Welcome to part IX of the Knicks Pulse Check! Where we update the fans with the continuing trends of the New York Knicks.
“Persistence personified” would be the best Walt Clyde Frazier-ism I would use to characterize the New York Knicks‘ six-game series victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a matchup that featured two of the NBA’s most historic franchises – the Knicks and 76ers faced off in this year’s two seed versus the seventh seed in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. As sports towns go, you won’t find too many fanbases that are more supportive of their respective teams, or travel well on the road (more on that later).
Prior to the beginning of the series, the 76ers had won nine in a row, coinciding with the return of former MVP Joel Embiid. The Knicks had won five in a row and six of their last 10 games to finish the season with 50 wins. The stage was set for an epic matchup of contrasting playing styles and star power.
And to spice things up just a bit, the Knicks got all the bulletin board material they needed when 76ers reserve Paul Reed went on the Run it Back podcast and claimed that they wanted the Knicks as they were the “easier team”. Looking back, Reed, who was a -34 for the series, probably regrets going viral for the wrong reasons.
A Tom Thibodeau masterclass
Although the tides have changed, it wasn’t too long ago that head coach Tom Thibodeau was seen as a very polarizing figure. Often criticized for playing his players too many minutes, an outdated offensive philosophy, and a perceived unwillingness to adapt to the modern NBA – despite results on the court – Thibs remained on the hot seat with a segment of this fanbase.
After a 50-win season, Thibodeau, much like some of his players, took his game to another level this postseason. After strong performances from both Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, Thibs decided to mix things up. In game four, Thibs started Josh Hart on Maxey and gave Embiid a heavy dose of OG Anunoby. Although Isaiah Hartenstein provided a valiant effort in trying to guard the seven-time All-Star, he was often in foul trouble. And with Mitchell Robinson out with an ankle injury, Thibs needed to adjust.
Outside of the simple one-on-one matchups, Thibs also chose to double-team Embiid when he was in the post and he doubled Maxey when they switched in an effort to target Brunson in pick and rolls. To Embiid’s credit, he made some great passes out of the double-team, but Josh Hart, who seemingly was everywhere on the court, made some amazing defensive plays, including this block.
Jalen Brunson
Becky Hammon, Draymond Green, and numerous others have tried to slander our MVP with various back-handed compliments or direct insults. And what did Jalen Brunson do to respond? Absolutely everything to cement himself as one of the standout performers of this year’s postseason. For me, it all centers around Brunson’s game six performance. But even before that, Brunson was averaging 34.4 points and 8.4 assists per game.
And despite pouring in 41 points, handing out 12 assists, and shooting 37 percent from the three-point line, it was Brunson’s ability to trust his teammates that truly led to the Knicks 118-115 victory in a pivotal game six on the road. Brunson had two key assists to former Villanova alum Donte DiVincenzo – one from an out-of-bounds play, and one from a baseline cut that created a serious momentum shift in the game. And of course, who could forget the beautiful pass to a wide-open Josh Hart, who put the nail in the coffin with his three-point shot with 25 seconds left in the game?
Brunson was everything you would want in a franchise superstar – he had an answer for every one of the 76ers’ punches via either his scoring or passing. The Knicks have had players who can shoot you into a game. However, the downside has been that they can also shoot you out of a game. Brunson let the defense dictate his decision-making, and he always seemed to be a step ahead of Nick Nurse and the 76ers on the court. Salute to the captain!
The Fans
New York Knicks fans are one of a kind. I was personally at game one of the Knicks-76ers series and can speak to the incredible deafening roar of a collective mass of people desperate for their favorite team to claim victory. And yet, aside from the obvious advantage one would expect from the home games played at MSG, it was the fans who showed up to Wells Fargo Arena in Philly that I believe are the true MVPs of this series.
Just ask Joel Embiid.
It was so bad that 76ers’ ownership had to purchase over two-thousand tickets to prevent Knicks fans from taking over their home court. And to be fair, it made a dent, just not a noticeable one. You could still hear the MVP chants for Brunson and the (expletive) chants for Embiid. Bottom line is, Knicks fans showed up and showed out, as they always do!
The Knicks’ second-round matchup features a familiar foe: the Indiana Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton has been incredible this season, and this will truly be a battle of contrasting styles of play. The Knicks try to grind opponents down to a toothpick with tough defense, and the Pacers try to launch 40-plus three-point shots a game with great spacing and passing. One thing, though, is for sure – this will be a long and hard-fought series.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out our Knicks vs. Pacers beat writer roundtable.
