Garden Greatness

I know, I'm focusing a lot on Madison Square Garden this week, but that's what happens when a Rangers great has his number retired and the Knicks play host to the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics all in the same week. However, I will give my take on the tremendous performances we saw on the hardwood from Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on Monday and Wednesday nights.

19,763 fans packed the Garden on Monday night and proceeded to watch Bryant drop 61 points on their hometown team, breaking the record for most points scored at the current version of the World's Most Famous Arena. Two nights later, another sell-out crowd, another brilliant display of talent, as James put up 52 points of his own, finishing with a triple-double as well (10 rebounds, 11 assists). It was two of the best performances the building has ever seen.

What stood out to me was the love the fans showed for both of them. On Monday, fans chanted "M-V-P!" for Kobe when he was taken out of the game, and he saluted the crowd in appreciation. Wednesday's game was much closer, so the fans were still cheering the Knicks' effort, but you could tell there were several spectators who were applauding every shot made by LeBron. It was a site that you will rarely see anywhere else other than the mecca of basketball, MSG.

With the "Boston Three Party" coming to the Garden on Friday, can we expect another dominating performance by one player? If so, by who? KG? Ray? The Truth? Whatever the case, I don't think you'll see the types of games KB and LJ had. They make their teams, they are the focus, and they control the tempo. With Boston, it can be any of the three.

It's a shame the Knicks lack the type of talented player like these guys. David Lee, Nate Robinson, and Wilson Chandler are all talented, but neither of them come near these guys. For a team with history like the Knicks, you would think they'd have one. Well, 2010 isn't too far off is it? Pretty soon, LeBron will put on the orange and blue, and if not him, Chris Bosh or another big name basketball star will. It would be shocking and damaging if the franchise didn't nab one of them.