Knicks-Heat Rivalry, Remix?

Some may be wondering why Knicks' coach Jeff Van Gundy is in the fetal position cradling another man's leg in the caption above. Well, I don't blame you. Despite the bizarreness of it, this picture impeccably captures the personality and flare of Van Gundy, his Knicks, and the Miami Heat of the late 90's.

The Knicks and Heat played four intensely competitive playoff series against one another between 1997 and 2000.  These four playoff series amounted to 24 games, with the Knicks winning 13 of them. Amazingly, each series went to the deciding game, with the Knicks coming on top in three. The rivalry was compelling and fierce. Fights were more commonplace than in the Rangers' hockey rink. There seemed to be a genuine dislike between the opposing players.

It is an undeniable fact that sports is more entertaining when rivalries are involved. A soccer elitist from Brazil would enjoy watching a Yankees-Red Sox playoff game. The 90's Knicks never won a championship. Despite this, the intense drama involved in their rival slugfests against the Bulls, Heat, and Pacers captivated New York City. A good rivalry runs deeper than just the game. The pride of an entire organization and fan-base is at stake. The story lines unfold like a soap opera. The drama and trash talk are hypnotizing and irresistibly compelling.

In the late 90's, a game between the Knicks and Heat was must-watch television. Unfortunately, these two teams have not matched up in a playoff game since 2000. This formerly epic rivalry has gradually faded out of existence. Today's Heat will be a dominate team in the East as long as LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are tag-teaming the league together. With the acquisition of Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks are certainly headed in that direction as well. They will be a competitive squad as long as Amare and Melo are in town. This year, they are poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. They have put themselves in position to be yearly contenders. So, can the rivalry be rekindled?

This past Sunday, Carmelo Anthony and the new-look Knicks defeated the Heat 91-86. The play-by-play announcers did their best to build up the matchup by reminding viewers of the history between these organizations. Truth is, Sunday's game was nothing like the old-time rivalry. But the stars are aligning. Literally. These two teams have loaded up on superstar talent in the past year. The stage is certainly set for Knicks-Heat rivalry part II. Personally, I can't wait to see Mike D'Antoni on his behind in the middle of the court frantically clinching onto Chris Bosh's leg.