The Knicks have been swept out of the playoffs. New York Daily News writer Mitch Lawrence joined Robert in Hour 1 to talk about the end of the season for New York. Podcast after the jump.

Well. Thank goodness all this silliness is over. Goodness gracious sakes alive. How much longer were we supposed to pretend the Knicks were good?

Thank you, Boston. 101-89. 4-0 series win. Knicks, please use the handrails and follow the signs to the exit doors on your right.

Carmelo. It’s almost a Shakesperian name, right? Carmelo Anthony, pre-ordained hoops messiah of New York City, played a very good game last night in Game 2 of the Boston Celtics New York Knicks playoff series.

Boston won, naturally, 96-93.

Carmelo scored 42, then totally blew a defensive assignment in the game’s final seconds. He failed to aggressively defend Boston’s Delonte West on an inbound into the Boston back court, and precious time came off the clock. It was a must-foul situation, and Melo looked clueless.

The end is near for the New York Knicks. They are facing the ruthless Boston Celtics, who possess a zeal for dominating opponents that no one of any consequence on the New York roster can begin to comprehend. And, Chauncey Billups could miss Game 2 with an injury.

Game 1 went to the Greens, and New Yorkers are calling out Carmelo for being overwhelmed, and playing accordingly:

Earl The Pearn Monroe was a serious baller, and an unforgettable talent. See the above for proof. He joined Robert in Hour 2 today. Click through for a podcast of the conversation with a legend.

The Eastern Conference 1st round matchups are set:

• #1 Chicago vs #8 Indiana
• #2 Miami vs #7 Philadelphia
• #3 Boston vs #6 New York
• #4 Orlando vs #5 Atlanta

Things to keep in mind:

Carmelo Anthony put down 39 points en route to an overtime win over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. And good thing. Because you can’t demand a trade to a team in your hometown, and then courageously lead them on a 7-game losing streak, right?

Boston came from behind and beat the Knicks in the Garden last night, 96-86. Many voices across the sports commentariat  are saying two things: 1) It was a playoff atmosphere.

Frank Isola covers the Knicks for the New York Daily News. The Knicks, with new acquisitions Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, just went down to Miami and beat the Heat. Eyebrows are now raised across the Eastern Conference. Podcast of the conversation with Robert and Frank after the jump.

By all acounts, it was electric. Carmelo scores 27, the Knicks win, and New York basketball culture has a messiah. And good for them. New York loves its hoops, and it’s not right that they had to endure the past 11 years. After the jump, dig some video of Carmelo’s debut in blue and orange.