March 23, 2001 - Nets 95, Knicks 86
Immunity Challenge
With Nets dropping like Kucha members, and shorthanded further still with Aaron Williams and Evan Eschmeyer fouling out, it was up to Stephon Marbury to survive Spree, Houston and Al Trautwig and vote the Knicks off the island. Having been surrounded by, well, Nets, Stephon Marbury has never won a game in Madison Square Garden in his professional career. Until tonight. The Knicks went on a late run to cut a double-digit lead to six, but faster than you can say "Tom Hanks is Oscar-rific," Stephon grabbed the flare gun and helped leathery Johnny "Wilson" Newman and Keith "Camper" Van Horn help themselves to coconuts. It took guts, grit, and guile, but they put the Knicks' flame out.

The Ogakor Knicks were also shorthanded, missing Marcus Camby, Glenn Rice and Larry Johnson. Despite a horrible game from Alan Houston (4 - 22 from the field) and a foul - plagued front line, they did their best to hang around, sparked on by Leader Latrell. Ah, what's sweeter than watching the underdog form a solid alliance and survive the bigger and more talented bullies? Not much. The tribe has spoken.

Reality TV
The most riveting thirty seconds of television we've seen on MSG all season didn't happen during play. It happened in the post-game. A happy Stephon was eager for his interview with Al "Jeff Probst" Trautwig, but things quickly turned uncomfortable. After pleasantries about Stephon's first win in the Garden were put aside, Al wanted dish: What did you say to Charlie Ward in the Continental Arena two weeks ago? he asked. Steph said he didn't know, but that Al seemed to, so why did he ask? The trash talking you did, Al went on, Charlie said there were words spoken "no Christian would repeat" [Steph reportedly called Ward "a bitch"]. Did Stephon want to take them back? Stephon said he didn't know what Al was talking about. Come on, Al begged, you have to remember. Once more, Stephon protested his ignorance, then said simply, "Selective amnesia," and ran. Al, having pulled a truely no-class "homer" move in trying to make big bad visitor Marbury repent for treating saintly Knick Charlie Ward roughly, vented. "That's what the NBA has come to," he editorialized with a pout, appearing ready to cry. "No accountability on the part of the players."

Marv talked him down. "Don't take it personally, Al! You going to be alright?" After a station break or two, after saying it was a good night to "burn the tape," Trautwig himself offered an apology. Kind of. No, he shouldn't have said what he said about Stephon, even though he felt his questions were relevant...and as Stephon matured he will learn to handle all interview situations, said Al, pulling himself together to lay on the condescension. But he couldn't make us forget that Marbury had rattled him completely. "Damn," he had to have been thinking, "did I just knock the NBA?"

Joe's Free Advice
1) Send Al Trautwig down to The Grapefruit League so he can kiss his glorious Yankees' asses. Al needs a vacation.
2) Somebody teach Stephen "The Yin and the Yang" Jackson and Sideshow Keith how to juggle. Perhaps it will improve their concentration on the ball. We're tired of their turnover act.

What Joe Liked
Stephon's Garden Party - He has no reason to continue to play as hard as he does. Just that much sweeter that he was able to win one in front of his whole extended neighborhood. Next - a reunion with Garnett and the T-Wolves. After those two games, he should be ready cede his season to Doug Overton.
Newman the Super Human - Another strong, veteran performance to lead the way. Had 26 points in 47 minutes.
Camper Van Horn - He wasn't the primary guy, but played another pretty strong game with 19 points. Once again was strong on the boards with 13 - keep it up Keith, and you may yet wind up on our good side. Of course, it's much easier to overlook your dark "Sideshow" side when the team wins.
Boarded Up - Held the lumbering Knicks to a standstill, with only a 2 rebound deficit.

What Joe Didn't Like
Oh Them Fouls - Lost Williams and Esch, and Joe almost lost his mind. Nets survived without them, and in fact prospered. Still, these big men need to be in the game, especially when the other options are named Stepania and Samake.
Stephen Jackson - 4 -13 shooting, 4 fouls and 3 turnovers in 29 minutes. I am often afraid to watch when he has the ball in his hands.

Star of the Game
A picnic basket full of heavily advertised junk food to Stephon, for another strong game while injured, and to J. New, for his scoring and leadership, an autographed Richard Hatch volleyball.

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