Dear God -- all I want for Christmas is to see the Knicks come alive.  I'm not asking for wins, even playoffs.  But please God, give New York something to cheer about.  First the MTA, now the Knicks?  Please, bring them to life.

Come on guys.  It's the Holiday-freaking-season.

It's that time of year, folks.  Tonight I witnessed the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and let me tell you - I did feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Don't laugh, you would too.  It's simply gorgeous.

Yet, the MTA decides to spare New York of its lifeline -- its circulatory system, if you will.  The MTA simply has stopped coming to work, and New York has felt the effects.

Sadly, this virus is spreading to the New York Knicks.

After a frigid 16 block walk downtown, I passed the Mecca of Basketball - Madison Square Garden.  What did I hear?

"What's that?  The Knicks lost to the Spurs?  Get out of town.  Oh, that's right.  The subways are down.  In that case, that's old news buddy."

My, how forgotten the glory days of LJ and "the shot" of Allan Houston have become.

Funny, how things change over the years.  Let's take the term "Mecca of Basketball" as an example:

First of all, let me say that I AM guilty of thinking three things when I think of the Middle East.  Camels, Bazaars, and lots of freaking sand.  Unfortunately, after 9/11 and some incoherent George "Dubyah" rhetoric, different images come to mind.  Just be politically incorrect, I'll say the word "TERRORIST" is a recurring theme.  No, I will not say BOMB. 

"BOMB?!  DID SOMEONE SAY BOMB?!  Quick, tackle the first guy you see wearing a turban and frisk him like he's a serial killer on the loose!  Forget the guy sprinting for the Q downtown with the sketchy briefcase." 

It's sad, really.  But I digress.

My point is this: it pains me to know that MSG is still referred to as the "Mecca of Basketball".  See, my YMCA Coach told me in 5th freaking grade that basketball comes down to three things. Heck, maybe if I was that young today with a good jumpshot, who knows?  I could be drafted in the first round.  But back to the three tenets of basketball:

Defense, Teamwork, and Effort.

Funny.  Jerome James can relate to the term "defense".

"Wow Tony! (as in Tony Parker) That was a niiiice lay-up.  I wish I was that fast.  Hey, did you know that the key here in New York is painted orange?  How funny is that?  I've been staring at this floor for ages!  It's just so..."

Please, Mr. James.  I love the fact that you bring size to this team.  But please, play some defense.  Please.  Coach Rick would definetely make you run suicides at the Y all night.

As for teamwork, that's a whole other story.

First of all, any Knick fan has an opinion on Marbury.  I love the guy.  Hard-nosed, tough, scrappy.  He's got game, period.  I do not place ALL the blame on this guy, as the masses in MSG (who were losing by 32 at freaking HALFTIME) are so prone to do.  Don't get it twisted, folks.  It is NOT ALL STEPH'S FAULT.   Would you prefer him NOT to play at all?  Yeah, that's what I thought.  The team simply needs more offensive firepower.  Not to mention Crawford should be starting.  But honestly, teams run circles around our bigs i.e. Eddy Curry, simply because they understand one thing the Knicks don't:

Teamwork.

I don't think "chemistry" is a theme for the Knicks this year.  Unless Steph is spoonfeeding the baby bigs down low, I might as well nap until he takes his next J or crosses up the next defender.  Please, make something happen.

I don't know how Larry Brown sleeps at night.  Here's a quote (paraphrased) from the post-game:

"See it's funny.  A couple weeks ago, I was real happy with the effort level.  I thought it was a good level, and we would be alright.  Now I'm not so sure."

When Larry Brown says this, a coach who has essentially seen it all, it is bad news folks.  Bad freaking news.

 On the bright side, I have heard that Steph did act out of character tonight.  He was encouraging, commanding, motivating, and dare I say -- leading the team.  But as of now, things are just plain ugly.

Defense?  Nope.

Teamwork?  Psh, right.

Effort?  I thought so... now I'm not so sure.

2006 is around the corner, fellas.  I'll be at MSG January 2nd.  Please, dive on the floor.  Let me hear the sound of knees burning on the hardwood for a looseball.  And please, beat the Suns.