"D" Is Key

The New York Knicks are 3-3 since acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets late last month. However, with a more consistent defense, the Knicks might be undefeated in the Melo Era.

These past six games have been a roller-coaster ride for Mike D'Antoni's Knickerbockers. After handling the Miami Heat down in South Beach, the Knicks blew a big lead to the Orlando Magic, marking a terrible collapse on defense. Not to be outdone, the Knicks played even worse defense Friday night when they were dealt their second loss in a week to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers who own the NBA's worst record, 12-49. Yes, the same Cavs who are 3-0 against the Knicks this season. I know what you're thinking, but LeBron James doesn't play for them anymore.

The problem with this team has always been defense. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they don't play any.

The Knicks have also fallen five games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who they play tonight, for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and a half-game in front of Philadelphia for seventh.

New York must play much tougher defense over the final 22 games if they want to have a deep run in the playoffs. D'Antoni has to stress defense, even though he is known as an offensive coach. If he doesn't, he may not be coaching these Knicks next season.