New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Ron 'Burgundy' Baker put forth great effort in loss to dominant Warriors (Highlights)
Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) drives the ball past New York Knicks shooting guard Ron Baker (31) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks Fans cringe as Madison Square Garden Showcases New York Basketball in its “Purest Form” in a 112–105 loss to the Warriors.

New York Knicks fans who attended Sunday afternoon’s 112 – 105 loss to the Golden State Warriors, were forced to watch the first half of the game in what Knicks officials called “the game in its purest form.”

That meant removing the distraction of stadium music, video and automated chant-prompts in order to have attendees suffer through another disappointing loss in virtual silence.

The scoreboard read “Enjoy the sounds of the game” and if you listened closely you could hear the discontent of fans’ as they lost even more respect for the team’s decision-making skills.

In a season full of disappointments, removing in-game entertainment was a pathetic attempt to reconnect to the “glory days” of New York basketball; a time when the heart and grittiness of New York was personified by the play of the team.

Known as the “Mecca” of basketball, Madison Square Garden was the ultimate destination for basketball players all around the world. Kids who shot baskets into hollowed out milk crates and garbage cans or played in parks across the city, pretended they were at the Garden, taking the game winning shot as the clock hit double zero. They dreamed of one day dawning a Knicks’ uniform and leading the team to an NBA championship. Players at the famed Rucker Park in Harlem showcased their insane ball handling ability that left the audience mesmerized and caused defenders to cower in fear.

Playing basketball in New York was a rite of passage. You had to earn respect or be forced to leave the court in shame. However, despite the city’s rich basketball history, the bright lights of the Garden have begun to lose its allure.

With only two championships in 71 years, Knicks fans are more familiar with the heartbreak and pain associated with losing, than the glory of winning a championship.

The Garden is often filled with the groans of fans as opponents knock down uncontested shots and dominate every facet of the game. Therefore, forcing Knicks’ fans to watch their team in silence as they struggle to compete against a far superior team and calling it basketball “in its purest form” is somehow fitting for the Knicks.

 
Sports, The Brooklyn Way. Writer, EliteSportsNY.com, Grind Now, Smile Later.