New York Knicks...Wrong AND Right

Stephon Marbury, MSG

The Knicks and Stephon Marbury still have not resolved their stalemate. Mike D'Antoni doesn't want Marbury to play. President Donnie Walsh is not sure why. D'Antoni diffused speculation that there is a rift between he and Walsh over Marbury's use.

"There will never be a rift between Donnie and I. ... That's not going to happen," D'Antoni said. "I'm sure he's not going to agree on everything I'm doing. We'll talk everything out, I'll convince him some, he'll convince me some, but that other thing will never happen. And we're on the same page, we'll always be on the same page."

Whether or not they are on the same page, the end result is that Marbury sits. It's hard to make Marbury out to look like a martyr but the Knicks are doing it. I've mentioned it before, Marbury's been a good soldier. He's said all the right things and sat patiently on the bench.. At least he HAS sat patiently... I didn't even see him on the bench for today's 107-99 win at the Garden against the Utah Jazz. I didn't see him Friday night against the Wizards either. He's in shape and wants to play. He should play. If the Knicks don't want him... Trade him or release him... End of Story. This is dragging out way too long.

All that being said, on the court, the Knicks look great. They are buying into D'Antoni's system. They're even playing some defense. They knocked off the previously undefeated Jazz with a nice mix of offense and defense. They've won 3 in a row and have a 4 and 2 record. Should we go crazy? No. But this is a pleasant surprise.