Knicks Ride the Wave to LA!

The Knicks have been on a high as of late.  Taking all crushing waves that have been been put before them, and crushing them as others watch on in awe.  Starting with the surprising take down of the league best San Antonio Spurs, and rolling into Phoenix and absolutely obliterating the Suns, the Knicks have proven that all those "are they for real?" questions following their big win streak have been laid to rest.  The Knicks now boast victories over the Spurs, Suns, Bulls (2), Thunder, Hornets, and Nuggets.  These victories, combined with close loses to the Celtics (2 points) and Heat (8 points), have started to make the NBA Universe believe that the Knicks are no longer the doormat that they have been for the better part of the 2000's.  With a camaraderie that rivals that of Ewing, Oakley and Starks, the Knicks players are showing the grit and determination that is necessary to slow down even the most potent offenses (limiting Phoenix the number 2 scoring team in the NBA to 96 points).  This newfound focus on defense has helped the Knicks transform from a maybe, to a most definitely.  With Amare setting the tone, and the unheralded Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler continuing their consisten play, the Knicks are going to be a handful for any of the elite NBA teams.  One of the most overlooked players that has helped bring about the Knicks renaissance is Ronny Turiaf.  Not afraid to deliver the hard foul, Turiaf along with Amare, have brought back some of that toughness that made the Knicks of the 1990's so successful. 
It could not be a better time for the Knicks to roll into LA.  With the Lakers recent struggles, and the Knicks recent surge, this should be an entertaining game that will be a battle till the very end.  The Knicks need to ensure they are not overconfident as they view the recent struggles of the Lakers, and take the court with energy from the tip.  Kobe is going to get his and it will be a tall order for Turiaf and Amare to contain Gasol and Bynum, but it can be done.  As long as the Knicks focus on help defense, bring the right amount of energy and push the ball, they can continue their resurgence and perhaps defeat the Lakers for the first time in years!