Knicks Defeat Thunder 98-92

It may not have been pretty, but the end result was not only what the Knicks wanted, but what they needed.  Ronnie Turiaf (2 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks) rejuvenated a Knicks team that was down by 12 early in the first quarter, with an uncanny 6 blocks that reset the defensive tone that has helped make the Knicks relevant once again.  Many individuals are waiting for the Knicks to go into a lull against bad teams, Amare Stoudemire (26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) is determined to not let that happen.  Amare showed his grit, strength and gracefulness yesterday afternoon, powering the Knicks in the fourth quarter with his 9 points and 6 decisive points in a row as the game was on the line.  Stoudemire showed grit by continuing to go to the basket (even while not shooting that well throughout the game), strength by backing down James Posey with ferocity, and gracefulness by knocking down the decisive jumper that gave the Knicks a lead the Pacers simply could not fight back from.  Amare was not the only hero on this gritty night that was mared by the injuring to Danillo Gallinari's (19 points, 5 rebounds) knee (which was diagnosed as a knee sprain and we are currently awaiting a status update after an MRI today), Ronnie Turiaf's out of joint knee, and Raymond Feltons dismal performance (14 points, 2 assists).  Wilson Chandler (10 points, 6 rebounds) gave a gritty effort on what was an off night offensively, and continued his lack of emotional display by knocking down a pertinent half court shot and walking grim faced to the bench.  Toney Douglas (12 points, 7 assists), also hit a big 3 in the fourth quarter that helped bring the crowd back into it and spark the big fourth quarter run.