MANHATTAN — Knicks fans prevented from watching breakout point guard Jeremy Lin on TV because of a dispute between Time Warner Cable and MSG don't need to go Lin-sane just yet — several city sports bars are welcoming them with open arms.
And for Wednesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings, in which Lin and crew will attempt to pull down their seventh straight win, MSG is hosting a viewing party at the Nom Wah Tea Parlor at 13 Doyers St. beginning at 7 p.m.
According to MSG, there will be appetizers, prizes and giveaways at the event, which is open to those 21 and over.
The Lin-sanity sweeping the city and nation has been maddening for a large portion of Knicks' diehards who subscribe to Time Warner Cable. The cable provider, locked in a negotiating stalemate with the network over pricing, hasn't shown Knicks games since Jan. 1.
But sports bars, which have access to the games either through satellite or through special packages with MSG and the NBA, are filling the void, tempting fans with promotions and NBA-themed specials.
SNAP Sports Bar, at 214 W. 14th Street, is hoping to continue riding the Lin wave by offering free drinks for an hour on nights the Knicks win.
"To go with the increasing popularity of the Knicks, we want to throw that out there," Harris said.
Harris said patrons at the bar, which has hosted MSG Networks viewing parties, can expect a new cocktail named after the emerging Knicks star.
"I'm trying to think of some good Lin puns as we speak," he said.
Lin has taken the league by storm during the Knicks's six-game win streak with him as a starter, averaging 26.8 points and 8.5 assists per game during the stretch.
On Tuesday, he hit the game-winning three-pointer on the road against the Toronto Raptors, adding to his legend.
In response, bars have not only been there for wandering Knicks fans — they've become proactive in promotions and deals to further draw them in.
Feile Bar at 131 W. 33rd St., just a block from the Garden, promotes on its website a happy hour special on game nights that begins at 8 p.m. and runs through the end of the matchup.
At the nearby Blarney Rock Pub, also right across from the Garden, Lin's exceptional play has been marketing enough.
"It's great for business," said Joe McGinely, a worker at the West 33rd Street pub. "And it promotes itself."
After taking on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night, they face off against the New Orleans Hornets Friday and the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Other places to watch the Knicks:
- Kelly's Sports Bar at 12 Avenue A
- Nevada Smiths at 74 Third Ave.
- Blue Haven at 108 W. Houston St.
- Third and Long at 523 Third Ave.
- Foley's Pub and Restaurant at 18 W. 33rd St.
- Bullpen NYC at 1678 First Ave.
- Blondies Sports at 212 W. 79th Street
- Buddha Beer Bar on Broadway at West 191st Street.
