[Updates Below] We've been there for every minute of this agonizing playoff series between the Knicks and Miami Heat—watched every Carmelo Anthony shot attempt, read about every fire extinguisher incident, listened to every absurdly confidant quote. And now we're exactly where we were last season, with a Game 4 elimination match at MSG. Amare Stoudemire is starting, bandaged hand and all—but will it make any difference? We'll be here to update the post through every high and low this afternoon.
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![[Update] Knicks/Heat Game 4: KNICKS WIN!](http://gothamist.com/assets_c/2012/05/5612knicks-thumb-640xauto-712396.jpg)
Results tagged “playoffs”
[Update] Knicks/Heat Game 4: KNICKS WIN!
Jeremy Lin Likely Out For Game 4, But At Least He Has A Fruit Roll-Ups Jersey
Last night was perhaps the cruelest playoff loss yet for the Knicks in this series against the Miami Heat: while game 1 was a blowout and game 2 was just glass-smashing, the Heat actually played really badly for a large amount of Thursday night at the Garden. LeBron James seemed to be doing everything he could in the first three quarters to give this one to the Knicks, yet they couldn't quite keep their first half momentum going, resulting in a thoroughly depressing 87-70 loss. Between their looming sweep and his lingering injuries, it's practically a certainty that Jeremy Lin won't risk more injury by playing in Game 4 on Sunday. But there is something he can do for the team: invite them over to binge eat his jersey made entirely of fruit-roll ups.
Knicks Still Optimistic For Game 3 Against Heat...Despite Everything
In the wake of two bad losses to the Miami Heat and Fire Extinguishergate, the Knicks are not exactly in great shape heading into Game 3 at the Garden tonight. But even with no Iman Shumpert, Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin, the team is still hopeful they can end their playoff win drought...somehow: “It’s a big challenge but we’ve been facing challenges all year,’’ Carmelo Anthony said after yesterday’s practice. “We all got to do it. I’m not going to do it myself. We just got to believe we can go out there and win the game. “They did what they had to do on their court. Now it’s our turn.”
Amar'e Is Real Stupid: Knicks' $99 Million Man Punches Fire Extinguisher Case, Injures Himself
As if losing a second playoff game to the Miami Heat was bad enough, the Knicks' $99.7 million power forward decided to make things worse by apparently punching a fire extinguisher's glass case at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. According to ESPN's league source, Amar'e Stoudemire is "'almost certain' to miss Game 3 on Thursday in New York and there is a possibility that Stoudemire could miss the rest of the series."
Knicks Hit New Low In Opening Playoff Game Against Heat
Well, that's one way to start a playoff series: the Knicks got utterly destroyed in game one of their playoff series against the Miami Heat yesterday afternoon. After a well-played first quarter, the game was never close again—the 100-67 final score doesn't even give you an idea of how pathetic it was. So all that confidence was definitely not justified. NY Times reporter Michael Powell has an idea of how they can win game two though: "Sign Ewing, page Oakley at car wash, ask Starks if he is still limber..."
Are The Knicks Absurdly Confident Or Justifiably Confident They Can Beat Miami?
Why is Stoudemire in particular so confident in the team? He thinks they have more depth than Miami: depth. “Our bench has been phenomenal for us all season long," he told the Post. "We’re a much better defensive team than we were before. We have so many threats offensively to match their offensive threats. So it’s pretty much even as far as our startling lineup and I think our second unit is a little bit stronger.’’
Video: Playoff-Bound Knicks Get Amare Stoudemire Back Tonight
Despite what the Charles Barkleys of the world might say, the Knicks have been playing their best non-Linsanity basketball of the season over the last few weeks, and could be poised for an exciting playoff run. With the Milwaukee Bucks losing last night, they secured a playoff spot for the second year in a row—and even better, Amare Stoudemire will be back in the lineup tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Knicks Playoff Tickets Pre-Sale Starts At Noon Today (For Some)
The Knicks have looked dominant in their last two victories—they're reminding us of the early-00s Philadelphia 76ers, with Carmelo Anthony taking on the Allen Iverson role. Barring any insane meltdowns over their last four games, the Knicks will definitely be in the playoffs, most likely the seventh seed in the East (though ESPN points out it's still remotely possible they could leap over imploding Orlando for the sixth spot)—which means they're facing a marquee matchup against the Miami Heat in the first round. And the pre-sale for playoffs tickets starts today for Chase cardmembers.
Rangers Regain Control With Razor-Thin Win in Ottawa
After a game marred by fights and physical play, the Rangers and Senators tangled in a tense affair that was long on energy but short on goals. Henrik Lundqvist needed 39 saves to record his fourth career playoff shutout as the Rangers squeaked by, 1-0, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Brian Boyle scored the game's only goal and has now scored in each game of the series, which the Rangers lead two games to one.
Lincredibly Linconsiderate: Knicks Admitted Lin's Injury After Playoff Ticket Deadline
When the Linsanity stopped on Saturday, with the Knicks' announcement that Jeremy Lin would be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, it seemed obvious to some observers that there were issues with Lin's knee, but the Knicks just weren't talking about it. Now, the Daily News suggests that the Knicks were holding back the Linfinitely disappointing news so they could sell playoff tickets to season ticket holders.
Linsult To Linjury: Do The Knicks Have Any Playoff Hopes Without Jeremy Lin?
Only a week after Linsanity rose from the dead as the Knicks put together a winning streak under new coach Mike Woodson, Jeremy Lin made the depressing announcement that he would need knee surgery to "repair a partially torn meniscus in his left knee." Following his sobering press conference (which you can watch below), Lin tweeted optimistically: "Thx for all the love! Ill return from this surgery stronger/better than before and hopefully in time for the playoffs! Ecclesiastes 3:1&11." But can the Knicks make the playoffs—let alone make any sort of playoff run—without him?
Who Really Thinks The Giants Are Still The Super Bowl Underdogs?
Last night, more than 50 million people watched as San Francisco punt returner Kyle Williams conjured the ghost of Bill Buckner, and Eli Manning's facial expressions led the Giants to defeat the 49ers in OT to advance to their second Super Bowl in the last four years. Despite turning into arguably the best overall team in the league over the last five weeks—and despite having beaten them already this season—the Giants are still considered the underdog going into their game with the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. But at least they can still hold this over the Jets on Twitter: "Some teams are happy getting to Conference Championship games, but #ImReallyGoodAt winning them! 5-0 all time!"
Bloomberg Wagers Street Naming Rights For Giants/49ers Bet
If the Giants lose, Bloomberg will send a dozen bagels from Bagel Oasis in Queens to Lee. He'll also rename 49th Street in Manhattan as "49ers Street." But he might be getting a little cocky about the Giants with all those delicious Green Bay cheese curds gurgling in his stomach: “Just like Hakeem Nicks ran right past the Packers’ secondary, the Giants are going to breeze by the 49ers on their way to the Super Bowl. After Sunday, Niners fans will be left with a taste as sour as their famous bread, and the Giants will have their sights set on another trophy.”
Everyone Loves Tim Tebow, Except For Everyone Who Hates Him
A recent "scientifically-conducted" national poll of people who actually answer phone polls (ie, no one we've ever met in our lives) found that 43 percent believed that God had a direct hand in the success of ultra-religious young quarterback/meme generator/metaphor Tim Tebow. It's certainly no secret that whether they love or hate him, 100 percent of sports writers, think piece columnists and late night comedians will talk about Tebow if given the chance. With a heated playoff match tonight between Tebow's Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, the internet is boiling over with Tebow pieces. And we can definitively say that everyone loves Tebow—except for everyone who hates Tebow.
Watch Playoffs, Super Bowl At Bark Hot Dogs And Save Big On Beer, Food
As you may know, there are some pivotal pro football games happening this weekend, in particular New Jersey's own New York Giants will be playing the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin. There are four games in all on Saturday and Sunday, and if you don't want to spend the entire weekend on the couch locked in your apartment, you may want to consider Bark Hot Dogs in Park Slope. The popular meat and beer emporium is airing all the games on their new 50” HD TVs, and they're practically giving away the Sixpoint on tap.
Jerry Seinfeld Preps For Post-Reyes Mets By Naming His Dog..."Jose Reyes"
Major League Baseball approved the sale of the Houston Astros today, which brought with it more changes to baseball: the Astors will move from the NL Central division to the AL West, and there will be one more wild card playoff team in each league, creating a one-game playoff after the regular season ends. But while this will be good for competition across the league, it probably doesn't mean much to Mets fans out there right now, who are facing another disappointing, disheartening season, this time likely without star shortstop Jose Reyes. And prominent Mets supporter Jerry Seinfeld told David Letterman he's dealing with the stress in a unique way: by naming his new dog "Jose Reyes." Watch below:
Donald Trump Thinks A-Rod Is A Loser
With one giant swing and a miss from star Alex Rodriguez, the $196 million Yankees season came to a pathetic ending last night against the Detroit Tigers. And with that final whiff (which you can rewatch below), the vitriol poured forth from sportswriters, Yankees haters and even Donald Trump across the web: "A-Rod is a less than average baseball player now that he is unable to use drugs. A-Rod misrepresented to the Yankees. He used drugs. They should cut his salary to $5 million a year -- tops!" Trump tweeted.
Yankees Post-Season Tickets On Sale (Oh, And, Russell Martin Hates The Red Sox)
Now that the Yankees have clinched their 50th playoff spot and are the American League East champs, 2011 post-season tickets are now on sale at Yankees.com. Here's what the Pinstripes say:
Due to a limited number of tickets available for sale, a maximum of two (2) Tickets to one (1) potential game (the "Ticket Limit") scheduled to be played at Yankee Stadium (each a "Game" and, collectively, the "Games") during the 2011 American League Division Series ("ALDS") and/or the 2011 American League Championship Series ("ALCS"). A maximum of four (4) Tickets in total, but no more than two (2) Tickets to one (1) potential game of the ALDS and two (2) Tickets to one (1) potential game of the ALCS may be purchased. Only a LIMITED number of Tickets (as determined by the New York Yankees in its sole and absolute discretion) will be made available during the On-Sale.more ›
Yankees Clinch Playoff Spot For 50th Time!
With their 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon, the Yankees have clinched a playoff spot. It's their third consecutive trip to the playoffs, their 16th in the last 17 years, and their 50th overall in the ball club's 108 year history. Their magic number to clinch the American League East Division over the flailing Boston Red Sox is now one.
Red Sox Pitcher Served Child-Support Papers Before Game... By Yankees Fan
Was a Red Sox pitcher rattled yesterday because he was served child-support papers before he started in a big game for the struggling team who are grasping at straws trying to hold on to their slim lead on the AL wild card? Or was it more because the process server was dressed in pin-stripes?
Caps Coach Cries About "Horrible," Sucky MSG
Our Rangers are in the playoffs (and finally won a game yesterday), so it's time to talk hockey, in which toothless men beat the shit out of each other with wooden poles the sport of kings. After losing two consecutive games to the Washington Capitals, the Rangers pulled out a last minute win on Sunday and head back to the Garden on Wednesday night to even the score. But it seems someone forgot to clean the visiting locker room's bidet, because Caps coach Bruce Boudreau took to D.C.'s airwaves this morning to complain about the facilities and fans at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks Prep For Playoffs, Walt Frazier Preps Wardrobe
The Knicks tip off game one of their first round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics tomorrow night; it's the first time the Knicks have made the playoffs in seven years, since the dreadful Isiah Thomas administration. Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony have been making the talk show rounds this week, promising that "we're looking to do something special." But many questions hover over the series: can the Knicks play defense consistently? Will Shaq be healthy enough to play? And most importantly, what will Walt Clyde Frazier wear?
Last Night's Action: Rangers Make The Playoffs
Rangers 5 Devils 2: The Blue Shirts got the last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference last night with a win over New Jersey. (They were also helped when the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Hurricanes.) Goals came from Chris Drury, Wojtek Wolski, Ryan McDonagh, Brandon Prust and Vinnie Prospal. Now the Rangers will face off the Capitals in the playoffs.
Bloomberg Makes Good On Bet, Desecrates Refurbished Library
Way back in January, before the Jets' Super Bowl dreams were dashed, our mayor made a deal with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl over the AFC championship. If the Jets had won Ravenstahl would have placed a Jets Fireman hat on a Pittsburgh landmark. But the Jets didn't win, so this morning Bloomie went and lived up to his end of the bargain by hanging a Steelers “Terrible Towel” on a New York City landmark. And what landmark did Mike choose? The just refurbished main branch of the New York Public Library of course!
Jets Again Sit on Precipice of Super Bowl
For the second straight year, the Jets sit one game away from the Super Bowl. Just as they did last season, the Jets won two road playoff games to get to this point and face another one in Pittsburgh. Last year, the Jets blew a halftime lead and fell to Indianapolis. This year, they face the Steelers with a berth in Super Bowl XLV on the line.
Bloomberg Announces "Terrible" Jets/Steelers Bet
After calling for ideas on what to wager with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on Sunday's AFC Championship game between the Jets and the Steelers, Mayor Bloomberg revealed what the bet would be today. Drum roll please: "The losing mayor will, while wearing the jersey of the winning team, take part in a volunteer service project to assemble care packages to be sent to members of the armed services who are from the winning city and recently have returned home." In addition, if the Steelers win, Mayor Bloomberg will hang a Steelers “Terrible Towel” on a New York City landmark and if the Jets win, Mayor Ravenstahl will place a Jets Fireman hat on a Pittsburgh landmark.
Rex Ryan Promises Victory Over Pats, Jets Hit City's Menus
Trash has been talked, guarantees have been made, and the whole city seems to be united around the Jets in anticipation of tomorrow's AFC divisional round playoff game with divisional rivals the Patriots. The Empire State Building was lit in green and white Jets colors yesterday to support the team before the showdown. And according to Rex Ryan, it will truly be an old west style showdown: "It'll be huge. The second biggest game in the history of the franchise. You've got your rival, at their place, off a huge, embarrassing loss on a Monday night game...We respect 'em. We do not fear 'em. And we're gonna win the game."
Jets Resent Brady, Giants Fans Resent Rooting For Jets
This weekend's anticipated AFC divisional round playoff game between the Jets and Patriots is already pretty personal for Rex Ryan, and it seems to be bringing out the fire in the rest of the Jets players. Asked about Pats Ugg-spokesman Tom Brady, virile cornerback Antonio Cromartie unleashed a verbal tirade to the News, calling him an "ass----," among other things: "F--- him...That's what I think about him. I don't really give a damn about him. I don't have to play against him. I play against the receivers."
Yankees Prepare For Decisive Game 6 Tonight
The Yankees play the Texas Rangers in a do-or-die Game 6 of the ALCS tonight at 8 p.m. The Rangers lead the series 3-2, led by the dominant pitching of potential future Yank Cliff Lee. But the Yanks, led by the hot bat of Robinson Cano, are hoping to sweep the last two games in Arlington, Texas; the last time they made a successful comeback was in 1996, when they were down 2-0 against the Braves in the World Series.
Yankee Stadium Parking Costs Sky Rocket
Mayor Bloomberg tested the patience of the Jinx Gods yesterday when he mentioned that he had already begun planning the World Series ticker tape parade before the team had even won the ALDS. But fans face an even more irritating prospect: even if they were somehow able to scrum up playoff tickets (costing a couple hundred dollars), they're now going to be facing increased prices for the privilege of parking near the stadium. Increases of nearly seventy-five percent.
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