The Knicks smoothly advanced to the next round.
In contrast, the other three teams in the Eastern Conference's upper half had significantly more challenging paths to progression this year.
The Heat and the Magic battled through seven games, only narrowly winning thanks to the alternating explosions of the Gua Wei Brothers in the seventh game showdown.
Frankly speaking, the "Magical Beast" Howard performed outstandingly in this series. On the defensive end, it was his presence that greatly diminished Wade's breakthrough power on the court.
However, due to the impression left by his various baby behavior last season...
After the Magic's first-round exit, the Orlando media not only failed to praise Howard but even regarded him as the top culprit for the Magic's elimination in the eyes of Magic fans and the Orlando media.
Undoubtedly, this is an unfair assessment.
