A Hot Start in New York



Rasheed Wallace



 18 wins. 5 losses.  Many would predict such a start for Miami or Los Angeles, but in fact the oldest team in NBA history is off to the best start in the league.  The Knicks have found a formula for success by playing small at the power forward position with Carmelo Anthony.  His ability to score from the arc or post has stretched out the defense for the pick and roll.  Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler have connected for a league best 21 alley oops.  This type of lineup has led to the past two championships in Miami and Dallas.  With LeBron playing the four last year, and Marion the year prior, Novitzky and Bosh had room to get their shots off with relative ease. 



"Three To the Head"



Another huge contribution to the Knicks hot start has been the play of the bench.  J.R. Smith and Rasheed Wallace have been huge off the bench.  Smith is averaging 14 points per game and Wallace is averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds in limited time.  His numbers may not be spectacular, but Wallace has brought immeasurable energy to the team and the entire roster now uses his three point celebration.

All in all, this Knicks team is off to one of the best starts in franchise history.  Not to mention, they are missing two of their best players; Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert.  Many "experts" are predicting a decline in production when Stoudemire returns.  However, with the way the Knicks are playing, I expect big things from STAT in his return.