Ripple Effect Under the bright lights of a national stage, Isiah's Knicks imploded in Boston. It started with Eddy Curry's decision to concede the opening tap. From there on, it was one brick after the next, followed by long faces wrapped in towels and topped off by a classic shot of Mardy Collins yawning at defeat. By night's end, former Knicks Doc Rivers & Tom Thibodeau appeared both astonished & content with the final score.

Former (and beloved) Knicks announcer, Marv Albert must have relished the opportunity to call the game, seeing as how Jim Dolan unceremoniously let him go. Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller & part-time Knicks announcer Kenny Smith, belabored their points in comical fashion over the sorry state of NYK basketball for 2 ½ hours. When it was over, newly acquired Kevin Garnett in vintage "mass-hole" fashion rubbed our noses is a one of the worst losses in franchise history. Oh, the joys of the New York vs. Boston rivalry.

24 hours later, the Knicks returned home to face a formidable Milwaukee Bucks team before a hostile MSG crowd. Isiah Thomas smiled sheepishly during player introductions, while a chorus of boos serenaded him. Through 3 quarters, the team appeared destined to be blown out again until Jamal Crawford rediscovered his flare for the dramatic and led New York to a riot-saving win. For those who see the glass half-full, a third win in four games is an accomplishment. For the realist, a win over the Bucks at home does not erase the pain of a 45 point drubbing in Beantown.

The ripple effect from the Boston Massacre will be felt all season long. Isiah Thomas has clearly worn out his welcome and a roster shakeup is certainly in order. Watching the team rally for a victory with Stephon Marbury in the trainer's room only reinforces the notion that removing Starbury from the equation may be in the team's best interest. Marbury, who has shown he only plays hard when so inclined, must prepare to face the league's premier point guards in Steve Nash & Jason Kidd. Should the Knicks captain conveniently miss both games with injury or go AWOL again, then he should exit through the doors to 33 rd & 8th Avenue and hand John Starks his jersey on the way out.

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Barring a trade involving picks, the Knicks will have their lottery pick for the 2008 draft. It figures to be a top-5 selection, which may allow them to address their need for a playmaking, defensive-minded point guard. Memphis' Derrick Rose has drawn comparisons to Dwayne Wade. Ironically, USC's freshman sensation, OJ Mayo is compared to Stephon Marbury. Buyer beware.

-Greg Hutchins