Nate the ex-mate awaits Knicks in Boston

[yupitsme]

Al Harrington and David Lee expect Nate Robinson to go all-out in his first crack at the Knicks.

The Knicks visit the Celtics tonight (7:30; MSG, ESPN 1050 AM), and that means it'll be Robinson vs. the Knicks for the first time. Five years ago, Robinson became a Knick. Five days ago, he was traded away in a deal for Eddie House.

Robinson hasn't played since the trade because of flu-like symptoms, but he's expected to be ready to play tonight.

"We know he's going to come out with something to prove with all the stuff he's been going through with Coach," Harrington said.
 

Added Lee, smiling, "He's definitely going to go hard at us, I know that."

Lee may have been grinning when talking about his buddy, but there should be plenty of truth behind his prediction. Robinson and Mike D'Antoni clashed at times, with D'Antoni benching Robinson for 14 straight games at one point this season. Last Thursday, when Robinson was traded, D'Antoni said Robinson had come to the Knicks' practice center to say goodbye, but the coach said he and Robinson did not speak.

Now they'll be on opposing teams. Robinson will surely be motivated to play well.

"It should be fun," D'Antoni said of both Robinson and House facing their former teams. "[The Celtics are] playing well right now. They've won some games on the road, and I'm sure it'll be emotional both ways."

The Knicks might not face Celtics star Paul Pierce. It has been reported Pierce is questionable with a sore thumb.

Robinson wrote on his Twitter page yesterday, "Tomorrow is the big day, can't wait."

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/nate_the_ex_mate_awaits_in_boston_wzSv6BPlBlKlZNIiAp8cIK

[Evantime34]

I just hope he doesn't take a bunch of really bad shots because he's so excited. The best way to channel that frustration is to show the Knicks they were wrong by playing good defense and being a team player.

[WeMadeIt17]

I hope he does go balls to the wall which I know he will and always does. Really want him to light up D'antoni and the rest of the Knicks to prove something. The real time to prove it is when we travel to NY in I believe April! But tonight will be fine to drop 25 on their heads just to remember who you are NATE! Really mad I don't have today off going to have to sneak in some watching at work! Gunna catch the replay on League pass when i get home.

[GranTur]

Thankfully Nate isn't one to take awful shots. He's a very efficient little guy.

The front line of the Knicks is sooo soft Nate should have a field day. Yesterday Andrew Bogut completely humiliated Lee, Chandler, and Harrington.

[housecall]

Thankfully Nate isn't one to take awful shots. He's a very efficient little guy.

The front line of the Knicks is sooo soft Nate should have a field day. Yesterday Andrew Bogut completely humiliated Lee, Chandler, and Harrington.

I agree... personally i felt A.Bogut should have made the All Star team over Lee.tp