You've Gotta Have Heart

 March 15, 2003
As the song goes, you've gotta have heart.  But, can you have too much heart; to much optimism?  In the eyes of so called fans, the Knicks don't have much to build on besides their mental state.  With only 26 wins to date, many followers see only the negative side of this team.  However, when searching below the surface, it is obvious that this team is made of something special, something more noteworthy than recording only 26 wins in 65 games.  This team is made of pride, character, and determination.

  While most people see these characteristics as no consolation to winning, I see the monumental importance.  Look how many big games the Knicks have won.  We defeated the Kings, Spurs, Rockets, Lakers, Suns, Nets, Magic, Wizards, and Indiana.  Do you think these wins resulted from a mass of talent?  Nope!  They came from the mentality of this team.  This team has never even gone as far as alluding to giving up.

  Chaney has done a great job instilling positive attitude's in his players.  In the press conferences after big wins or tough losses, the players always remain upbeat and determined to comeback and win the next game.  Unfortunately, there won't always be another game or way to make up for your mistakes.  This optimism contributes to one of the team's fatal flaws.  If you keep thinking we will win next time, the necessary sense of desperation won't be there.  Therefore, the Knicks must capitalize any situation possible.  And that has been a huge problem for this team, which is scrambling to make the playoffs.  The Knicks have just lost two consecutive games, one to the Grizzlies, and the other to the Hawks.  While it is not fair to pass these judgments on the Knicks' mental state because I am not in the locker room before the game, I see their upbeat attitudes as a potential problem.

  Despite the problems this upbeat mentality causes, it is certainly a good thing to possess.  The Knicks have nothing to hang their heads on because they leave everything on the floor.  Every night, against every opponent, with every loose ball, a battle will take place.  In my opinion, this is the first step in rebuilding the team.  We the league to recognize, like old times, that New York is not a pushover town.  No one can overlook a game at the Garden.  Looking down the road, the Knicks will have McDyess, Vujanic, and any other summer pickups next season.  These additions will help round out the teams' game, making next season an interesting one.   However, this season isn't over yet, and no one should count us out!

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