For Kids Day on December 9, the Knicks, the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation hosted Ian Gillen as Kids Day Reporter and Liam Wheeler as Kids Day Photographer. NYKnicks.com is happy to present their recap of Knicks Kids Day below.

NEW YORK, December 9, 2006 -- It was a great day for Knick fans of all ages.

But on this special Knicks Kids Day, it was the kids who ruled. It began in the Madison Square Garden Expo Center, where activities ranged from kids playing at open basketball hoops, to dancing and music, to playing videogames. Kids also found their way to life size cardboard cutouts of Yao Ming, the tallest NBA player, and Nate Robinson, one of the league’s shortest. The frenzy and exhilaration of the children reverberated throughout the building. But the electricity did not stop there. Before the game started, the crowd was rocking after a pint-sized eleven year old girl with a colossal voice delivered her rendition of the National Anthem.

The Knicks came into the game at 7-14 and only 2-8 at home. But from the opening tip, the crowd knew things would be a little different. The Knicks won the opening tip only to be confronted with a half court trap that seemed to take them by surprise. Both teams started cold early, but they soon heated up. With Steve Francis nursing a knee injury, Jamal Crawford got the start and cashed in—scoring 11 in the first, including three three-pointers. But the story of the night was Eddy Curry. He manhandled the opposition, scoring 10 in the first quarter. Milwaukee was led by Mo Williams, who had 13 in the first including three three-pointers. After Crawford hit a fade away sixteen foot jump shot to end the first, the Knick City Kids danced and gyrated flawlessly, drawing strong applause from the crowd.

With each team scoring thirty points in the second quarter, the momentum went back and forth, but the dominance of Curry remained a constant. By halftime, he had 18 on 9 for 15 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds. After a Quentin Richardson tip-in to close the half, the Knicks led 59-56. And once again, the kids took over. The crowd was treated to a performance by the Drums of Thunder, an ensemble of 12 year old drummers from Montclair, New Jersey. After about a five minute non-stop performance that shook the building, the band received a well deserved standing ovation.

Feeding off the electricity of the crowd, the Knicks outscored the Bucks 36-22 in the third quarter. This quarter gave Knick fans a glimpse into the past—Curry dominated the paint like Ewing, Lee controlled the boards like Oakley (who coincidentally was in attendance) and Crawford owned the perimeter like Starks. Numerous times the crowd came to its feet after alley-oops and emphatic blocked shots. The atmosphere became so electric even the scoreboard started malfunctioning. In the fourth the Knicks nearly gave the lead back, but were able to pull it out, with a final of 115-107. Eddy Curry led all scorers with a career high 36, while Nate Robinson came off the bench to score 22. Mo Williams led the Bucks with 33 and Michael Redd had 22. Stephon Marbury left the game in the third quarter with a left forearm contusion, but x-rays were negative.

In a truly amazing day, I saw the Knicks from the perspective of a member of the media. I interviewed Malik Rose, who was very gracious and helpful, and saw the interview air on the pre-game show. I also sat in the press box, ate the press food, and attended Isiah Thomas’ post-game interview. In an experience that would inspire almost anyone to pursue journalism, I am so lucky to have had this rare opportunity. I wish to thank the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley for giving me a day to remember for the rest of my life.