H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m
-------------------- February 5, 2001 Family feud
Knicks/Heat is always dramatic and high on emotions. In its own way this rivalry outweighs Bulls/Pistons and Celtics/Lakers because this rivalry when looked at up close is almost just a family feud which makes it all the more stronger. Sure the media played a part in making it what it is now. But in all it's a family fight over who gets the family fortune Uncle Jordan has left behind. For those of you who don't know: Pat Riley used to be the coach of the Knicks. His assistant Stan Van Gundy is the older brother of Jeff Van Gundy. For Stan when their parents (he and Jeff's) watch the games they are on his younger brother's side because he's a head coach and has to win to keep his meal ticket. Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing (in seattle now but he was a center piece in this dispute) both attended The University of Georgetown, and did play under John Thompson about eight years apart. Ewing is Mourning's mentor and best friend, he even offered to donate a Kidney for him if it ever came down to it so Alonzo would keep on playing. Although Ewing was the only one able to neutralize him during their playoff encounters Zo still talked on behalf of Ewing after he was traded to Seattle, saying he was disrespected. These two remain bonded despite their professional differences. They play the same position which means in their prime they could never be on the same team, so were destined to spend the bulk of their careers battling each other. As the mentor Ewing knows the tricks he's thought his pupil, and even now on his down side he's found ways to keep his pupil's hands full when they've been matched up. Tim Hardaway and Lattrell Sprewell shared a backcourt back in their Golden State days. Imagine Tim Hardaway in his prime, playing with Spree in a run and gun offense. They both dreamed of being in winning teams, they knew it could be at the cost of each other's interest, but never did they think their teams will be this revolting against each other. Spree is now a symbol of the Garden Crew, Timmy hates the Manhattan squad. Allan Houston and Tim Hardaway were teammates on the Dream Team during the Tournament of the Americas and during the Olympics. Setting their differences aside to take up the role of Ambassadors didn't soften these guys' feelings towards their quest for supremacy in the Conference, no matter who the opponent. Larry Johnson and alonzo Mourning were also teammates in Charlotte. Together they formed a formidable center and power forward combination leading the hornets to their first playoff appearance. They went against the night's opponents as much as they battled each other for the spotlight and to see whose pockets could get the deepest. Larry Johnson won then with his "Grandmama" commercials, dunks, and was the fan favorite. Mourning has had more success with that part of his NBA life now that he's in Miami, but LJ who has already experienced that has had the upper hand in their do or die battles. Larry Johnson's departure from The Hive was through a trade that sent Anthony Mason from New York to Charlotte. In Charlotte Mase had a breakthrough year, while LJ suffered his worst season then. Yet he was still a key player for New York and played his role in helping them get to the finals in 1999 as an eighth seed. Mason looking back on the success of his former team couldn't help thinking it could've been him in "Grandmama's" position especially since he had improved. he seemed to have made it a point to show-up Johnson whenever they play to make Knicks management regret the trade ever happened. No matter what, LJ has been the citizen Mase was not. They're new to the feud but Eddie Jones of the Heat attended Temple alongside Rick Brunson of the Knicks. Glen Rice and Anthony Mason played together in Charlotte. As of now New-York leads the playoff series 3-1, it would be 4 zip had it not been for the Knicks more "hands-on" approach to problems. We can argue it's definitely been brought upon them by their coach. Obviously Uncle Jordan aware of gold diggers after his fortune would take care of business. These teams share the distinction of being the ones His airness loved to beat up on. Their defensive strategies designed by the same mind were indeed challenging. Madison Square Garden was just the biggest stage for basketball so the biggest star just had to shine there. Pat Riley is the Genius of X's and O's. The greatest player had to challenge the best coach. Until the beginning of this season, Pat Riley had finally cooked up the recipe for the Juggernaut that would bust right through the knicks wall but it seems fate has decided it's others' chance now. His star player has been sidelined with a kidney disease and all he can do is keep his hopes alive for a complete recovery of Zo'. Whatever the eventual outcome of this Saga it will be remembered as a classic in the basketball chapter that will stand the test of time. Next: King Webber Articles main Back to top
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