Dream Day at the Garden

Patrick gave us 15 seasons.  Fifteen years where Knick fans knew there would be games in April, May, and even June.  Now it was our turn to give Patrick something, something he more than deserves!  The Garden executives have been hard at work for several weeks planning this event.  It showed.  It was a perfect night!  In a season where not much has gone our way, not one thing went wrong. 

The ceremony officially started at 5:30PM, but the hype began way before.  There was a noticeable buzz in streets surrounding the Garden.  Outside the Garden, the talk was about Ewing, several news trucks were parked in the streets, and in front of the Garden stood the legendary scalpers.  In the Garden lobby, fans, members of the media, and members of the Knicks organization congregated.  Legendary stars such as John Thompson and Dave DeBusschere strolled in through the front entrance and made their way to the theater lobby.  Willis Reed entered through the player's entrance on 31st street just like old times.  This all helped to create a surplus of energy in the Garden.  About 40 minutes later than expected, Ewing's press conference began.  All members of the amazing guest list took their seats and watched Mike Breen, Scott Layden, Steve Mills, John Thompson, and Patrick speak.  After the press conference, there was a cocktail hour in the lobby.  Closer to game time, the Garden lobby filled up rapidly.  While luminaries were congregating and enjoying food behind the scenes, fans were pushing and shoving in the entrance way.  At 7:00, one hour before game time the fans were allowed into the arena.  On the way to the arena Ewing banners and pins were given away. 

The Knicks and Magic warmed up as if it were just any game.  But it wasn't!  After tip-off the old timers slowly began to make their way to their seats.  Every few minutes the Garden would erupt at the sighting of a Hall of Fame player.  However, the Knick players weren't holding up their part.  They got off to a slow start and seemed to be headed for a blowout.

 Then, with half of the first quarter remaining, Patrick walked into the arena.  The Garden erupted.  It was the loudest I have ever heard it.  Chants of Patrick Ewing shook the Garden.  Patrick took his courtside seat next to another famous man, Michael Jordan.  At the same time, Spike rolled into "Celebrity Row."  Now we had a packed, energized Garden, ready to see a historic event.  The Knicks responded immediately.  After one quarter, the Knicks led by 4 (22-18).  However, it seemed as if the fans weren't concerned with the game.  Towards the end of the second quarter, there was a lull in the action.  The Knicks were up by double digits and were cruising.  The honorary members of the guest list made their way to the back.  At the end of the second quarter, the good Knick play let up.  The Magic worked themselves back into the game.  At the half, the score was 50-44.

As soon as the buzzer rang to signal the end of the half, Garden workers ran onto the court and prepared for the event.  A video clip played on the Garden screen.  Patrick's greatest moments as a Knick were highlighted in the emotional video.  All got quite as the lights dimmed and Marv took over the show.  The current Knick players lined up on the foul line and watched the ceremony.  Each player wore a Ewing jersey in honor of the "Big Fella."  Each honorary guest was introduced and most received an ovation.  The guests were broken down into four groups; the current Knicks, Knick greats, opponents, and all-time greats.  Allan Houston, Willis Reed, Alanzo Mourning, and Herb Williams each mad a speech and presented Ewing with gifts.  The gifts were a black Hummer, a photograph collage, a collection of autographed jerseys of the great 33's in NBA history.

 Finally, Patrick made his way to the podium.  The Garden fans would not stay quite.  Patrick spoke for just under 6 minutes, and could not stop thanking all of those who helped him along the way.  The Garden was rocking.  Patrick didn't cry, but at the same time he didn't hide his emotions.  A new side of Patrick was displayed to New York.  This side is what all of his friends and teammates have been describing for so many years.  At first, he seemed nervous.  However, he soon gained his confidence.  At one point, it seemed like Patrick would not stop talking.  His speech was emotional and highlighted what a great person he is. 

After the amazing half time show, the players took the floor and began warm-ups.  The Knicks came out weak in the third.  After three quarters, they were down 1.  Still, the game seemed unimportant.  Several times, Ewing raised his arms trying to energize the crowd.  It worked.  The Knicks responded.  After regulation, the game was tied.  After falling down in OT, Patrick raised his hands again.   Spree went on a rampage, refusing to let his team lose in front of Patrick.  The Knicks battled back and had a chance to win in the first OT, but failed to capitalize.  In the second OT, the Knicks controlled the tempo, and won the game.  Patrick left the court once the game was sealed.  He departed with another ovation and chants of Patrick Ewing.  What else could Patrick ask for?  He saw a great game, had his jersey raised to the rafters, was honored by has peers, and received a great reception from the fans.

Ewing made his way from the court into the Expo Center.  After spending some time with his guests, he walked with his family to the theater lobby.  The lobby was filled with food and entertainment for all of the guests.  Slowly, the lobby cleared out.  Fans waited on 31st street for each member to leave.  The party finally ended around 1:30AM. 
Ewing seemed honored and happy to be there.  Finally this legendary Knick received the recognition he deserved.  Let's not forget that Patrick arguably won the game for us.  The energy he injected into the players and fans saved the day for New York.  When he majestically raised his arms, there was no way the Garden would let him down.  This was the perfect night for one of the greatest Knicks of all time.  Finally, he received the evening he deserved.

 New York truly misses him and would love to have him return to New York as a coach.  He opened up to the city in a way he never did as a player.  During his playing days, he was so focused on winning games that he simply didn't have the energy or state of mind to please the media and fans.  Who can blame him?  Now, 18 years after he started his NBA career we can see the true colors of this wonderful man.  He deserved every moment of the evening.

Author's Note: It was truly an amazing night. I was at the game, and was able to meet several old time greats., including Dr. J, Ewing, Clyde Drexler, John Starks, and other greats. He really derseved the night, and seemed so happy to be there.

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