Can the Knicks Make the Playoffs Without Amare?

The New York Knicks have been on a roll since the firing of Mike D'Antoni and the subsequent hiring of interim coach Mike Woodson going 7-1 in that span. Just when Knicks fans were thinking of a top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference news of a bulging disc in Amare Stoudemire's back surfaced. Amare looked rejuvenated and was playing more and more like the Amare of old since the coaching change, but his playing days might be over for the rest of this season. The Knicks power forward was diagnosed with a bulging disc and will undergo non-surgical procedures over the next 2-4 weeks in hopes of returning to the hardwood at the tail end of the season.

Obviously, the Knicks can't count on Amare's return at all this season which once again ultimately leaves this team in the hands of Carmelo Anthony...and the DEFENSE! Melo was fantastic against Milwaukee, scoring 28 points while grabbing 12 boards and going a perfect 12 of 12 from the charity stripe but the defense is what stood out most. After allowing Mike Dunleavy to go off for 24 points in the first half the Knicks buckled down defensively in half number two. The stifling Knicks defense held the Bucks to an astounding 28 total points in the second half and allowing Dunleavy to only had a mere 2 points to his total. Even more remarkable then only allowing 28 points was the fact that the Knicks managed to win the game despite shooting 35% from the field, 22% from the behind the arc, and committing 23 turnovers. If the Knicks played like that under Mike D'Antoni they would've lost the game by 30+.

This is exactly why I think the Knicks still have a tremendous chance to capture a 6-8 seed in the East. Teamwork, accountability, pride, effort, and dedication are all characteristics that Mike Woodson demands from his players and of his team, and I have no doubt he will continue to get the maximum effort out of this Knicks squad. The star-power of this year's and next year's team combined with the tenacity and fortitude of the Knicks' teams of the 90's makeup a Knicks team that's hungry and fun to watch.

The Knicks currently sit in the 8th spot in the East, two and a half games back of the 7th seeded Celtics. The Knickerbockers take on the Magic tonight on ESPN without Lin or Amare and possibly Melo (although I strongly believe he will play). They look to build upon their impressive resume under coach Woodson while inching closer to the rival Celtics.

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