Knicks need help at point
Injured point guard Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks looks on from the bench against the Miami Heat in Game 3. (May 3, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The Knicks lost one point guard with an ugly injury Sunday and could be getting one back in Game 5 in Miami.
Baron Davis dislocated his right kneecap in the third quarter and was wheeled off on a stretcher. It's possible that Jeremy Lin, who had his left knee scoped April 2, could play Wednesday when the Knicks try to stave off elimination for the second consecutive game.
Interim coach Mike Woodson said he doesn't know what Lin's availability will be. The Knicks aren't practicing Monday, but Woodson said he will talk to Lin and the doctors.
Lin has been working out every other day on the court since the playoffs started, but he still hasn't scrimmaged. Last week he sounded iffy about Game 5.
It's hard to imagine he would be effective against the quick and athletic Heat after not having played in a game since March 24. But the Knicks could use another guard.
Iman Shumpert had surgery Wednesday to repair a left ACL and lateral meniscus tear suffered in Game 1. As of now, Mike Bibby probably will start for Davis, who will undergo additional tests on his knee Monday.
Davis was running on a fast break when he planted and crumpled to the court. As he was being wheeled off, Heat players tapped Davis' chest or rubbed his head and the crowd cheered. Davis raised his hands to the crowd.
"I was almost shedding a tear on the court, to be honest with you," Amar'e Stoudemire said. "I dropped down to one knee and said a prayer while he was on the ground. It was sad for me."
Shumpert at game
Shumpert was at the game, walking on crutches. The Knicks have said he will miss six to eight months, and Shumpert said he won't rush back.
"I'm not trying to beat any timetable," he said. "I just want to make sure when I come back I'm comfortable. Right now it's the end of the season, I want to take my time, make sure I'm healthy, so when I come back I'll help the team."
Finally, a playoff win
The Knicks' last playoff win before Sunday was April 29, 2001, in Toronto. Their last at the Garden was April 22, 2001, also against the Raptors.
