That was.......unexpected.
In a matter of months, the Knicks have gone from abominable to respectable. In a matter of weeks, the 76ers have gone from a blight in human history to likable scrappy underdogs. Monday's MLK Day matinee between the Knicks and 76ers was a collision between two rapidly rising rosters. But all rises are relative, and after 56 minutes of blockbuster basketball - so entertainment! such dramatic! - New York emerged with their fifth straight home win, 119-113.
Carmelo Anthony returned after missing two games with an ankle sprain and though he struggled with his shot, the Knicks would not have won without his 49 minutes.