(Photo Courtesy of USATSI)
The Knicks won their third straight last night against the Cavs and it wasn’t even the Knicks leading storyline. News broke prior to Saturday that according to sources Knicks general manager Steve Mills recently met with Phil Jackson. As news continued to pour in it was leaked that the Knicks had offered Jackson a job as President of Basketball Operations and Saturday sources reported that Jackson was leaning toward taking the job. While all of this news continued, the Knicks traveled to Cleveland bringing in a two game winning streak as they make one more push toward the playoffs.
It was a special night in Cleveland as the Cavs retired number 11 in honor of former center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Lebron James was there to support his former teammate as they honored “Big Z” at halftime.
The Knicks didn’t have the same great start they had in their previous two games against the Jazz and T-Wolves as Carmelo Anthony started off very cold. After starting 0-6 from the field, Anthony ended up with 26 and New York would win the game 107-97. The Knicks were carried by Melo and Amare Stoudemire who had a double double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. JR Smith also match Stoudemire’s points as he totaled 17 as well. Tyson Chandler would follow Amare’s lead and also have a double double with 15 points and 11 boards. The Knicks pulled away late in large part because of the success they had shooting from behind the arc and Cleveland had no answer.
Kyrie Irving had 30 points to go along with eight rebounds and eight assists on the game. Spencer Hawes, who was acquired at the trade deadline, scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds as the Cavs dropped to 24-40 on the season.
Ironically the Cavs and Knicks now have the same record looking from the outside of the playoffs. The Knicks are now just 3 and a half games back of the eighth and final playoff spot which is currently occupied by the Atlanta Hawks.
Many questions remain for the Knicks in 2014: Will they make the playoffs? Who will be the next head coach? Will Carmelo Anthony elect to stay with the Knicks? And now we can add one more question, Will Phil Jackson accept the job as President of Basketball Operations.
Jackson was drafted by the Knicks in 1967 and coached for the Bulls and Lakers. Jackson won six titles with the Bulls and five with the Lakers. It has been well known for a while that New York was the desired final coaching destination for the Hall of Fame coach. Sources say a decision could come as early as next week from Jackson.
For now, the Knicks will continue to fly under the radar and try win games with the attention being on the potential coming of Phil Jackson. The Knicks next play against the 76ers at home on Monday. As they bring in the 24-40 record they are still alive for the playoffs thanks to a very weak eastern conference.
PureSportsNY: Tyler Henry