By: Tyler Ward
The drought is finally over.
The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 123-107, clinching their first playoff berth since the 2003-04 season.
Former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups scored 23 points and dished out seven assists.
When asked about the playoff berth, Stoudamire said, "That was the goal we set at the start of the season. The plan was to make the playoffs. It's mission accomplished and now on to the next one."
Prior to tonight's win, the Knicks had lost eleven straight game against the Cavaliers. They finally came out on top.
The Knicks are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, just one-and-a-half games behind the Sixers for the sixth spot. They face the Sixers later this week, in what is sure to be good game.
With the win, the Timberwolves now hold the longest playoff drought - they were tied with the Knicks.
The last time New York appeared in the playoffs, they were swept in four games by the Nets in 2004.
It would have been weird for Carmelo Anthony if the Knicks hadn't made the playoffs. Anthony had been to the postseason every single season of his career and for him not to make it would have been odd.
"I think everybody should be excited that Knicks basketball is back, that the standards are higher now and every year this is something we should be looking forward to, which is making the playoffs," Anthony said.
The Knicks will likely face either Boston or Miami in the opening round, and they are hoping that their "Big Three" can match up against Miami's or Boston's versions.
J.J. Hickson scored 23 points for the Cavs, as Baron Davis also added 22 points.
The Knicks are now 38-38, while the Cavaliers are a league-worst 15-61.
