Don't do it Raymond.  Just don't do it!

Rare all Hoops Post today.  Usually avoid topic in deference to TeddyVegas http://www.randomactsofcommentary.com who simply outshines them all and is the Philosopher King of Roundball.  However, it's a big night in Beantown and I'm into it--  even though a family social obligation will prevent me from catching all but the final minutes--if that. Game 5 was a bruiser.  Brutal under the boards--freaky from the field.   Melo clanked 16 out of 24 (0 for 5 from the arc) and J.R. saw only 3 of his 14 launches touch twine. ; On other end, Jeff Green poured in 18 and J. Terry made timely deposit of 5 treys.  Will pendulum swing back other way? And BTW: Do you ever wonder if missed FG's should be considered turnovers? -- just for the record:  Melo ranks #1 in FG attempts in Playoff games and #3 career. Pierce is #9 and 28 respectively. 

If Knicks tumble on the Parquet floor it'll set up a Sunday scorcher on 7th Avenue with historic dimension of chance for the winking Leprechaun  to break the 3 zip series deficit barrier with his handmade wood shillelagh.

(Damn, another reason to feel Greenish) 

I wish the Garden-ers would stop trampling the blooms and making hard earned pride look like thug arrogance.   Donning all black on Wed. nite to signal funeral rites for Boston was just plain street stupid. I hate to admit it, but I fist pumped along with KG when he hit that tough 20 footer over a fooled Chandler in final minutes. I guess somewhere in my soul I felt Knicks deserved a spanking.   Would that funeral stunt spell class under any circumstances?  If Knicks survive, they'll continue to pay for it and I'm sure most of them already regret it.  Think that Jr. High School cafeteria jawing session after final buzzer wasn't direct result of the coffinated dis?  Surprised Woodson didn't shut that down the moment K. Martin suggested it.  

 And somebody has to talk to Spike Lee about his wardrobe--though he has set aside the oversized singlet  over the oversized jacket--and hats off to Woody Allen for donning the distressed Khaki Cap--nice contrast with the fabulous fashionistas sitting in the (if you gotta ask, you can't afford it)  court-side seats. 

Key to game 6. If Knicks are down 10 or more at halftime and Carmelo flashes that ironic/moronic smile as he goes to locker room, it's trouble for NY. But if Knicks are up 10 or more at halftime and Carmelo smiles as he goes to lockers, it's even worse trouble. 

All that said though, as wise Woody (Applebome, not Allen) observed, it's tough being a Knick fan once you know something about team and Garden Kingpin and Keith Richards wannabe Jim Dolan. Can't go much lower on the Homo erectus chart than this Boy Blunder and still be considered related to the species. And if you know anyone (as both Woody and I do) who've had the pain and misfortune of having to work for or under that wild child, it ain't easy to ignore the stench from the front office as you draw breath to shout Let's Go Knicks.   

 Celtics 97  Knicks 92...(in overtime) 

(At last minute I reversed myself and pulled up anchor in the Hudson and made sail for  The Charles--why? --cause I'm happier expecting the worst)

A Pre-game Triolet

(which I hope will appear bitter and sour in retrospect as the Knicks proceed to drive the lanes, pop from the perimeter and dig down deep on D... on their way to Champsville) 

From the Apple’s wondrous Garden all the juices have been drained

Cablevision heir Jim Dolan is the worm that ate the core

On superstars and corporate perks his venal eye is trained

From the Apple’s wondrous Garden all the juices have been drained

Faithful fans endured Isaiah, trades, dumb contracts, good men stained

When all they ever wanted was a game played right, no more

From the Apple’s wondrous Garden all the juices have been drained

Cablevision heir Jim Dolan is the worm that ate the core.