Yes, the Yankees are in the ALCS. Yes, the Giants are 5-0.

So, it’s time to talk…basketball!

I did the public address announcing last night, as the Knicks played their pre-season home opener against Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a nifty picture taken courtside before the game! 

Something was different last night. No, I don’t mean the Knicks’ Nate Robinson changing his number from 4 to 2.

During the pre-game introductions, instead of announcing referees with names like Dick Bavetta, Jess Kersey and Joe Crawford…I announced Scott Twardoski, Mike Bobiak and Jaime Morales. The only Joe Crawford to be found was a reserve player on the Knicks’ bench.

The regular NBA referees are in the midst of a labor dispute with the NBA. They’ve been locked out, and replaced by…well, “replacement” officials. The replacements come from places like the WNBA and the NBA’s Development League. Last night, for the Knicks and 76ers at the Garden, it was Scott Twardoski, Mike Bobiak and Jaime Morales.

You know what? They did the best they could.

NBA players (and coaches) can be tough on the regular officials. When they get inexperienced replacements, it’s like a shark smelling blood in the water. They make catty remarks. They react with Academy Award-winning performances when a call goes against them. In short, they bait them as best they can.

A retired NBA referee sat courtside to counsel, encourage and rate the replacements. Some of the things he reminded them about seemed pretty basic compared to the NBA refs. But, I thought they did the best they could, and called a decent game. Sure, there were more traveling violations called than usual - NBA players are used to getting away with an extra step or two. And, they called the fouls a little tight. But, all in all, I thought Misters Twardoski, Bobiak and Morales did okay.

Neither team won nor lost because of the officiating. And, at the end of the game (especially a pre-season game with replacement refs) that’s all either team could ask for.

That said, I sure hope this labor dispute can be resolved soon. And, I hope that “other” Joe Crawford will be back at the Garden soon!