A Rivalry Renewed

Has Amar'e Stoudemire's addition legitimized the Celtics/Knicks rivalry?
After last night, all signs point toward yes. 

In a hyper-aggressive sports media world in which headline thirsty journalists are always searching for that next big story, last night's Celtics/Knicks slugfest provided exactly what ESPN, NESN, FOX and every other media outlet was hoping for, and then some. In a back and forth affair, Paul Pierce and the Celts got the last laugh, with Pierce nailing a fade-away jumper with just under a second to go to seal a thrilling 118-116 come-from-behind win over the upstart Knicks.

However, adding a final dose of epic drama, new Knicks phenom Amar'e Stoudemire appeared to nail a game-winning three pointer with just 0.4 seconds remaining, sending Spike Lee and the rest of the raucous Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenetic frenzy. However, upon further review, the shot was called off as the video replay proved that the ball was still in Amare's hands when the red light on the backboard lit up, signaling the end of the game.

While the box score will show that Boston's Big Three stole the show (Pierce finished with a season-high 32 points and 11 boards, KG posted his 12th double-double of the season with 20 and 13, and Ray pitched in with 26 points, including several key three-pointers), even the most casual fan cannot overlook the stellar performance turned in by Stoudemire. By racking up 39 points and 10 rebounds, Amar'e extended his streak of 30-point games to a mindblowing nine straight contests. 

With the pivotal road victory, the Celtics extend their winning streak to 11 games and improve their overall record to a staggering 20-4 (they recently became the only team in NBA history to begin four straight seasons with a 16-4 record or better). However, the real story from last night was that the New York Knicks appear to be back, or at least on the rise. 

The buzz last night at the Garden (Madison Square that is, not the TD) was electric, almost playoff atmosphere-esque. Unlike years past when playing the Knicks seemed like a walk in the park, this new Knicks club is different. The Knicks are no longer the laughingstock of the NBA, a dysfunctional club with no direction, full of mega-deal busts and corrupt leadership (ie. Isiah Thomas).

Amar'e has changed everything, infusing energy and attitude into a team in serious need of both. He's also surrounded by a young core that seems to only be getting better. Raymond Felton looks like a bona-fide NBA point guard playing alongside Amar'e. European 1st round pick Danilo Gallinari had several huge buckets down the stretch, including a thunderous reverse dunk and key left-handed floater. Toss in athletic high-flyers like Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas and Landry Fields and there's no doubt the Knicks are on the rise. 

Before the game even started, Pierce was asked about the potential rivalry with the Knicks. His response: "Hey, if that's what y'all want it to be, if it'll sell more tickets and get more viewers, then I guess so....The media makes up the rivalries, we don't. To be honest, New York is playing well, they're in our division, and both teams are streaking, so it's going to be an exciting game."  

Pierce was exactly right and so was the media. After all, Celts/Knicks may not have been a rivalry before last night, but it certainly appears to be heading that way now. And if the rumors about Carmelo Anthony joining the Knicks via trade or free agency materialize, the Celtics may soon find out that they're not the only beast in the Atlantic Division.