Knicks Lakers - 2013 Finals Preview?

The Lakers visit the Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden, on the heels of an embarrassing 6 point loss to Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Dwight Howard/Kobe Bryant era in Los Angeles has gotten off to a very rocky start at 9-13.  They are losing their grip on the city of Los Angeles as they already trail their Staples Center cohabitant LA Clippers by 7 games in the Pacific Division through 22 games.

Making his return to the Garden is former Knick Coach Mike D’Antoni, now with the Lakers.  The D’Antoni era in New York never reached its full potential, as his coaching style seemed to clash with team superstar Carmelo Anthony, and he “resigned” midway through last season, after an 18-24 start.  He has dropped 8 of his first 12 games as Lakers coach, and many across the league are beginning to question his ability to win with this Kobe Bryant led team.  With Steve Nash and Pau Gasol out with injury, the Lakers bring a much less formidable team to the Garden tonight.

Coming off of a hard-fought 3 point victory versus the cross-town rival Brooklyn Nets, the Knicks will be faced with a very difficult matchup against the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard.  Kobe is currently the league’s leading scorer, just ahead of Carmelo Anthony, and historically performs very well at the “world’s most famous arena.”  The future hall of famer owns the MSG scoring record with 61 points in 2009 over the likes of Michael Jordan and Knick legend Bernard King.  Lakers newcomer Dwight Howard is considered the NBA’s best center, but has struggled in his recent match-ups versus reigning defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler.  Howard averages just over 9 points per game in three games since Tyson joined the Knicks, well below his career average.  The Lakers will be faced with the tough task of trying to cover Carmelo Anthony, coming off arguably his best performance as a Knick with 45 points against the Nets.  They will likely match Anthony against New York native Metta World Peace (Ron Artest), as Lakers starting power forward, Antawn Jamison would provide no match for one of the league’s top scorers.  With the Lakers owning one of the NBA’s worst defenses, look for Carmelo to top 30 points once again.

The Knicks are currently 16-5 enjoying their best start in recent memory, and a 4 game lead in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division.  Newcomer Jason Kidd has provided a great spark to the Knicks, bringing a calming influence as well as timely shooting to help this team down the stretch of games.  In a potential NBA Championship preview, the surging Knicks take on the floundering LA Lakers in what promises to be another hard-fought game for Carmelo Anthony, and our New York Knicks.