The Knicks Fix

The boot was gone from his surgically-repaired right ankle and Jamal Crawford, for the first time since Feb. 26, was in sneakers, two of them, and on the Knicks practice court. He took the next step in his rehabilitation from an ankle fracture after he was cleared to begin light work, which included a slide-step drill across the width of the court and taking tip-toe jumpers.

When he was done, Crawford went to the free throw line. Cash. 15 straight before I lost count. He noticed me watching and went lefty. Splash.

Show off.

After a quick hello, Jamal said he expects to be ready to go by the playoffs.

"First round?"

"Oh yeah," he said.

It's been five weeks since the surgery and Crawford looks determined to play as soon as the doctors will let him. He had an evaluation on Wednesday. He's been running on the underwater treadmill. "Uphill," he added. Plenty of work being done to keep his wind up. And his shot?

"That's no problem," he said with a smile.

The playoffs begin April 21. The Knicks have eight games left to make up a 2.5 game deficit for that final playoff spot. If they do, who knows? With Crawford back, Curry has someone who knows how to get him the ball right where he wants it, especially that dynamic lob play for the alley-oop.

It's not as easy as it looks. Have you seen some of the attempts by other Knicks? Channing Frye tried one against Philadelphia that almost hit the shot clock.

You could see Curry look to the Knick bench after that one. Jamal, get your skinny butt out there!

He's coming, Eddy. But only if you get your big butt in gear and get the Knicks to the playoffs.

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* - Why Tonight's Game Means Everything, Part. 74: This is the game-in-hand the Knicks have over the Orlando Magic. After tonight, each team will have 7 games left. We'll analyze the remaining games and maybe do another Mike and the Dog thingy in our Easter weekend blog. I know you can't wait. Neither can I.

* - David Lee spoke with the media this morning. He'll dress again tonight and might even play. He can't be anywhere near 100 percent, but his desire to play is not surprising. The Knicks need more of his type of intensity and competitive fire.

* - OK, Jared Jeffries doesn't go to the line much but earlier in the season it was often an adventure when he did. But you have to give credit where it's due, especially when a guy puts in the time Jared puts in after practice to work on his most obvious weakness. So we will here. Jared has hit 8 of his last 12 attempts from the line over the past nine games. Well done, Jared. Well done.