Heat Finish Off Knicks In 5, Advance To Face Pacers

The Heat Throttle The Knicks, And It's All About Defense

LeBron James and the Heat ended the Knicks season in Game 5 Wednesday, and just like the rest of series, it all started on defense. But it won't always be that simple.

Despite Flame-Out, Knicks' Future Isn't Extinguished Just Yet

The Knicks didn't last long once the playoffs began, but this season built on the last. Improvement and a decent horizon are all that you can ask for as an NBA fan. New York is seeing that.

Knicks Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Cruises Into Second Round With 106-94 Win

For a Miami Heat team whose aspirations are NBA championship or bust, this first-round series was all about taking care of business, and they did just that tonight, advancing past the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs with a 106-94 victory.

It wasn't very exciting, more of a by-the-numbers win, but that's probably how it should be given their team competition. If the Heat's playoff run is like climbing Everest, this first-round victory would amount to little more than setting up at base camp.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined to score 48 points and led the charge in the second half, as the Heat extended their 11-point halftime lead to as high as 19 points with 5:26 left in the fourth quarter.

For the Knicks, there's been plenty of talk about the synergy, or lack thereof, between Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. A more pressing hot-button issue, however, is whether Anthony can legitimately play the role of superstar on a championship-contending team.

Down 14 points with 12 minutes to go, Carmelo Anthony hit one of his patented contested mid-range jumpers.

It was an inconsequential field goal, but Anthony's reaction to the shot -- which entailed jawing with a nearby Heat fan and mean-mugging the entire AmericanAirlines Arena -- told you all you needed to know about how far this core group of Knicks players have to go before taking the leap into the elite of the East. 'Melo, it should be noted, did lead all scorers tonight with 35 points.

Miami will advance to play the upstart Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Knicks Vs. Heat Game 5: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

On Wednesday, the Miami Heat host the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their opening-round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

With Amar'e Stoudemire back in the line-up after missing two games with a cut hand, the Knicks extended this series and staved off elimination on Sunday with a thrilling 89-87 victory, the first playoff win for the franchise since 2001.

Despite struggling to challenge the Heat for a full 48 minutes in the first three games of the series, the Knicks were able to overcome an 11-point third-quarter deficit, led by 41 points from Carmelo Anthony.

Many would question the validity of the victory given the circumstances. The Heat, perhaps mentally checked out of the series and not giving 100 percent effort, gave this one away to the Knicks, who had to play with a sense of urgency or face the end of their season.

Either way, the door remains open for New York, and it can place a sizable amount of pressure on the Heat with a victory.

Wednesday's game tips off at 7 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on TNT.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks' Guard Won't Play Vs. Heat, Mike Woodson Says

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin missed the final portion of the regular season with a knee injury that required surgery, but there was some hope the team would get Lin back for a portion of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. According to Knicks head coach Mike Woodson, even if the series went to seven games, Lin will not be available at all against the Miami Heat.

Woodson says no Lin, even if series goes 7 games. "He's not ready."

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) May 8, 2012

The Knicks went on a bit of a run with Jeremy Lin at point guard, sparking the whole "Linsanity" craze but the team has also been able to win games without him in the lineup. The team avoided elimination from the playoffs by beating the Heat on Sunday, but there won't be any miraculous return to the lineup for Lin in the 2012 Playoffs.

For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Jeremy Lin Injury: Knicks Guard Not In Great Shape, Likely Out Game 5

The New York Knicks lost Baron Davis to an unfortunate injury on Sunday afternoon and, as TV production people are wont to do, the camera immediately panned to Jeremy Lin following a commercial break. Lin was in a suit due to a knee injury of his own, but the consensus was that Linsanity may reign again if he were able to suit up for a do-or-die Game 5.

Unfortunately that won't be the case, as Lin is apparently not quite healthy enough to return from his torn meniscus. NBA.com's John Schuhmann has the relevant quotes from Knicks head coach Mike Woodson.

Woodson: "I'm not counting on Jeremy Lin to play."

— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) May 7, 2012

Woodson on Lin: "He's not in great shape... Playoff basketball, you've got to be at an all-time high."

— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) May 7, 2012

It's really unfortunate for the Knicks, considering they're now without three point guards -- Iman Shumpert tore his ACL earlier in the series -- and need to go on a winning streak in order to advance to the next round. In the meantime, Mike Bibby will be counted on quite a bit.

For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks' Guard May Return To Action In Game 5 Vs. Heat

The New York Knicks extended their season with an 89-87 win over the Miami Heat in Game 4 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series, and now they may get one of their core pieces back. Point guard Jeremy Lin, who has been out of action since early April with a torn meniscus, is eying a return to the court for Wednesday's Game 5 in Miami, according to several reports.

I expect Jeremy Lin to return for Game 5. His camp is optimistic that he'll be able to play in Miami.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 6, 2012

Lin has not played since April 2, but with backup point guard Baron Davis now out for the forseeable future after suffering a serious knee injury on Sunday, Lin's return would come in the nick of time (no pun intended).

For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Heat Vs. Knicks, 2012 Eastern Conference Playoffs Game 4: New York Wins MSG Thriller, 89-87, To Stay Alive

The Miami Heat won the first three games of their first round series against the New York Knicks by double-digits, but, with their backs against the wall on Sunday afternoon in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks finally put up the fight everyone had hoped for in this much-hyped series and won their first post-season game since 2001. LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony traded huge three-pointers in the final two minutes, and, despite a few missed free throws, the Knicks were able to hold on and win, 89-87. The series returns to Miami for Game 5 Wednesday when the Heat try to close it out a second time.

The first half was an ugly one, neither team could get much going, and the Heat led by six. Carmelo Anthony had 18 points but the rest of his team had just 20, which was foreshadowing for how the game would end. Amar'e Stoudemire returned with a heavily wrapped left hand — courtesy of the world's most famous fire extinguisher — and played surprisingly well, scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds, and shooting 8-for-13 from the floor.

The Knicks clawed back in the game in the second half behind Stoudemire and Anthony and, really, not much else. That is, until the game was tied at 81 with 1:23 left, when the ball was swung around the key and found Mike Bibby — in because Baron Davis gruesomely dislocated his patella earlier — who buried a clutch three-pointer from the corner. That's when things got really good.

LeBron James came back down and was left wide open by a hapless J.R. Smith, and he nailed a three-pointer to tie the game back up. 'Melo then went all hero-ball himself and hit another three, putting the Knicks back up three. The Heat had a chance to tie again — the way the game was going, it looked as if that was certain to happen — before Chris Bosh let a pass get away from him in the biggest moment of the game.

Anthony then took the inbounds and dribbled for a few seconds in the ensuing play before rising up and drawing a questionable shooting foul from Shane Battier on a three-point attempt. He missed the first two freebies but nailed the third to make it a two possession game. Though LeBron tried his best at bringing the Heat back with an unbelievable play, Dwyane Wade got the ball with the team down two points and the game winding down, and failed where so many have chastised James for doing the same in big moments.

This win changes nothing for the Knicks. Without Baron Davis especially, they can't climb out of a 3-0 hole to beat the NBA title favorites, especially having to win two games on the road to do it. This moment, however, showed us what we had all been hoping to see: a high-intensity playoff game with a satisfying finish at Madison Square Garden. The only question now is will Jeremy Lin return for Game 5?

For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Baron Davis Injury Is A Dislocated Right Patella, Knicks Announce

New York Knicks guard Baron Davis has suffered what the team is calling a "dislocated right patella" in his right knee, according to ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters on the broadcast. As most expected, Davis will not be returning to Game 4 of the Knicks' 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Miami Heat.

Related: Video of Baron Davis' knee injury | Miami Heat players recoil in horror after Davis goes down.

Davis suffered the injury trying to go on a fast break midway through the third quarter on Sunday. He tried to step through to go for a layup, and his right knee buckled. He had to be taken off the court on a stretcher, which should give you some indication about how serious this knee injury is.

For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Knicks Vs. Heat Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Miami Heat are on the verge of completing a sweep of the New York Knicks. On Sunday, the Knicks will host the Heat at Madison Square Garden and attempt to stay alive for at least one more game.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Where Steve Novak Is Key In Knicks' Struggles Vs. Heat

The New York Knicks have fallen into a three-game deficit against the Miami Heat and, surprisingly, it might be due to Miami's ability to bottle up Steve Novak. The 2012 NBA Playoffs are a funny thing.

Knicks-Heat Final Score: Heat Pull Away In Second Half For 87-70 Win

The Knicks looked like they could steal a win against a Miami team that looked to be on their C game, but LeBron James and Miami's shooters showed up in the fourth quarter while absolutely locking down an offensively stagnant New York team.

The third quarter was dismal for both squads, with a lot of missed jumpers, layups and violent fouls. It didn't look pretty, but Miami gutted their way through the period to take a two-point lead into the fourth. From there, it was game over: LeBron scored eight points in the first minute and a half of the period and Mario Chalmers drilled some threes to make the lead insurmountable -- or at least insurmountable for a team as offensively challenged as the Knicks were.

The Knicks shot 31.9 percent, courtesy of 7-for-23 shooting by Carmelo Anthony and a 5-for-18 night for J.R. Smith. But the Heat didn't give the Knicks any options, and so isolation it was. Teams don't win many games where they shoot 31.9 percent, especially when they're playing against a team that can put up buckets like Miami.

The loss was the 13th consecutive playoff defeat for the Knicks, the most in league history, a stat which you surely won't hear repeated a few million times before Game 4. New York's chances of winning the series look, well, bleak after going down 3-0, but Knicks fans can hold out hope that that streak won't continue for another season.

Important GIFs and videos:

There were a lot of them. You might just want to read this storystream.

There's a fan wearing a Delonte West jersey. No, wait, there's two!

Erik Spoelstra. (blink)

J.R. Smith and Lebron/D-Wade all like style points.

Chris Bosh Will Return For Heat Vs. Knicks Game 3 After Birth Of Child

Chris Bosh will return to the Miami Heat for Game 3 of the team's 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the New York Knicks, despite witnessing the birth of his child, reports NBA.com's David Aldridge. Bosh's wife gave birth to the couple's first child in Miami early Thursday morning.

There was some doubt that Bosh would return in time to play for the Heat. For one, the birth took place in Miami, and Game 3 is being played in New York in Madison Square Garden. For another, the birth of a child is a life-changing event, and the Heat probably wouldn't have blamed Bosh if he chose to stay with his wife. However, despite all of this, it appears Bosh will be catching a flight to New York in time to play for Miami on Thursday night.

The Heat hold a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

For news and analysis on these two teams, check out Heat outpost Peninsula Is Mightier, Knicks blog Poasting And Toasting, and SB Nation New York.

Chris Bosh Could Miss Heat's Game 3 For Birth Of His Child

NBA Playoffs 2012, Knicks Vs. Heat Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The New York Knicks' series against the Miami Heat couldn't get worse at Madison Square Garden. Could it?

Amar'e Stoudemire Injury: Things He Should Have Punched

Amar'e Stoudemire Injury: Knicks Forward Not Expected To Play In Game 3 After Punching Fire Extinguisher

New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire is, unsurprisingly, not expected to play in Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. This news comes after Stoudemire lacerated his hand punching a fire extinguisher in frustration following the team's Game 2 loss on Monday,

Stoudemire's status for the rest of the series remains up in the air. Isola reports that Stoudemire will see a specialist on Tuesday to determine if there is any ligament damage. Meanwhile, an ESPN New York report suggests there is a "possibility" Stoudemire will not play the rest of the series.

The Knicks trail 2-0 after Monday's 104-94 loss in Game 2. Game 3 is currently scheduled for Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are looking to snap a 12-game playoff losing streak that dates all the way back to 2001.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Amar'e Stoudemire Vs. A Fire Extinguisher, And The Knicks' Blessing In Disguise

The Knicks lost their 12th straight playoff game and went down 2-0 to the Miami Heat, and afterward there was an Amar'e Stoudemire injury involving a fire extinguisher. But there's good news, too.

Heat Vs. Knicks: New York Fans Unsurprisingly Unhappy With Result

The New York Knicks lost another game to the Miami Heat on Monday night, causing them to fall into a 2-0 hole to begin the seven-game series. The worst part of that loss is probably the Amar'e Stoudemire incident that happened after the game, but none of it is especially pleasing for fans of the team that plays its home games at Madison Square Garden.

For the official reaction from the New York fanbase, however, we turn our attention to the always excellent Seth Rosenthal over at Posting and Toasting. His recaps are legendary and, even in a loss, he finds ways to make everyone smile (sheepishly, in disgust).

When he got the ball, Stoudemire did some lovely things on offense. He deftly slipped some screens and got himself some finishes around the basket and drawn fouls. On defense, he drifted a lot, failed to help, and failed to box out, but had one violent block of Chris Bosh at the rim. Nothing unusual. Then he smashed a pane of glass and split his hand open. That was unusual.

To New York we go, probably without Amar'e in uniform. We'll see how that goes. Even short-handed, it couldn't possibly suck as much as these past two games have sucked, right? Right!?!!?

The answer to Rosenthal's final question probably isn't going to be what he wants to hear, unfortunately. It'll be awfully difficult for the Knicks to make up for the loss of Stoudemire but, on the bright side, anything is probably possible at playoff time.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Amar'e Stoudemire Injury: Knicks' Forward Cuts Hand Punching Fire Extinguisher In Locker Room, According To Reports

Things have apparently gone from bad to worse for the New York Knicks. There was apparently a lot of commotion in the locker room following the team's 104-94 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, and the reason is because Amar'e Stoudemire reportedly hurt his hand punching a fire extinguisher in frustration. Via Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire cut his hand after punching hard surface in lockeroom, sources tell @YahooSports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 1, 2012

The Knicks are saying that Stoudemire has a "laceration" on his left hand, and paramedics were called to the scene.

Stoudemire has struggled mightily since returning from a back injury, scoring just nine points in Game 2 and struggling on defense.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York.

Heat Vs. Knicks, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 2, Final Score: Miami Outpaces New York, 104-94

There's really not much to say: there was no defining moment, no superstar performance, no game-changing role player off the bench, no real goats: just the Miami Heat being better than the Knicks to the extent that Miami's second half lead never seemed in danger even as it never got out of hand.

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh combined for 65 of the Heat's 104, with Wade and James each finishing their share of unnecessarily impossible-looking plays at the rim. Carmelo Anthony followed up on a 21-point first half to finish with 30, but nobody on the Knicks did enough to make a difference. (Although I see you, Baron Davis, with 12 points on some threes and flashy assists.)

Now the Knicks are down 0-2, and with their 12th consecutive playoff loss, tying a record for most in a row, set by the Grizzlies. With the seeming talent disparity between these squads, one wonders whether that streak will be snapped in this postseason or whether success-starved Knicks fans will have to wait yet another year.

Noteworthy GIFs and videos:

Dwyane Wade disregards Mike Bibby's shoe needs

Ronny Turiaf and Erik Spoelstra compete to see who can celebrate better

Melo face-guards LeBron

Stay in this storystream for more on tonight's action. For news and analysis on these two teams, check out Peninsula Is Mightier and Posting And Toasting.

Tyson Chandler Expected To Be Healthy For Knicks On Monday Night

The New York Knicks were forced to play with a weakened Tyson Chandler in the opening game of their best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat over the weekend. The defensive centerpiece is expected to be back to his usual self on Monday night, however, provided there aren't any setbacks between now and then.

Chandler's suffered from what sounds like a terrible case of the flu, but Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears reports that the big man seems to be feeling better heading into the new week.

Source tells Y! Sports @nyknicks C Tyson Chandler's "fever is down and he is feeling much, much better" & will play in Game 2 vs @MiamiHEAT.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) April 30, 2012

In the Knicks' opening-game loss, Chandler turned the ball over seven times in 21 minutes as the Heat cruised to a 33-point victory. If Chandler's indeed healthy for Monday night's game, the tides may change -- or, at the very least, it'll likely be much more difficult for the Heat to score inside.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks Guard Could Return Vs. Miami

Despite suffering a setback in his rehab, Jeremy Lin said he could return for the Knicks' first-round playoff series against the Heat.

Knicks Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012: LeBron James Leads Miami To Game 1 Blowout

There was lots of anticipation for Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs series between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, but it quickly turned into a rout. LeBron James led the Heat on a 24-2 run to close the first half, as Miami easily defeated New York, 100-67.

James scored 32 points in 31 minutes, hitting 10-14 from the field and 11-14 from the line. He dominated Knicks star Carmelo Anthony on both ends, holding him to just 11 points on 3-15 shooting. Dwyane Wade added 19 points for the Heat in the win.

Making matters worse for the Knicks, promising rookie Iman Shumpert suffered a bad knee injury in the third quarter and did not return. Shumpert is tasked with guarding Wade so, if he misses an extended period of time, the Knicks are in trouble.

Knicks center Tyson Chandler did play despite battling the flu over the past two days, but was very ineffective, committing seven turnovers and picking up four first-half fouls.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night at 7 p.m.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

VIDEO: Iman Shumpert Injury Ends Knicks Rookie's Game 1

Iman Shumpert went down in pain in the third quarter of Game 1 between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat after twisting his knee.

The rookie guard writhed in pain as ABC went to commercial break; reporters in the arena tweeted that not only was Shumpert helped from the floor, but that a Knicks trainer held the back of the guard's knee for support.

Shumpert is one of the Knicks' best defenders as a terrific ballhawk and dribble disrupter. Shumpert's injury came just two hours after Derrick Rose left the Bulls' win over the Sixers with a similar injury.

The Knicks were being blown out in the third when Shumpert went down. Mike Bibby and Baron Davis will soak up his minutes at the point, and J.R. Smith and Landry Fields will cover the team at shooting guard.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

Heat Vs. Knicks: Tyson Chandler May Not Play In Game 1

Tyson Chandler spent Friday battling flu-like symptoms and may not be able to play in the New York Knicks' Game 1 against the Miami Heat as the 2012 NBA Playoffs open on Saturday. According to Newsday's Al Iannazzone, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said there's a "strong possibility" that the center will have to sit. Even if he does play, he may be in a weakened state. He spent Friday in the team hotel receiving fluids, and apparently wore a surgical mask on the team's flight from Charlotte to Miami to prevent the spread of germs to teammates.

The loss of Chandler would obviously be huge for the Knicks. The center is the anchor of New York's surprisingly good defense. One could argue that Chandler is the only consistent plus defender in the team's starting five. He also has strong experience cutting off penetration by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the strongest point of Miami's offense. Chandler starred in the Dallas Mavericks' NBA Finals win over Miami a year ago.

Game 1 is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

PROJECTION: Heat Vs. Knicks Has Potential For Drama

NBA Playoffs 2012: Tyson Chandler Suffers Flu, Could Miss Series Opener Vs. Heat

The New York Knicks will likely need to win one of the first two road games to have a chance to upset the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and that will be especially difficult without Tyson Chandler on the court. The Knicks' center missed practice Friday because of the flu, and coach Mike Woodson made it sound like the illness was serious.

Wow. Mike Woodson says there is a "strong possibility" Tyson Chandler doesn't play. I find that hard to believe

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 27, 2012

Carmelo Anthony finds that hard to believe, too, so it is possible Woodson is just being extra cautions. Nevertheless, it's something to watch come Saturday.

Chandler is one of the most important players on the team, especially defensively. Without him in the lineup, the Knicks will have to play small with Amar'e Stoudemire and Jared Jeffries taking turns playing center.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York. For a complete 2012 NBA Playoffs schedule, click the link.

Heat Vs. Knicks Schedule: Miami Welcomes New York For Round 1

The NBA got a surefire glamour matchup in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs as the Miami Heat and New York Knicks face off. The Knicks have a new defensive identity with center Tyson Chandler and coach Mike Woodson while LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh hope to avenge their NBA Finals loss in 2011 with a set of rings.

Here's the schedule as released by the NBA. All times are Eastern. The times and TV networks for Games 5-7 have not been determined.

Game 1 - Sat., April 28 at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 2 - Mon., April 30 at Miami, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Thu., May 3 at New York, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Sun., May 6 at New York, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 5 - Wed., May 9 at Miami
Game 6 - Fri., May 11 at New York
Game 7 - Sun., May 13 at Miami

For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.