Three weeks ago it seemed crazy to think that the Sixers could aim for the Knicks and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. But even when the national hoops media were fawning over New York and Amar'e Stoudemire at that time, a closer peek at the numbers — offensive and defensive efficiency, strength of schedule — said that the Knicks weren't nearly as impressive as their record indicated.
How quickly things changed. They had to struggle past the Wizards at home last night to end a six-game losing streak and maintain a four-game lead over the Sixers.
Don't be surprised if the Sixers enter a home-and-home with the Knicks in two weekends with a chance to draw even in the standings, and considering the Knicks play a style similar to the Suns — a style the Sixers enjoy — don't be surprised if the Sixers are ahead of the Knicks when the All-Star break arrives.