ESPN is reporting that Baron Davis will play, but not start tonight against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.  On February 9th, Baron Davis scorched the Knicks for 16 points and 16 assists, as his then Clippers beat the Knicks 116-108.  Like Chauncey Billups, Baron Davis is currently battling a knee injury.

In Mike D’Antoni’s 3 year stint as coach of the Knicks, Baron Davis has put up the following per game numbers against the Knicks:

2003- The Knicks retire Patrick Ewing’s 33. The Hall-of-Fame center was a seven-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive, and 11-time All-Star. The 1986 NBA Rookie of the Year, is the all-time Knicks leader in total points 23,665, games played 1,039, rebounds 10,759, blocks 2,758, steals 1,061, and minutes 37,586.

Scores went after LeBron James unsuccessfully, and now it appears Rick’s Caberet is targeting Carmelo Anthony.

Via the Sun Herald:

Rick’s Cabaret NYC, the #1 gentlemen’s club in Manhattan, will roll out the red carpet on Wednesday March 2^nd to welcome newly minted New York Knicks basketball superstar Carmelo Anthony to the Big Apple. (more…)

Knicks tickets were never “cheap” this season.  The arrival of Amar’e Stoudemire increased demand amongst fans for seats.  The average fan, still could spend under $100 per ticket for most games, albeit not for the best seats in the house.  The arrival of Carmelo Anthony has changed all that…at least for now.  Ticket prices are skyrocketing, leaving Knicks fans with the choice of having to break their piggy banks to see the game at the MSG arena instead of the MSG television station.

1968 – The Knicks play their final game at the Old Garden on 49th Street (and 8th Avenue). In the finale, New York defeats the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-97. Walt Bellamy leads the way with 24 points and 21 rebounds.

Then…

Now…

1993 — Knicks sell out the first of what would be 433 consecutive games (regular season and postseason) with 19,763 fans watching the Knicks defeat Golden State, 105-101. John Starks leads the way with 30 points

2003 — Latrell Sprewell (38 points) ties the franchise record for most three-point field goals in a game, as he goes 9-for-9 from behind the arc and guides the Knicks to a 105-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden.

Last night’s game was terrific, referee blunders and all.

It awoke the NBA world to the New York Knicks.  The Knicks probably treated the game with a bigger sense of urgency than did the Celtics (although from the antics of Paul Pierce and Nate Robinson that is up for debate).  But that’s because they have a lot more to prove…RELEVANCE.

Madison Square Garden was rocking last night in a way it hasn’t since the most recent glory days of the ’90′s.  Not only is it refreshing to see New Yorkers caring about this franchise again, but you cannot underestimate the competitive advantage of the Knicks home court.  Simply put, the MSG crowd has the ability to be the best 6th man in the league and push this team to the next level.

Sure the Knicks depth is questionable, and their interior defense is questionable at best.  Yet all that aside, this team has Rocky Balboa-like heart.  LET’S GO KNICKS!!!

Via The Wall Street Journal Online:

The New York-based company said in a statement Thursday it has reached an agreement for “the option to purchase the LA Forum, subject to due diligence and other conditions.”

Once known as the “Fabulous Forum,” the arena in Inglewood, Calif., was home to the NBA’s Lakers and the NHL’s Kings until 1999, when they left for the new Staples Center. Taken over by Faithful Central Bible Church in 2000, the Forum still hosts concerts and other events.