UP TO THE TEST

(AP Photo)

After playing the Toronto Raptors and the Washington Wizards, a tough grind awaits the surprising New York Knicks as they are set to face elite teams like the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic in the next 18 days. But coach Mike D’Antoni is feeling optimistic that his Knicks, which currently totes a 14-9 win-loss mark and in second spot behind the Celtics in the Atlantic Division, are up to the test, according to the New York Daily News.

“We're playing really well over the last 10, 11 games, but we'll get tested more as we go forward with some of the elite teams. I'm optimistic. It will definitely be a good learning experience. We'll see where we are. Obviously, we've taken some huge steps forward and we'll try to keep improving on that. But even when we were 3-8, we felt we could get it done. That's when they kicked in the will to win.”