NEW YORK, NY – In a ‘must win’ situation, the New York Knickerbockers came through and beat the Indiana Pacers 85-75 Thursday night at The Garden. Unfortunately, the Meet The Matts All-Event Press Pass had expired, so Preacher Collins – (me in the third person) had the privilege of watching from a local gastro-pub just a block away. Thanks a bunch to my Editor-in-Chief… you will soon be receiving an expense claim for 3 orders of mozzarella sticks, 2 plates of Hot wings, and a gallon of Pepto…
Before we kick it in full gear, shout out to my good friend Beth Wrubleski, who is enjoying shopping at the Brimfield Antique Show up in great state of Massachusetts. 
She’s looking for hidden gems in what some people would call old junk, much like desperate MLB managers right before the July 31st trade deadline…
The Knicks were down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals needing to step up the pace defensively, offensively, managerially and heck…even janitorially. (is there such a word?!) 
Things were looking pretty dismal for the Knickerbockers coming home after being spanked twice in a row in Indiana. And even the pub patrons across from Madison Square Garden had their doubts, choosing to play the Ranger’s games on the biggest screens and sound systems while the Knicks fans had to settle for the little screens in dark corners. That’s okay. I like dark corners…
Carmelo Anthony led the locals with 28pts and 6 rebounds but the real story was the bench. While Jason Kidd and Amar’e Stoudemire were grounded and made to stand in the corner for the 2nd half, J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland downed a case of Red Bull and scored 13 points each, as the Knicks out-benched the Pacers 35-10. Game Six is later today, back in Hoosier territory at 8pm ET. Preacher Collins’ predicts the Knicks making a late 4th quarter win so he can go back to that same gastro-pub to see the series finale. And said author will be looking for that guy named “Juan” who said Preacher Collins “…wasn’t a real New Yorker.” Being born in Atlanta but having lived in New York City for over 14, years paying millions in taxes, I’ve earned a New Yorker title…don’t cha think? Well, maybe this time I’ll just smack the guy when he smarts up. That’ll settle it. he he
Moving on! Since the Braves have cooled off a bit, let’s have a look at the Mets, whose Matt Harvey just joined the Five-O club breaking out of a pitching slump (no wins in past 4 starts) to win his 5th of the year against the Chicago Cubs in a Friday matinée at Wrigley. David Wright smacked his 6th HR and Daniel Murphy tagged one for his 3rd. The win brings the Metropolitans to 17-23 for the season…hmmm back to the Braves. Right Fielder Jason Heyward is now back in the lineup after appendix surgery in April along with Brian McCann who returned earlier this week from off-season shoulder surgery. It’s the first time that they will be playing in the same line up this year so let’s see if the Braves can get back to top shape against the Dodgers after going a dismal 4-6 in their past 10 games.
In an interesting side story, MLB is currently considering expanding the Instant Replay rules for the 2014 season. Former Yankees manager Joe Torre is on the sub-committee as well as Tony La Russa and Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz. Currently, the Instant Reply can be used to for judging home runs but the thinking is to expand that not only for balls and strikes but for all close plays. Rumor has the sub-committee has been considering letting the Umps use Google Glass for instant replay viewing. However, the recent licensing of the entire Baywatch TV show collection by the Umpires Union has one wondering what they will really be doing…
Be kind, be safe and tune-in tomorrow for Cheesy Bruin.
