Dan Keston is a freelance writer who has contributed to CBS Sportsline, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and many online magazines. E-mail him at dkeston@mail.com.
Last year, the New York papers were full of reporters and fans shouting that the New York
Fortunately for Patrick, this time he doesn't have to watch his teammates from the sidelines...
Knicks didn't need Patrick Ewing. Well, maybe they didn't need him last year. But yesterday, they sure did. Down 82-81 to the Miami Heat, Ewing got the ball, swerved around Mourning, and dunked home the game winner. And just like that the Knicks were back in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fortunately for Patrick, this time he doesn't have to watch his teammates from the sidelines. Ewing will be ready for crunch time when the New York Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at 8:30 PM Tuesday on TNT. The rivalry between the two teams used to exist solely to determine who got the chance to lose to the Bulls. However, Michael Jordan has retired and Phil Jackson coaches the Lakers. Time has passed. The league's hierarchy has changed.
Meanwhile, Patrick and Reggie Miller have aged. These two superstars don't have many "next years" left. The loser may see his team broken up. He may have to retire. And lastly and most importantly, Miller and Ewing may be fighting to avoid the dubious sports distinction of a great player who couldn't win a championship.
One great playoff rivalry ended last night. Another great one starts Tuesday at 8:30 PM.
