We’ve had an eventful summer thus far with our women falling just short against a determined underdog. Kudos to Japan for showing true heart in upsetting three favorites in a row in one of the more improbable runs to the Women’s World Cup. If Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and favorite playmaker Megan Rapinoe got this country excited about soccer, then what of heroic performances from Homare Sawa and Ayumi Kaihori, who combined to stun the USA in a compelling final full of twists and turns? Sometimes, you get beat. Japan did it in miraculous fashion tying it late in regulation and then forcing it to kicks thanks to a remarkable deflection from Sawa. Credit a nation for coming together in the face of real adversity with what’s going on at home. Prayers go out to Japan after the latest natural disaster. They deserved something good, which wasn’t lost on our American women who were good sports. That should count for something too in today’s me-first world. They gave us a fun ride starting with Wambach’s own miraculous late heroics versus Brazil before Solo did the rest in kicks. Thank you for making this a better summer.

Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran deserve all the accolades for the years they’ve had. Who knows what’ll happen with Reyes past this weekend’s trade deadline but the electrifying All-Star shortstop finally showed what he can do when healthy. Whether he’s worth a long-term investment between 6-7 years remains to be seen. Beltran is a better story due to what he came back from. It’s not easy to make it back from chronic knees. To achieve All-Star status and lead the Mets in homers and RBI’s when many expected little and wanted to run him out of town, is a credit to his dedication. Assuming he moves on this week, enjoy his last game.

Congrats to Derek Jeter for reaching 3,000 career hits the only way he could. By doing the unthinkable with a home run putting an exclamation on a five hit day with our favorite Yankee also in the middle of delivering in the clutch for a win, which is what he’s always been about. Still, he probably should’ve let Christian Lopez have the ball even if the diehard Jetorian gave it to him. Francesa might be wrong about a lot of things but he’s dead on about all the money Jeter, Steiner Sports and the Yankees are making off that big hit. Sure. Tix the rest of the year, including playoffs are nice. But he could’ve kept the ball and paid off college tuition. No easy task today.

So, the NFL is Back! Hip hip hooray unless you’re a Big Blue supporter, who can’t wait to see what the Giants drop in our Christmas stocking for their latest collapse. Get the coal ready!

We could be looking at no NBA for a while. That one looks a long way off. Will it reach a boiling point? Are they really going to emulate the NHL lockout or will something change by say January ’12 like it did in ’99 during what turned out to be a wild ride for Knick fans. And of course Dolan is still asking Knicks subscribers to pay up for a season that has no chance of starting. What a jacka$$!

We’ll have a lot more in store. So tune in!

We’re here to tell you how they’ll fare against Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s Thunder while also going out on a limb with the Lakers and Mavs finally meeting up. Two fascinating match ups that should keep hoopsters locked in while the East gives us the much anticipated Heat/Celtics while the upset minded Hawks try to compete with certain League MVP Derrick Rose’s Bulls.

So, how will it all break down? Let’s take a look at who we see advancing to the NBA version of the Final Four!

EASTERN SEMIS

Bulls over Hawks in 5

Celts over Heat in 6

Why: For obvious reasons with Chicago just having too much for Atlanta to deal with. Nobody can guard Rose one-on-one. He’ll have his way. Joakim Noah should pose a problem inside for Al Horford and even Carlos Boozer should show up. Kyle Korver is money from downtown and Luol Deng and Taj Gibson provide strong support. Joe Johnson will need a repeat performance and Mr. Clutch, Jamal Crawford the same for the Hawks to stand any chance. Unless Josh Smith snaps out of it, this will be a short series. …

The Celtics and Heat are more evenly matched. Experience versus youth. Half court against transition. Old guard takes on new guard, looking to back up all the hoopla surrounding the Big Three of LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh. How can Boston slow them down? Well, they get back on D and won’t allow many dunks or fastbreaks. There’s also unique point guard Rajon Rondo, who destroyed the Knicks at MSG with a triple double and another big game in closing them out before an angry Jim Dolan. If he didn’t own our franchise, I’d be a lot more ticked. If the games are close, you have to like the Celts’ chances with reliable Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett all proven closers. Miami’s had trouble all year finishing games with the ball too much in either LeBron or Wade’s hands. At least they got it together to finish off their “breakfast.” :-\ A silly James reference to the 76ers, who pushed them despite losing in five. The fact the Celts found ways to beat us in the first two and then got down to business bodes well because it allowed their older legs to rest. The Heat will need help from Mario Chalmers, Mike Bibby and Joel Anthony, who is a key inside presence off the bench. The Celts counter with Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Jermain O’Neal and Delonte West, which should give them an edge. Shaq is back but how much will he play if the other O’Neal continues to turn back the clock? Don’t forget too that Doc Rivers is a better coach than Erik Spoelstra, which could be a factor. That’s why we’ll go with the New England Clam Chowdah over Miami Beach.

WESTERN SEMIS

Mavs over Lakers in 6

Thunder over Grizzlies in 7

Why: I know what you’ll say. Are you crazy going against Phil Jackson, Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and a healthy Andrew Bynum? Perhaps. Doesn’t anyone find it a little strange that LA was pushed by the Chris Paul Hornets minus David West? Granted. A motivated CP3 is one of the game’s best and roasted Derek Fisher and whoever else Jackson tried with Kobe even getting the assignment. Jason Kidd provides a different challenge in that he’s much older but is superb overall. This is his last chance to win along with Dirk and it also happens to be the deepest team Dallas has ever had, featuring Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, Peja Stojakovic, J.J. Barea, Deshawn Stevenson and Brandon Haywood. Rick Carlisle could also have versatile Caron Butler at his disposal, which should boost their chances. The Mavs are deep, lock down on D and don’t rely on just Dirk offensively. Terry can do damage and Barea’s a smart player who was key in closing out Portland. Stevenson is crazy enough to guard Kobe, who will get his numbers. It boils down to do the Mavs have enough to neutralize the Lakers’ size? If they rebound, there’s no reason they can’t pull it off. Dirk looks really determined. He knows he’s running out of chances. The time is now. …

What’s not to love about this other match up between two young athletic teams with one ensured of the Conference Finals. This is great for basketball. Fresh blood finally! So, why do we like Oklahoma City over Memphis? His name is Kevin Durant and he can ball. The kid from Texas is ultra smooth and cannot be guarded. The Grizz’ size should help but Durant can make shots from anywhere, using his wingspan. He’s not afraid to take the ball to the rim late as he did in carrying them in Game 5 over the Nuggets. Randolph had his way with the Spurs, abusing Antonio McDyess and even making Tim Duncan look old. A sad sight but that’s still the greatest power forward to ever play the game. Zebo is a tough cover because he’s silky smooth, beating you with his back to the basket or facing you. However, shot blocker Serge Ibaka provides the Thunder with the kind of athletic big that can make it tougher on the game’s most disrespected superstar. His nine blocks were one shy of the NBA playoff record shared by Akeem The Dream and Mark Eaton. James Harden can light it up from the outside. While Memphis will be doubling Durant, that will leave the dangerous Westbrook to go one-on-one with Conley. Though the Ohio State product’s made huge strides, that’s a tough assignment. Kendrick Perkins provides additional beef inside against Marc Gasol, who will need a big series for the Grizz to string the upset. Unlike his brother, Marc’s a conventional center who can finish inside and rebound. That match up should be fun to watch. Thabo Sefolosha provides gritty D and Eric Maynor important minutes when Westbrook needs a breather. It’s hard not to prefer the deeper Grizz with athletic Tony Allen, high riser Darrell Arthur, scorer O.J. Mayo and Shane Battier all key contributors. Sam Young can also shoot it from three. The strategy seems obvious. Try to wear down Durant/Westbrook. I just feel that if they can make life difficult on Zebo, Memphis will have a tough time prevailing. It’s Durant’s time and he’s ready for that next step.

Back to the Knicks, who outscored the Nets 62-48 in the second half to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. Embarrassing would be one way to describe the first 24 minutes where the Nets got whatever they wanted. Deron Williams returned after six games to rest his wrist and sparkled throughout. The Nets scored at will in the paint with Brook Lopez and Kris “Kardashian” Humphries cleaning up. When Anthony Morrow wasn’t connecting from downtown (4 triples) en route to a team high 30, Lopez and Humphries shared a dunk-a-thon to Bronx cheers from The Garden.

Sure. Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were in synch- combining for 95 points. But without better attention on the defensive side, they don’t post their second straight win. Something Billups made sure to point out after what must’ve been a heated locker room at the break.

“This was a big game for us. We’ve got a lot to lose, they don’t. They just looked like they wanted it more than we did and we talked about that,” Mr. Big Shot said. “We came out immediately in the second half and just kind of turned the tide, momentum kind of went our way.”

When they all agreed that their first half was ‘unacceptable,’ that bodes well. A couple of nights after struggling to put away a shorthanded Magic, they knew they had to follow up with another ‘W.’ You knew the Nets would come hard. Especially with Deron back running the show to the tune of 22 points, eight dimes and eight rebounds. The kind of performance the electrifying former Utah All-Star’s capable of even if he missed a gimme that may have forced overtime in the waning seconds.

“I thought he was off a little bit, but man, he made some big plays for us,” Nets coach Avery Johnson noted. “Big shots, timely 3′s, good assists. But you could see there at the end, maybe he just ran out of gas a little bit.”

“Hopefully as we get better and mature, we can form a better rivalry,” Williams added.

Perhaps if Williams didn’t rush his final shot when he was more open than thought, it’s a different story. The do everything floor general also took a quick three in the final minute that didn’t come close. It was a couple of days prior that Billups forced up a three that allowed Orlando to force OT. Those types of baffling decisions are what frustrate us most about today’s game. Too often, star calibre talent are settling instead of taking the rock hard to the rim. As Justin said, what’s the rush? Use more clock and work for the good shot. Something Gene Hackman’s infamous Norman Dale would emphasize to Hickory in the classic Hoosiers.

It was the Knicks who got the job done, isolating Melo against Net waste of space Travis Outlaw for an easy deuce from about eight away on the left baseline. That’s where Anthony makes his living, reaching unguardable status in the game. Now, we’re seeing his best with three consecutive 35+ performances, becoming the third NBA player to accomplish that this season (Monta Ellis, LaMarcus Aldridge).

“It feels good, especially right now, the time that it’s happening,” a pleased Melo stated. “Must-win situations, games that we really need coming down the stretch, getting into the playoffs, it’s almost perfect timing for me to get into a groove like that.”

The Knicks (37-38) are now 9-12 with the former Nugget megastar. So much of it depends on Billups’ legs. When he returned from injury, the team struggled with Chauncey unable to guard anyone and inconsistent offensively. Last night, the big trio was more balanced, spreading the floor and creating better spacing.

While the offensive explosion was nice to see, credit Mike D’Antoni for utilizing Shelden Williams off the bench a fourth straight game. The big man provided a lift with solid D while also finishing strong twice. Jared Jeffries also atoned for his blunder with an outstanding effort, grabbing seven boards, four steals and even setting up teammates twice. Vet backup Anthony Carter also saw some big minutes in the final stanza, netting four and handing out five assists- even working well with Billups.

On a night they got nothing from Landry Fields and little production from supersub Toney Douglas, the orange and blue did what had to be done. We’d still like to see the talented rookie from Stanford look more comfortable with the more star-studded lineup. They must remember to involve Fields, who does many things well but suddenly isn’t as noticeable since the big trade that sent cohesive ex-mates Ray Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Timofy Mozgov to Denver.

In order for these Knicks to have any postseason success, they’ll need Fields to contribute. Finding the right chemistry is essential along with putting together a consistent 48 minutes on both ends. It’s still a work in progress but at least they’re finding ways to win.

Douglas, who now backs up Billups was told by Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony to be more assertive. The second-year guard out of Florida State had taken a step back since the trade, trying to fit in. That’s not what Mike D’Antoni wants from the valuable sixth man who’s instant offense off the bench. Cast into a starting role with Billups sidelined with a bruised hip, the ’09 first round pick exploded for 24 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, leading a balanced attack to its third win in five during the New Era.

“He’s deferring his game to the big three and you could see him and he’s not being Toney Douglas,” D’Antoni stated. “And Toney Douglas comes with a lot of good stuff, comes with some playmaking deficiencies, but that’s him. He has to accept that, try to get better at it, but he can’t all of a sudden become a setup kind of guy and not get into his game.”

Douglas started off by taking the rock strong to the hole for nifty finishes. He also dialed up from long distance, draining a pair of three’s for 10 first quarter points. It was part of a big night that saw him tie with Stoudemire with 24 while ‘Melo notched 22. Even better, Douglas also distributed the ball, pacing the Knicks with five dishes in a well balanced attack that saw all five starters register at least four dimes. The Knicks as a team had 28 assists to the Hornets’ 19. A nice ratio.

Rookie Landry Fields also hit double digits with 10, including a trey while picking up three rebounds and four assists. D’Antoni reinserted Ronny Turiaf into the starting lineup, allowing Shawne Williams to come off the bench where he’s more comfortable. Not surprisingly, the revelation had 16 including four triples in 27-plus minutes.

In his first game back in the Big Apple, Jared Jeffries didn’t score but did his job by pulling down six boards, including four on the offensive glass in 24 minutes. Precisely the reason the Knicks brought the gritty power forward back. He didn’t get much time in Houston. Now, the former Indiana standout gets a new lease on life with a coach he’s familiar with. It should be a great fit, that will benefit the team who needs more length and strength.

For the Hornets who’ve been an enigma this season, it’s hard to describe why they weren’t ready to go. Chris Paul isn’t happy and obviously wants to move to Broadway to team with buddies ‘Melo and Amar’e. But that’s still at least a year and a half away unless he forces a trade. CP3 is as gifted a point guard in the game but hasn’t been the same since an injury that sidelined him much of last season.

Given how well Billups is working with ‘Melo and Stoudemire, perhaps the Knicks should just stay put. Of course, Billups is older. So, there will be change in the future. But let’s enjoy Mr. Big Shot while we have him. As clutch a performer as the game has. Money.

Instead, a reality check came for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Amar’e Stoudemire last night in Cleveland of all places with the Cavs outgunning the Knicks 115-110 minus new acquisition Baron Davis. Nobody said it would be all roses for these new look Knicks who still remind of that old familiar feel in Coach Mike No’D'Antoni’s run ‘n gun philosophy.

In Game Two, Melo struggled after a strong 16-point first quarter, finishing with just 11 the rest of the way, including a measly deuce in crunch time. Not what you expect from one of the game’s best finishers. However, it was partially due to Billups, who after getting zilch in the first half, exploded for 26 with 18 coming in the final stanza. Billups and Stoudemire did the bulk of the scoring, combining for 28 of the orange and blue’s 24 in the fourth.

Trouble was they couldn’t get any stops at the other end. With Melo forced to guard the bigger Antawn Jamison (28 Pts, 13 Rebs) and Stoudemire unable to contain J.J. Hickson (24 and 15, 5 Blks), the Knicks simply couldn’t get it done down the stretch against one of the NBA’s worst teams. Sure, the Cavs have produced upsets like a recent home win over the Lakers but that also was due to a long road trip due to the Grammy’s. What were the Knicks’ excuses?

One of the problems last night was the Knicks’ inability to stop Ramon Sessions’ dribble penetration with the lightning quick guard getting into the lane at will, finding open ‘mates for easy scores. Anthony Parker also hurt New York by converting some tough shots while going an efficient five of six from the field for 16 points.

Most disturbing was the edge on the glass with the Cavs dismantling the Knicks 62-42, featuring 19 offensive rebounds to our 13. One of the problems D’Antoni’s new guys will have going forward is the lack of a true starting center. Ronny Turiaf’s all heart but just isn’t capable of providing reliable minutes. Bringing in Jared Jeffries or Earl Barron probably won’t change that much. But at least it will be another fresh body.

Aside from that, D’Antoni must decide what his rotation will be with only Tony Douglas proven off the bench. Renaldo Balkman got in last night but was a step slow picking up fouls. What about Corey Brewer and is Sheldon Williams out completely?

A daunting task for the coaching staff with tough road tests at Miami tomorrow in primetime and Orlando coming up.

Both are two top 10 players you build your franchise around. Though the Knicks are further along with Melo set to team with Amar’e Stoudemire beginning tonight in what will be a circus-like atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when the orange and blue host the Bucks on Legends Night. Yep. Talk about great timing. The likes of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and popular Knick John Starks will all be in the building for Day One of Melo Madness. The Knicks’ new savior is being introduced now at a gala press conference.

So, did Jazzy Jim overpay for Melo? Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is the price of gasoline insane? Of course, the foolish MSG owner panicked when the Nets played poker, making Denver a better offer chock full of potential lottery picks along with last year’s first rounder Derrick Favors and Devin Harris. Ironically, that same package wound up in Salt Lake City for Williams, who is arguably the best point guard in the league though we prefer Rajon Rondo.

What’s better to have? A franchise point guard or two of the best finishers along with a championship proven floor general in Chauncey Billups? It all depends on who you root for. The Nets are clearly in rebuilding mode, having also dumped Troy Murphy on Golden State for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric. With Williams ready to team with center Brooke Lopez despite being unhappy after forcing Jerry Sloan into retirement, the Nets become much better. They now have one of the best one’s in the game who makes others around him better. But is he a coach killer? The Nets and quirky Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov hope not. Avery Johnson is a good coach who knows what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. He may not be as demanding as Sloan but is cut out of the same mold.

The Nets risked three first round picks with potential lottery value for an unhappy player who isn’t signed after 2012. Will the gamble pay off? They must get Williams to buy into their plan for the future. Figure Dwight Howard to be at the top of the list.

While the Nets’ future remains cloudy, the Knicks coughed up half of MSG for the self-serving Melo. Sure. He’s one of the premier scorers in the game, able to beat opponents inside and out better than LeBron James, who too often drifts to the perimeter. Anthony is great at getting to the line and will relieve pressure from Stoudemire, who’s had to carry the load for the 28-26 Knicks, who sit sixth in the East. If Billups buys in to Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, then it will work. But it’s hard to see a half court veteran who likes playing D fitting in. The subtraction of a younger and faster Ray Felton might hinder the Knicks if Billups isn’t happy.

Anthony doesn’t play much defense and neither does Amar’e, who at least can block shots as will injury prone new starting center Ronny Turiaf. While a top four of Billups, Melo, Amar’e and bright rookie Landry Fields is great, questions linger about their bench. Sure. No ‘D’ uses a thin rotation, which can force his stars to play mega minutes. But without a reliable bench, there’s little shot at winning anything. Even if the time table isn’t to challenge for a championship now, you know Knick fans’ expectations have increased. No longer is it only about making the playoffs but seeing how far this star-laden team can go. All contingent on the chemistry on and off the court.

Gone are baby faces Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler who were part of the 13-player monster trade that also involved the Timberwolves who took Eddy Curry and bust Anthony Randolph for key piece Corey Brewer. Figure Brewer to get some minutes under D’Antoni. Also gone are Felton and Russian big Timofey Mozgov, who the organization was reluctant to part with. That all changed once Dolan stepped in with rival Prokhorov looming.

This is a turf war. Especially with the future of the Nets in Brooklyn, who have strong basketball roots. So, the Knicks coughed up the kitchen sink including a 2014 first round pick, two second rounders plus cash just to deliver Anthony here along with Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams and former Knick draft pick Renaldo Balkman, who makes his triumphant return. What Knick fan isn’t excited about that?!?!?!?! And Balkman plays D and is a bundle of energy. Play him No ‘D!’

So, who wins? We won’t know for a while. The Knicks are further along in terms of contending now that they got two superstars. But the Celtics, Heat and Bulls are still ahead. It won’t be easy but it sure will be exciting to watch. Even if this blogger hated how much they parted with, how can you not get pumped up for this?

Knicks versus Nets never had more meaning. Melo vs Deron. Who will rule NYC first? Just wait and see.

The World Cup is finally Spain's thanks to some late theatrics.

-Congrats to Spain on winning their first ever World Cup, edging Netherlands 1-0 in extra time. The hero was Andres Iniesta, who took a pass from Cesc Fabregas and blasted it past Maarten Stekelenburg with only a few minutes to spare- touching off a celebration. Iniesta slid to the ground and was mobbed by teammates. They’d hold off the Dutch for the remainder which included three extra minutes.

Unfortunately for Arjen Robben, he only got a couple of chances as Spain keyed on him in a hotly contested, physical match that featured plenty of fouls, yellow cards and even a red to John Heitinga in the second extra period which didn’t help Holland.

The Spanish were the aggressor controlling possession. Still, they found themselves deadlocked against a feisty opponent who did whatever they could to keep it scoreless. Quite a few hard fouls that prevented glorious chances, leading to kicks including one try that sailed high and wide. Spain also had another great opportunity but a sliding Stekelenburg stoned Fabregas point blank in extras. Robben came back the other way for a great chance but was blocked. There also was a close call where he would’ve been in all alone but was correctly whistled offside.

Iniesta’s winner came after the refs accidentally incorrectly ruled that Wesley Sneijder’s wide attempt went out of bounds without it touching anyone. However, replays showed that it deflected off a Spain player and out which would’ve meant a corner for Netherlands. Instead, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas quickly made a good goal kick that led directly to the World Cup decider. With the Dutch caught, Spain completed a three-on-two with Fabregas passing across for Iniesta who didn’t disappoint, kicking it inside the right post for 1-0 in the 115th minute.

The right team won. Even if they screwed up. At least such a competitive championship game didn’t go to kicks. Congrats again to Spain on winning their first World Cup in the tournament’s 80-year history. Thanks again to Univision for outstanding coverage that dwarfs our country. And with Espana winning, the Spanish announcers went bonkers. What a great day for them. And of course, a memorable month that also saw tennis’ best player Rafael Nadal win his second Wimbledon last week. Not bad.

-I’m not gonna say much right now about it. Only that LeBron is LeFraud. Think it pretty much speaks for itself. ESPN is an embarrassment.

-That out of the way, I’m actually excited about the Knicks. Yeah. They overpaid A’mare Stoudemire in years and dough-5 for $100 million. But the former Sun wanted to be here and reunites with Mike D’Antoni while filling a need in the paint. Sure. The contract is risky for an injury prone big who’s battled knee and eye problems. But he’ll fit in nicely, running the floor, finishing with authority and providing an interior presence. 

Along with the sign and trade of David Lee to Golden State for a package that included Anthony Randolph, the Knicks are going in a different direction. With Ray Felton about to sign and sophomore Tony Douglas backing up, the orange and blue finally seem to have a plan. Don’t forget emerging star Danillo Galinari and athletic deluxe Wilson Chandler. This is a young nucleus who should made basketball at the Garden fun again. That’s what we’ve been looking for.

-So, the Nets’ big plan was to court LeFraud, fail miserably and then sign Travis Outlaw and Jordan Farmar. No offense. But how’s that big ad Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay Z took out across from MSG working out?!?!?!?!

-If a larger than life egomaniac barely even discussed puppet Jim Gray’s question about playing in the Big Apple, then he didn’t ever consider it. I don’t know about you but I don’t want guys like that on my team.

-RIP Bob Sheppard. The Voice Of God will always be synonymous with Yankee Stadium. When you heard the legendary Yankee PA announcer introduce lineups, you felt a Godly presence in the Bronx that’s hard to describe. There was just a feeling at the ballpark. It’s like everything stopped. Bob Sheppard will always be the Yankees’ only voice. God bless.

-Can someone explain how there are so many Yankees on the AL roster? I root for them but it’s ridiculous that Derek Jeter is on the team. And hell. Even Nick Swisher over Kevin Youkilis is a bit much even if the likeable right fielder deserves it. It’s about time they ditched the All-Star Game.

-The Mets got a second straight huge outing from Johan Santana, who followed up a shutout with seven more scoreless in a 3-0 win to salvage the last game of a series versus first place Atlanta. Instead of falling six games out and slipping behind suddenly resurgent Philly, the Amazin’s sit second four back. They are in it because of All-Stars David Wright and Jose Reyes, who each have had big first halfs.

However, without the production from rookie first baseman Ike Davis along with unsung heroes Angel Pagan and R.A. Dickey, they’d be sunk. Full marks to Jerry Manuel for keeping his team in it after a rough start. These Mets are resilient and easy to admire. Fasten your seatbelts for a great second half pennant race.

-I admit I was glad when Cliff Lee went to Texas even if it seems awfully strange how it happened after it sounded like they agreed to a deal with the Yanks that featured Jesus Montero, David Adams and Zach McAllister. I covered the latter two and really feel McAllister could crack the Yankee rotation in 2012. Starting pitching ain’t the problem. Relief and another bat remain needs. Besides, why sacrifice prospects when the biggest payroll can just flash the wallet at Lee this November?

-Is Joba still better than Phil Hughes?!?!?!?!?!

-Robby Cano’s having a great year but the MVP is Miguel Cabrera’s to lose.

-Ilya Kovalchuk, can you please make up your mind before September?

-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

Then, you’ve got the Knicks who have come apart at the seams in Mike D’Antoni’s second season similar to last year. Monday, I was busy all day on Battle Of New York catching up on all the chaotic NHL hoopla leading into today’s 3 ET trade deadline. It cost me a chance to see a championship game I’d have liked to have caught. The BC Lady Lions fell at Martin Luther 51-44. Sounds like it was a really good game. Darn. Between that and former Berkeley standout Zoe Cohen’s New Paltz losing their league title by five (50-45) over the weekend, bad luck I guess.

At least those teams put out the effort. A foreign term for the Knicks, who are back to humiliating themselves. How else to explain their 30+ point loss to LeBron’s Cavs? A game so uncompetitive that a disgusted orange and blue fan tweeted about it, which made me check the score. When I saw 74 points for Cleveland and only halftime, my eyes almost popped out. They trailed 101-59 at the end of three quarters. C ‘mon!

While the Knicks have dropped 10 of 11 and 13 of their last 15, there aren’t even words to describe the ineptitude of the Nets, who amazingly with their 104-96 upset of the Celtics in Beantown have fared better. Yes. Remarkably, they’ve won two of their last seven. Break ‘em up! Too bad this sad bunch had just four more wins in 59 games, making the Jersey disgrace 6-53. Impossible. This is a pro sports franchise who boasts talented inside/outside duo Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts aren’t bad either. However, it hasn’t mattered with injuries and lackluster play costing Lawrence Frank his job. If only it was getting better under Kiki Vandeweghe.

Amazingly, when you look at some of the pieces along with the enormous opportunity to win the NBA Lottery and select Kentucky’s John Wall, they could be much improved this Fall. Given the franchise’s uncertainty surrounding Brooklyn with the club shifting from the Meadowlands to The Rock, would a July 1 big name consider them? A lineup featuring Wall, Harris and Lopez is intriguing.

While their closest rivals cleared plenty of space by acquiring Tracy McGrady, there appears to be more unknowns surrounding the Knicks. Outside of Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, there’s little else who will be back. Of the other moves Donnie Walsh made, Eddie House has been alright in his familiar role off the bench. With not many other options, D’Antoni is overusing him which has led to more misses from the outside. Speedy Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez has proven he can get into the lane and dish but has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much. Spanish Chocolate needs to bulk up. As for Bill Walker, the jury’s out.

For all the positives David Lee brings, his defense is atrocious. Mr. Double Double can’t guard bigger centers and is exposed daily. Would you re-sign him and only target one max player? The Knicks are better off letting Lee walk while chasing Chris Bosh and either LeBron or D-Wade. They still need to address the lack of true point guard and a big man. Something they’ve lacked since that No.33 which hangs from the rafters.

Finally, just to exhibit how bad Net bball is, they’re so desperate to get people to come that they’re whoreing tix anyway they can. Ball Don’t Lie’s Trey Kerby had more on the bizarro marketing of the Nets:

This Friday, the Nets will unleash another in their long line of minor league-esque promos:

Their latest promotion will be unveiled Friday, when the Nets play the Orlando Magic. New Jersey residents 18 or older who attend the game will get a coupon that they can redeem at a Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free.

No one likes doing their taxes, but is it worth having to go to a Nets game? At just a $29 value, I’m not so sure.

Uh…this is a new low. If you’ve flipped to a Net game, the empties make it seem like nobody cares. Either that or huge blizzards every night which come to think of it, could’ve been possible given how the winter’s been. Perhaps it’s time for a new slogan.

CHASING HISTORY: Catch The Circus Before It’s Too Late

While T-Mac scored big in his Knick debut, Eddie House impressed as well.

Of the moves Donnie Walsh pulled off at Thursday’s deadline, the one we liked the most was moving headache Nate Robinson to Beantown for sharp shooter Eddie House in a five player deal that also included a conditional second round pick. Previously, we had it as a No.1. Our sincere apologies.

Reuniting with former Suns’ coach Mike D’Antoni, the 31 year-old vet didn’t miss a beat, pumping home a season high 24 points in his trademark role off the bench. While bigger pickup Tracy McGrady wowed the Garden with 19 of 26 in a splendid first half, all Fast Eddie did was go an efficient 8-of-14 from the floor bombing away from the outside. That included four from downtown with the well traveled Berkeley, California native using his quick release to hurt the Thunder. One instance saw him sink an off balance jumper inside the key.

Smooth stuff from a player on his ninth different team over 10 years. Something MSG hoop analyst Walt “Clyde” Frazier couldn’t figure out why. Neither can we. No matter what uniform he puts on, House provides a reliable perimeter threat who’s not afraid to take the big shot. In a league where accurate outside shooting ain’t what it used to be, the career 39.5 three-point bomber (41.3 overall) is a nice commodity. He drained some big shots during the Celtics’ run to the title two years ago.

Most admirable is he’s a pro who gets the job done. Fans shouldn’t expect him to see as much PT as last night’s 36-plus- also a season best. However, he certainly showed off the whole repertoire even making a perfect dish to a cutting T-Mac for an easy lay-in during crunch time. The man also was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line. Something not uncommon for a consistent shooter.

Knick fans will enjoy McGrady as evidenced by the “We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac” chants when the 29 year-old All-Star didn’t go much down the stretch due to having no legs. An honest answer from a prideful player hoping to salvage his career. Hopefully, it has a happy ending. If it works out, great. Hopefully, T-Mac stays and lures a max player or two to the biggest stage.

Fast Eddie should come along for the ride.