Miami does, I feel they will win in 5 or 6 games.

[jtex316]

The Knicks have been complete shit for 10 years. It's nice to see them somewhat relevant again, but I'm already seeing all of the closet Knicks fans come out of nowhere and proclaim that they will win the entire thing. So, let's chill out on all of that - make the playoffs first and then let's evaluate.

[Dave Gray]

I'm actually concerned for the HEAT for the first time in a long time.  In their other losses against these big teams, there was always some strange circumstance -- guys were having the worst shooting game since 1976, for example (Bosh vs. Chicago).  Even in those losses, I was hopeful, and didn't see a way that we lost a 7 game series against them (save for maybe Boston.)

But this was at home, with all 3 stars playing (and playing fairly well).  I think the HEAT just have no supporting cast.  Miller is alright, but Chalmers, Joel Anthony, and Eddie House are just not at the level of the rest of the league.  Our weakest links are just way too weak.

[MikeO]

The Knicks have been complete shit for 10 years. It's nice to see them somewhat relevant again, but I'm already seeing all of the closet Knicks fans come out of nowhere and proclaim that they will win the entire thing. So, let's chill out on all of that - make the playoffs first and then let's evaluate.

Nobody in America thinks the Knicks will win the entire thing.  If they win 2 playoff games I and most reasonable NBA fans would be shocked. Especially with a 1st round matchup vs either chicago, miami or boston

[MikeO]

I'm actually concerned for the HEAT for the first time in a long time.  In their other losses against these big teams, there was always some strange circumstance -- guys were having the worst shooting game since 1976, for example (Bosh vs. Chicago).  Even in those losses, I was hopeful, and didn't see a way that we lost a 7 game series against them (save for maybe Boston.)

But this was at home, with all 3 stars playing (and playing fairly well).  I think the HEAT just have no supporting cast.  Miller is alright, but Chalmers, Joel Anthony, and Eddie House are just not at the level of the rest of the league.  Our weakest links are just way too weak.

And when the salary cap drops, the Heat are royally screwed. Bill Simmons said it best at the start of the year. If the Heat don't win it this year and if they struggle  a bit next year and or don't win ti all, the first one to go is Bosh and he will be traded to open cap space or bring in a piece that can help them win at 1/2 the cost.

[EDGECRUSHER]

I think New York matches up very well against Chicago, they have already defeated them twice. It's hard to say that they would be favored over Chicago, but this isn't the same Knicks team anymore. This is a Knicks team with 2 MVP candidates now, not just one. It is an entirely different squad. That being said, that doesn't mean they are championship contenders right now or even a threat to contenders, but it wouldn't be shocking if an Amare and Carmelo led team won a playoff round.

I am surprised Mike Miller hasn't been bigger for Miami, though I guess you can blame injuries on that. A guy like him is the reason I wanted to keep Gallinari. If you have all your guys guarding the superstars, who is gonna guard the sharpshooter from 3? This was Miami's intent and it's good logic, it just hasn't worked out.

That's the problem with having 3 superstars on the team, not much room left for a supporting cast. You just have to draft well and hope to get a veteran at the minimum.

I still think Miami will make the Finals, if only because Wade won't allow anything else. He is an awesome player and better than Lebron IMO.