Knicks 113, Wizards 110: Scenes from a surprisingly rollicking Madison Square Garden

Aw crap, I’m getting a little emotional. There has to be some reason we continue to watch this woebegone New York Knicks franchise, right? Strangely enough, Sunday night’s contest with the Washington Wizards provided a wonderful example of just what it means to cheer for the orange and blue.

With the NBA’s worst record already locked up, the ‘Bockers found themselves in a familiar position, down 12 in the fourth quarter. But this rag-tag group of kids and roster cannon fodder fought back, with the Madison Square Garden faithful cheering them madly every step of the way.

Who do you go to with the game on the line? The answer, of course, is Mario Hezonja. The Croatian dynamo started at the point once again, and helped will the Knicks back into the game.

Then, when the Wizards retook the lead in the final minute, it was Hezonja who stuck the game-winner in front of the Washington bench, pointing at Jeff Green for effect.

Super Mario finished with a career-high 30 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Oh, you want some defense? How about young Mitchell Robinson, who anchored the Knick D with 3 blocks to go along with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Props to Dennis Smith Jr., who came off the bench noticeably suffering from a bad back, yet came with some huge buckets down the stretch.

Finally, respect to the MSG crowd, who showed the NBA what a real New York arena experience is supposed to be. Hopefully next season there’s a better team to cheer on.

Matt Miranda has the recap. Party on!