Knicks hope to extend winning streak to six
Mike D'Antoni isn't picky about who the Knicks beat, as long as they stay hot. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The last time things were looking this good for the Knicks, your average college senior had multiple job offers and your average American had never heard of a mortgage-backed security.
It was nearly five years and a world ago that the Knicks last won six games in a row, which is what they hope to do Saturday when they host the Atlanta Hawks at 1 p.m. at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks' last six-game winning streak was Jan. 2-13, 2006.
"Obviously, the objective is to win as many in a row as you can, but we won't get hung up on those, although five's a good start," coach Mike D'Antoni said after practice Friday. "I don't think we're complacent. I don't think we'll go, 'Wow, look at this.' ''
Still D'Antoni thinks his team has accomplished a lot in the last couple of weeks, and bristled when asked about the quality of the teams the Knicks beat during their current run. The Knicks' five consecutive victories - against Sacramento, Golden State, the Clippers and Charlotte (twice) - have come against teams that have a combined record of 19-41 heading into Friday night's play.
"Could you let me enjoy my Thanksgiving?" D'Antoni asked a reporter who questioned him about the quality of the Knicks' opponents. "I thought we were on a high. We've played well . . . We won on the road, four out of five. We've got a winning record on the road. That means we're pretty good."
A win over the Hawks Saturday would give the Knicks (8-8) a winning record overall, which is something D'Antoni talked about after their last win.
Atlanta has a 9-7 record but has struggled recently. The Hawks' 20-point win over Washington on Thursday ended a three-game slide. Atlanta has lost seven of its last 10.
"In order to be successful, you have to beat the teams you're supposed to beat," said Amar'e Stoudemire, who is averaging 25.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocks during the streak . . . We're starting to do that now. Next, we have to see if we can get one tomorrow. Atlanta's playing well for several years. We'll see if we can get one tomorrow."
Notes & quotes: Eddy Curry practiced with the team for the first time since leaving New York eight days ago to tend to an ill family member. He is not expected to play Saturday . . . Stoudemire is good friends with the Hawks' Joe Johnson. At one time this past summer, the Knicks hoped to sign Johnson to play alongside Stoudemire, but Stoudemire said he doesn't think about what-ifs anymore. He said, "That's the past, man. Joe is settled in Atlanta right now. He's playing for his ballclub and I'm playing for mine, so we're going to do battle tomorrow."
