Having watched the Knicks roll over and lie down for both the Nets and the Kings (as an observer w/ nothing wagered), they really are beginning to look like a team that's figured out that the playoffs are a pipe dream; MSG's Walt Frazier's commented in both games how Nate Robinson doesn't have the bounce in his step and isn't providing that boost of energy he was during his hot run (shots aren't falling, etc.) when he comes off the bench - don't know if it's personal or if he's just gassed. D'Antoni's been playing w/ a short rotation all year - regardless of their conditioning, this may be where that 7 seconds or less arrangement has finally caught up w/ his players and they're no longer as focused, as fit, etc. as they were to start the campaign - the 1st warning sign was when Duhon had to sit out a couple of games b/c of a sore back/back spasms.
What concerns me most about Orlando is their addiction to the 3 pointer; if it's falling, great - if not, well, easy to collapse on the interior and Howard given that they really don't have players who possess reliable in b/w games... Their defense definitely has gotten better, but do still think that Alston and Terkoglu are liabilities at that end, over reliant on the shotblocking ability of Howard to compensate for their deficiencies.
