Knicks season ends with bitter first-round defeat to Heat
Chandler #6, Stoudemire #1 and Fields #2 of the Knicks defend James #6 of the Heat. (Getty) Credit: Chandler #6, Stoudemire #1 and Fields #2 of the Knicks defend James #6 of the Heat. (Getty)
The Knicks' season started with former coach Mike D'Antoni saying they should compete for a championship this year and ended with another bitter first-round defeat.
LeBron James and the Heat finished off the Knicks last night, winning, 106-94, in Game 5 to end the best-of-seven series.
After losing the first three games, the Knicks forced the action back to Miami with a two-point win Sunday at the Garden, which ended an NBA-record 13-game playoff losing streak.
But the Knicks didn't play with nearly the same passion or effectiveness Wednesday night. They trailed by double-digits for most of the second half and as many by 19 in the fourth quarter.
The Knicks haven't won a playoff series since 2000 or an NBA championship since 1973.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 35 points. Amar'e Stoudemire fouled out with 14 points and four rebounds.
James had his usual brilliant all-around game, going for 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each had 19 points.
The Knicks finished the lockout-condensed regular season 36-30 and made the playoffs for the second straight season.
They were never fully healthy in this series, but even if they had been, beating James and the Heat would have been difficult.
(with Newsday)
Breaking down your commuting options With no end in sight to the LIRR strike, commuters need to know their options for getting around. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.
Breaking down your commuting options With no end in sight to the LIRR strike, commuters need to know their options for getting around. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.
