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New York Knicks lose to the Indiana Pacers 111-106: Almost stole one in Indy

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The Knicks lost to the Pacers 111-106 thanks to a three from Andrew Nembhard. But the loss leaves me confident New York can win if healthy.

The New York Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers, 111-106, bringing their series lead to a precarious 2-1. The Knicks played without OG Anunoby and with Jalen Brunson hobbled, but the game still came down to the final minute.

The Pacers rushed out to a lead as Jalen Brunson struggled to work through his foot injury. Brunson missed his first few shots and came up limping after an attempt. But Donte DiVincenzo stepped up to keep things close. DiVo received help from an unlikely source when Alec Burks exploded in the second quarter, helping New York close the gap.

Brunson came alive in the third quarter, and DiVincenzo continued to knock down shots. They helped New York take a lead into the fourth quarter. But Brunson labored through the fourth, leaving the teams tied in the final minute. The Knicks missed free throws and failed to secure defensive rebounds, leading to a miraculous three-pointer from Andrew Nembhard that decided the game.

The Knicks fought hard despite injuries, but the Pacers pulled it out. Let’s see how New York managed to make this a dogfight.

The Knicks’ starters fumble a big game from DiVo

Jalen Brunson: 26 PTS (10/26 FG, 2/6 3PT, 4/7 FT), 6 AST, 1 STL, 5 TO in 38 mins

Jalen Brunson limped through his first-quarter minutes and never looked like himself. He lacked the explosiveness to get a step on defenders to get shots up or draw fouls. All of the Knicks’ star’s points came the hard way, battling through contact and shooting over or around defenders.

Brunson occasionally lost his balance, leading to turnovers and costing possessions. But he still found his way to advantageous spots in the third quarter. It’s no coincidence that New York’s best quarter came when Brunson found his rhythm. Unfortunately, that didn’t last, as he couldn’t get many shots to fall in the crucial fourth quarter.

I can’t fault Brunson for the inefficient night. He clearly fought through discomfort and still pushed Indiana to the brink. But I do wish the Knicks had given Donte DiVincenzo more opportunities to take clutch time possessions since he had the hot hand. Brunson gets a 2.5 out of 5 for gutting this game out.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 35 PTS (12/26 FG, 7/11 3PT, 4/4 FT), 2 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 44 mins

Donte DiVincenzo nearly stole this game. He went shot for shot with Tyrese Haliburton, seeming to hit a three every time the Pacers looked ready to take over. DiVo also attacked off the bounce, finding seams to finish inside through the early portions of the action, though his jumper keyed most of the scoring.

DiVincenzo’s defense deserves a nod as well. He’s defended well since the series clincher in Philadelphia, which continued in Indiana. The Big Ragu picked up an impressive block on Pascal Siakam by helping from the baseline. 

DiVincenzo gave New York a two-way boost, driving the offense and helping on defense. He would have been the hero of game three if not for Andrew Nembhard’s lucky shot late. I only wish he’d been more assertive down the stretch. DiVo gets a 4.5 out of 5 for a heroic performance.

Josh Hart: 10 PTS (4/7 FG, 1/1 3PT, 1/2 FT), 4 AST, 18 REB, 2 STL, 4 TO in 43 mins

I found myself frustrated with Josh Hart. He asserted himself in plenty of positive ways, but not as a scorer. Hart hesitated on a few open looks from three, and Indiana did a better job of keeping him out of the lanes. That caused Hart to score less and turn the ball over more.

Hart did a fantastic job on the defensive glass, which makes it surprising he didn’t do much in transition. It also shows a sore spot for New York because when Hart didn’t secure defensive boards late, nobody else helped. I’m trying to figure out what to think of New York’s energizer failing to grab an offensive board since he nearly tallied 20 boards anyway.

It’s noteworthy that Hart did a hell of a job defending Pascal Siakam. Siakam did his thing, but Hart forced the Pacer star to battle for most of his buckets. The Knicks’ energizer turned in a quality effort, but it’s a regression from the lofty heights of his recent performances. Hart gets a 3 out of 5 for fighting hard.

Precision Achiuwa: 5 PTS (2/3 FG, 1/2 FT), 6 REB, 3 BLK, 2 TO in 22 mins

Precious Achiuwa continues to provide mixed results for the Knicks. At his best, we see him rotating well and containing players who have previously found success through screens. I credit Precious for TJ McConnell’s return to Earth, as Achiuwa took away free looks in the lanes. Achiuwa also allowed New York to switch more freely on defense.

But Precious looked overmatched when trying to guard Pascal Siakam. He held his own against most others, but his best minutes separated from Hartenstein’s. So, maybe the starting unit needs a change. Precious gets a 2.5 out of 5 for his defensive impact.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 6 PTS (3/4 FG), 5 AST, 8 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 39 mins

I’d hoped Isaiah Hartenstein would step up in a big way. He turned in a passable performance but lacked much punch. I-Hart grabbed boards well enough but didn’t impose his size on the glass. He did a nice job passing, but not enough to cover for what was lost with Brunson hobbled.

I-Hart’s defense was a disappointment. Myles Turner cooked him for 21 points and 10 boards, including a plethora of baskets right in the paint. Typically, Hartenstein’s defense can be game-changing, but it lacked bite in game three.

That’s not to call Hartenstein’s game “bad.” But it felt underwhelming compared to what we’ve seen from him throughout these playoffs. I-Hart gets a 2.5 out of 5 for a solid but forgettable performance.

New York’s second unit gets a scoring boost

Miles McBride: 10 PTS (3/8 FG, 2/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL in 29 mins

Miles McBride finally got some offense going. He knocked down a pair of threes and took Haliburton to the rim for a layup. However, Deuce also missed some open looks that could have pushed his game to another level.

I’m happy to report that McBride finally contained TJ McConnell. Thanks to Precious’ mobility, Deuce had extra help defenders in the lane, but Deuce also seemed to figure out McConnell’s off-balance jumpers in the lane. McBride challenged that shot more often than not this time.

Deuce played an alright game, but his production was lacking for 29 minutes of action. He has another level to reach, but he scratched at the surface during this game. Deuce gets a 2 out of 5 for a solid bench role.

Alec Burks: 14 PTS (4/6 FG, 2/4 3PT, 4/5 FT), 1 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK in 21 mins

Alec Burks provided a much-needed spark off the bench. He entered the game and quickly knocked down shots, scoring all but one point in the second quarter. Burks’ shooting is even more impressive, considering how little he’s played over the past month and a half.

Burks flashed veteran savvy on defense. He had a block and a steal to point to on the score sheet and also created a jump ball that probably should have been a forced turnover. Burks put together his best defensive effort since the trade.

Let’s hope the microwave scorer keeps this up. New York needs help, particularly off the bench, and Burks stepped up in a big way. He gets a 3 out of 5 for reclaiming momentum for New York at a precarious moment.

Jericho Sims 0 PTS (0/0 FG) in 4 mins

Jericho Sims entered the game but looked a step behind the action. His only notable play was a hard foul on Andrew Nesmith.

Tom Thibodeau slips up

I have my first major criticism of Tom Thibodeau in this series. He wasted his second challenge on an out-of-bounds call that ended in a jump ball. It was technically a successful challenge, but it felt less meaningful than it could have been. 

The out-of-bounds debate was sandwiched between two and-one finishes for Indiana that looked like charges. Haliburton picked up three points on a near-charge against Deuce McBride, and Siakam did the same against Brunson. Either of the plays getting overturned could have been the difference in this game.

 I called out Rick Carlisle for poor management of his challenges in game one, so I’ll point this error out for Thibs.

Closing Thoughts 

I can’t believe the Pacers won on a play like that. Tyrese Haliburton didn’t want the ball, and Andrew Nembhard threw up a prayer. That’s how the Pacers finally picked up a win. It’s an odd conclusion that seemed to continue Indiana’s trend of executing poorly in the clutch, but they got a miracle.

So am I confident because of the result or worried? I’ll admit I’m nervous. Brunson’s foot doesn’t have much time to heal, and that might have been the break that gives Indiana confidence down the stretch of future games. But if Brunson’s healthy, New York takes the series.

It pains me to think that injuries could be the difference between winning and losing. But that’s basketball! Sixers fans will point to Embiid’s injury every time I troll them over the first round. But it’s galling to watch podcasters call New York’s run a fluke while they fight on without Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and now OG Anunoby.

Sunday afternoon is a chance for redemption. Let’s hope Brunson’s foot improves and Donte’s inferno stays on. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

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 CP The Fanchise’s interview with NYC mayor Eric Adams.

New York Knicks take a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers 130-121: Defined by toughness

By
Remi Se
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1
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks overcame injuries to multiple starters to take game two against the Indiana Pacers. The win defines New York’s season so far!

The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 130-121 to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round series. The Knicks dealt with injuries to two key players during the action but still managed to claim victory.

New York leaped out to an early lead, thanks to OG Anunoby’s hot hand. But their momentum came to a halt after Jalen Brunson left the first quarter with a foot injury. Without Brunson, the Knicks looked shell-shocked. Their defense couldn’t stop anyone on the Pacers, and their offense only survived, thanks to Anunoby’s scoring.

With Jalen Brunson back in action at the start of the third quarter, the Knicks experienced a resurgence. Despite not being at his peak due to his injury, Brunson’s presence on the court drew enough attention to create opportunities for other players. However, their momentum was disrupted when OG Anunoby had to leave the game due to a hamstring injury.

That’s when the Villanova trio took over, with help from Isaiah Hartenstein. Brunson fought through injury for a brilliant fourth quarter, and the Knicks pulled away in the clutch. It’s a hard-fought victory, and heroes abound, so let’s discuss the performances.

The Knicks’ starters overcome injuries to win

Jalen Brunson: 29 PTS (11/18 FG, 3/6 3PT, 4/6 FT), 5 AST, 2 REB, 3 STL, 2 TO in 32 mins

Jalen Brunson looked poised for another big game. He hit his first two shots and shredded any help defense with quick passes to the top of the key or weak side. But then Brunson left the game with a foot injury. The entire team looked deflated.

Brunson returned in the third quarter but seemed hesitant about his injured foot. He spent most of the quarter playing the decoy, finding teammates, and letting them do the heavy lifting. Brunson showed signs of laboring as both his turnovers came from stepping awkwardly with that bad foot. But TJ McConnell must have gotten under his skin because Brunson began to attack increasingly as the quarter wore on.

By the fourth, Brunson was in his bag. He shredded defenders, hit jumpers, and finished tough moves inside. The Knicks’ MVP played the entire second half despite being hobbled. He keyed New York’s win on one foot and without Anunoby in the fourth. It was another incredible performance, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for overcoming adversity.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 28 PTS (10/20 FG, 6/12 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 43 mins

Donte DiVincenzo locked in early and never let up. He burned the Pacers nearly every time they left him open. DiVo didn’t just shoot but attacked off the dribble and as a cutter. His most exciting moments came as he flew into the lane and at the rim.

The Big Ragu stepped up even more after Brunson appeared injured. As Brunson appeared to be working through his foot injury in the third, DiVincenzo often brought the ball up and started possessions. The sharpshooter even added a healthy dose of rebounds!

DiVincenzo picked up the offense when Brunson needed time, and OG got hurt. He grabbed improbable boards and made a few beautiful passes. This is my favorite performance DiVo’s had in this postseason, and he gets a 4.5 out of 5 for stepping up efficiently.

Josh Hart: 19 PTS (8/12 FG, 1/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 7 AST, 15 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 5 TO in 48 mins

Josh Hart may never sit again. He played the entire game, and for good reason. Hart led all rebounders for the second game in a row, dominating the defensive glass. He did most of his scoring damage off cuts to the basket and transition drives that we’ve come to know and love.

However, efficiency sets this performance apart from Hart’s recent efforts. We didn’t see as many misses at the rim for Hart, which often leads to quick breaks in the opposite direction for opposing teams. He finished everything and added a big three-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Hart finally showed signs of fatigue in the form of a few sluggish rotations, but those lapses were few and far between. He remains the team’s pulse, battling for every possession and often making something from nothing. Hart gets a 4 out of 5, losing a point due to turnovers.

OG Anunoby: 28 PTS (10/19 FG, 4/7 3PT, 4/6 FT), 3 AST, 4 REB, 1 BLK in 28 mins

OG Anunoby sparked the Knicks early and carried them while Brunson was in the locker room. Anunoby played aggressive offense, attacking the rim off the dribble and finishing most of the attempts. He complemented the forays to the rim with three-pointers scattered throughout his performance. 

With Brunson down, most of the Knicks struggled offensively. But Anunoby continued to find the ball and attack. He scored important baskets to keep the game from getting out of reach before Brunson returned. 

Anunoby’s defense kicked into another gear in the third quarter, as his side of the court looked impossible to attack. It reminds me of “Revis Island” when OG locks in like that, forcing the opposing offense to operate on the opposite side to get anything going. Unfortunately, Anunoby seemed to pull a hamstring during a fast break and never returned.

OG gets a 4.5 for being well on his way to his best game as a Knick before an injury cut his night short. I pray we get good news and he’s able to return soon.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS (5/7 FG, 4/4 FT), 8 AST, 12 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 39 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein’s passing surprised the TNT broadcast team, with Reggie Miller and Stan Van Gundy marveling at the big man’s playmaking early. Knicks fans are used to Hartenstein’s ability to find cutters, but he was better than ever. At one point, I-Hart skipped a pass that took two bounces en route to a cutting Josh Hart for two points. 

I-Hart’s passing highlighted a spectacular overall performance. He gobbled up boards on both ends and often cleared the way for Josh Hart to fly into space for the rebounds Hartenstein couldn’t grab. The big man scored inside with force while shutting down Myles Turner at the opposite end. Hartenstein’s defense is easy to miss against a perimeter-oriented opponent, but he’s not letting anyone near the rim on his side of the defense.

I-Hart barely missed a triple-double and keyed the Knicks’ ball movement. He punished Indiana’s double-teams on Brunson and stole extra possessions off misses. It’s one of Hartenstein’s best postseason performances, and he gets a 4.5 out of 5 for the effort.

New York’s second unit is still slacking

Miles McBride: 4 PTS (1/4 FG, 0/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST in 20 mins

Deuce McBride hit a jumper early that gave me hope for a big game. But he cooled off after, which I can’t really blame. McBride entered the game at an odd time due to Brunson’s injury, and the entire team looked deflated during that stretch. So, at the worst moment, McBride was thrust into a more prominent role.

But whether McBride’s scoring or not, New York desperately needs him to slow down TJ McConnell. McConnell has been the catalyst for Indiana’s bench in both games, and McBride can’t keep the Pacers’ pest out of the paint. McConnell even started cheesing and taunting the Garden crowd this time.

As injuries pile up, the Knicks need Deuce to step up more and more. But he hasn’t found his footing in this series. McBride gets a 1.5 out of 5 for another tough game.

Precious Achiuwa: 8 PTS (4/5 FG), 5 REB in 28 mins

Precious Achiuwa’s game is tough to score. He gave us flashes of quality play scattered among struggles for most of the first three quarters. Achiuwa didn’t clear the boards as effectively as Hartenstein or Robinson usually do. It’s unfair to compare a big man to two of the best rebounders in the league, but we’ve been spoiled.

We’ve seen Precious battle on the glass before. We know he can be a dominant force and an energizer, which came to light in the fourth. As the game came down to the wire, Achiuwa got active, adding two of his three offensive boards in crucial clutch moments. Precious also added a coast-to-coast drive and finish and a clutch dunk in the fourth.

Achiuwa gave New York good minutes off the bench. But we’ll need him to be even better to keep the winning up. Precious gets a 2 out of 5 for getting into the flow during the clutch.

Alec Burks: 0 PTS (0/1 FG) in 1 min

Alec Burks entered the game for the final play of the first half. Unfortunately, he missed the shot.

Tom Thibodeau is running out of players

I’ve never been more frustrated than watching TNT’s postgame talk about Tom Thibodeau wearing his players down. I don’t know what Thibs is supposed to do when his best two players each miss a quarter with injuries. The injuries have piled up, and Thibodeau has steered the ship to a two-game lead in the second round of the playoffs without key players. 

Thibodeau’s reputation is one thing, but everyone should acknowledge that his hands are tied. Maybe he can find minutes for Burks or Shake Milton and spot moments to sneak Jericho Sims on the floor. But Thibodeau’s almost out of options, and the fact that New York is still winning games is a testament to Thibs’ fantastic coaching this season.

Closing Thoughts: 

Knicks’ fam, I have an admission to make: I’m nervous! Jalen Brunson fought through a foot injury, and OG Anunoby couldn’t finish the game. Randle and Robinson are done for the season, and we’re running out of healthy players.

But if that all sounds familiar, it’s because that’s been the story all season. The Knicks have dealt with injury after injury and found ways to win. Their journey to the second seed was improbable, but they gutted out win after win. Game two was a microcosm of the entire year as New York’s toughness defied the odds.

Can the Knicks keep it up? I have no clue. The games will only get tougher from here. But I’m proud of this squad, and we’ve learned that they’ll always find a way to fight. 

Game three is on Friday, and I’ll have eyes on the injury report leading into the action. But regardless of who plays, we can meet back here to discuss it. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

New York Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers 121-117: Our star makes the difference

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Credit : Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks defeat the Indiana Pacers 121-117. Jalen Brunson and the Nova Boys led New York to a thrilling clutch victory to take Game 1.

The New York Knicks battled until the final buzzer, stealing a game-one victory from the Indiana Pacers 121-117. Jalen Brunson made the difference, dropping 21 points in the fourth quarter en route to his fourth straight 40-point performance.

The Knicks got off to a fast start but lost momentum as soon as Indiana’s bench entered the game. The Pacers’ bench outscored New York 46-3 on the night. That left Tom Thibodeau leaning on his starters, and the Villanova gang showed up in a big way. Jalen Brunson made basket after basket, while Josh Hart chased down every loose ball, and Donte DiVincenzo hit his fifth and final three-pointer to go ahead with 40 seconds left in the action.

The Knicks have plenty of mistakes to clean up before the next game, but they took care of business in the clutch. Let’s look at the rest of the individual performances.

The Knicks’ starters get a big night from the Nova trio

Jalen Brunson: 43 PTS (14/26 FG, 1/4 3PT, 14/14 FT), 6 AST, 6 REB, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 43 mins

We are witnessing a historic playoff run from Jalen Brunson. He carried his success from the Philadelphia series into the second round. Brunson torched defenders, using Aaron Nesmith’s physicality to draw fouls and overwhelming any defenders smaller than the Pacers SF. Brunson did nearly all of his damage in or around the paint, bumping his opponent for space and firing away.

JB’s playmaking looked on point. He didn’t match the double-digit pace of recent outings, but that’s at least partially due to the Pacers staying at home on shooters. Brunson’s turnovers came when he jumped with intentions to pass, expecting a help defender that never showed. That’s also why Brunson often found himself free to abuse defenders one-on-one from his favorite spaces on the floor.

I try to be strict about my scoring, demanding that players go above and beyond for anything close to a perfect score. But Brunson has broken the impact meter. He didn’t just pour in his fourth straight 40-point game but did it on 14 of 26 from the field in a game that came down to the final few possessions. New York’s MVP gets a perfect 5 out of 5 again because we’re witnessing historic greatness at this point.

Donte DiVincenzo: 25 PTS (10/17 FG, 5/9 3PT), 1 AST, 3 REB, 2 BLK, 2 TO in 43 mins

Donte DiVincenzo started the game off cold. As I mentioned, Indiana’s defenders stayed at home on shooters, which meant DiVincenzo had less space to work with and fewer catch-and-shoot opportunities. In addition, Indy’s ball denial forced New York’s ball-handlers to receive the ball later in the shot clock and often off-balance.

But Indiana’s ball denial also left room for hard cuts and quick action toward the basket. DiVincenzo capitalized on defenders guarding him tightly at the perimeter by making hard cuts and drives toward the rim, catching defenders on their heels and unable to challenge his attempts inside. Once defenders stepped away to deny DiVo’s slashing, they left him open to shoot from long range.

With 40 seconds left in regulation, DiVincenzo sealed the game with a deep three-pointer. It was the culmination of a dominant second half from the Knicks’ sharpshooter. To top it off, his defense looked as strong as ever, completing a fantastic performance. Donte gets a 4 out of 5 for his second-half spark. 

Josh Hart: 24 PTS (9/13 FG, 1/1 3PT, 5/8 FT), 8 AST, 13 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 5 TO in 48 mins

Josh Hart flirted with a triple-double thanks to his breakneck pace that never let up. Hart grabbed more than twice as many boards as Indiana’s top rebounders. He seemed to track down every loose ball, and even wrestled the ball away from Myles Turner for extra possessions.

The Pacers’ transition pace played into Hart’s strengths. He consistently attacked transition opportunities, finishing through defenders. When the Pacers managed to get in front of Hart, he picked out trailers and shooters for open looks and easy dimes. 

Hart is changing games through force of will. He overpowers bigger players, outruns faster guys, and outworks everybody. He barely missed a triple-double in this game and would join Brunson with a perfect score if not for his five turnovers. Hart gets a 4.5 out of 5 for giving the Knicks a boost in every category.

OG Anunoby: 13 PTS (5/14 FG, 3/7 3PT), 4 AST, 9 REB, 3 STL, 2 TO in 42 mins

OG Anunoby took time to get going, but he picked things up as the game wore on. Watching Anunoby duel with Pascal Siakam was a treat. They forced each other into tough shots for most of the action, with Siakam knocking down difficult jumpers and OG capitalizing on the few occasions he got space to shoot from deep.

Anunoby’s duel with Siakam is secondary to his work as a help defender and rebounder. OG picked up two of his three steals in the fourth quarter, sparking a pair of easy baskets as crunch time approached. He also capitalized on the Pacers’ focus on boxing out centers, as Anunoby grabbed more rebounds than expected.

While Anunoby clocked four assists, his passing didn’t stand out as much as I’d expect from a four-assist effort. His best work came attacking off the dribble from the top of the key or firing off shots when open along the baseline. He contained Pascal Siakam while matching most of his former teammates’ production and surpassing it in places. OG gets a 3.5 out of 5 for a strong effort in a tough battle.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 13 PTS (5/9 FG, 1/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 AST, 6 REB, 1 TO in 36 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein didn’t look as comfortable offensively as he had against a hobbled Joel Embiid. That’s not to say he played poorly, as I-Hart pumped in 13 points with the signature floater and some dunks mixed into his offense. But Hartenstein also lucked into three points off a full-court heave to end halftime.

Hartenstein’s passing popped, thanks to Indiana’s attempts at ball denial. East Coast Jokic took the ball from the top of the key and continually picked out wing cutters on quick dives to the basket. I-Hart’s passing helped Donte heat up, Hart gain momentum, and Brunson pick up a few easier looks. 

The Knicks’ defensive scheme plays into the hands of stretch bigs. So, I won’t hit Hartenstein too hard on defense. But Indiana capitalized on his drop coverage often enough that I hope Thibodeau makes adjustments. For now, I’m focused on the positives for Hartenstein, who gets a 3 out of 5 for a valiant effort.

New York’s second unit must do more

Miles McBride: 0 PTS (0/2 FG, 0/1 3PT), 1 AST in 10 mins

Deuce McBride always seems to have trouble guarding TJ McConnell. McConnell torched everyone on the Knicks, but it especially hurt McBride, who couldn’t answer with points of his own. Deuce barely registered a blip offensively, while his opponent off the bench dropped 18 points. 

McBride has to slow McConnell down to earn more minutes and, hopefully, find his rhythm in the process.

Precious Achiuwa: 1 PTS (0/0 FG, 1/2 FT), 1 REB in 4 mins

Precious Achiuwa entered the second quarter but didn’t even reach five minutes before Tom Thibodeau changed his mind. Achiuwa didn’t get enough time for me to critique his performance beyond saying, “You’ve gotta hit your free throws.”

Mitchell Robinson: 2 PTS (1/1 FG), 1 AST, 2 REB in 12 mins

Mitchell Robinson had trouble keeping up with Isaiah Jackson and Indiana’s smaller bench unit. But by the second half, he began to impose his will and manufacture extra opportunities through sheer force of strength. But Mitch limped away from a rebound late and didn’t stay on the floor much after that.

I suspect that Mitch can be a game-changing presence. But that’s only if he’s healthy enough to move around comfortably and take advantage of his size advantage.

Tom Thibodeau has adjustments to make

I doubt Tom Thibodeau is happy with New York’s performance. He’ll take the win, but I don’t imagine him smiling after his team gave up 117 points. The Knicks played into the Pacers’ style too often, failing to impose their will or force the scrapping battles that marked New York’s first-round series. 

But even with Thibodeau rewatching the film for places to adjust, his coaching impact was proven at the end of regulation. Rick Carlisle lost his cool and wasted a timeout on a losing challenge, while Thibodeau used his challenge to gain one extra possession. The teams reflected their coaches, with the Pacers picking up an offensive foul followed by an off-ball foul that led to a free point, while the Knicks executed down the stretch.

Good coaching wins games, and Thibodeau was the better coach, though Carlisle is unquestionably a good coach in his own right.

Closing Thoughts: 

One reason I love playoff basketball is how quickly the challenges change. The Knicks just spent six games battling a sharpshooting point guard, an unstoppable big man, and a grinding pace. Then the Pacers arrived with a pass-first star guard, a shooting big man, and the fastest pace in the league. 

Throughout the regular season, we see many iterations of these team identities. But the playoffs narrow the challengers down to the best versions of each approach. The Knicks went from old-fashioned scraps in the middle to a constant chase in the open court. 

New York’s identity shines because of the ever-morphing challenges it faces. It welcomes physicality and embraces the track meet. The Knicks outwork their opponents, no matter their style or identity. They’re in everyone’s face, wearing them down until the final bell. 

I just wish the margins for error weren’t so tight, but that’s another mark of the postseason.

New York plays again Wednesday night, and it’s a home game with the chance to put Indiana in a deep hole. Indiana will have frustration from the first game and desperation to even the series in their minds, but I suspect the Knicks will be even better. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

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 CP The Fanchise’s interview with NYC mayor Eric Adams.

Knicks Pulse Check: Postseason – First Round Edition

By
Geoffrey Campbell
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0
New York Knicks
Credit: Gamba The Bard

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.  

New York Knicks clinch round one over the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115: Pressure makes diamonds

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The Knicks eliminated the 76ers with a game six victory. The two teams turned in an incredible series, but New York held on tight.

The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115, winning game six and moving on to round two of the playoffs. The game was a nail-biter, decided by a clutch three from Josh Hart and series-clinching free throws.

The Knicks jumped out to a 22-point lead in the first quarter led by hot shooting from Donte DiVincenzo. But their offense collapsed in the second quarter, as Philadelphia came back to take a lead into halftime. The second half felt like a prize fight, with both teams trading blows all the way to the final bell.

The top players showed up, as Jalen Brunson and Joel Embiid scored 41 and 39 points, respectively. While New York finally slowed Tyrese Maxey down, Sixers veterans Buddy Hield and Nicolas Batum stepped up, combining for 36 points. But Brunson had the Nova connection, as Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart chipped in 39 points of their own.

Heroic efforts abound, so let’s get right into the player recaps and performance scores.

The Knicks’ starters play big minutes to close out

Jalen Brunson: 41 PTS (13/27 FG, 3/8 3PT, 12/16 FT), 12 AST, 3 REB, 2 TO in 44 mins

Jalen Brunson became the seventh player in NBA history to score 40 points in three consecutive games. He scored the first basket of the game and hit clutch shots throughout the fourth quarter. Even when Philadelphia stacked the defense against him, Brunson found ways to score.

Passing made the difference between Brunson closing strong this time and struggling to close game five. The Sixers began to blitz Brunson near half court, forcing him to rush a move or make a pass. New York’s star trusted his teammates, sending the ball to the weak side wing, where Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo made big plays all game.

Brunson just put together one of the best first-round performances of any Knick in history. He averaged 35, 9, and 4 over the six games, and that jumps to 41, 10, and 3 over the final four games of the series. He closed this series brilliantly and gets another 5 out of 5 for his tremendous effort. 

Brunson finishing an and-one near the end of the game, and staring up at his Villanova Championship banners is one of the coldest moments of the year.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 23 PTS (8/18 FG, 5/9 3PT, 2/2 FT), 7 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 3 BLK, 1 TO in 48 mins

Donte DiVincenzo flew out the gate firing. He’d had a disappointing series following his game-winning shot in game two, but the Big Ragu would not be denied again. He knocked down three shots from three in the first quarter, helping New York to an early lead. While his offense cooled after that, he continued to make winning plays through smart passes and quality defense.

DiVincenzo spent more time guarding Tyrese Maxey in this game than I can recall in any prior matchup. Not only did he accept the assignment, but he gave one of the best efforts to stop Maxey, that we’ve seen all series. That didn’t stop his help defense either, as he picked off passes and punched a Joel Embiid layup into the cameraman section.

DiVincenzo’s shooting made a huge impact on this series. New York won every game when he hit multiple three-pointers, and they lost the two games where he made one or fewer. Ironically, his defense and playmaking were the biggest difference-makers in the clincher. DiVo gets a 4.5 out of 5 for stepping up.

Josh Hart: 16 PTS (5/11 FG, 3/5 3PT, 3/3 FT), 7 AST, 14 REB, 2 TO in 46 mins

Josh Hart completed his brilliant series the same way he started it: by hitting improbable three-pointers. The Sixers couldn’t leave DiVincenzo open and had to double Brunson, so they frequently left Hart alone. Hart responded with a pair of threes in the first half and the biggest shot of the game with 25 seconds left to go.

I’ll confess that Hart frustrated me at times. Between his three made jumpers, Hart passed up too many open looks. He drove instead, which led to some nice passes but also a few missed shots at the rim. He made up for those moments with an incredible effort on the glass.

While Brunson and DiVincenzo led in scoring, Hart’s work on the offensive glass made up for the times when they missed. He added jumpers of his own and plenty of playmaking in transition. The Villanova trio took over this game, and Hart proved crucial. He gets a 4.5 out of 5 for his clutch performance.

OG Anunoby: 19 PTS (8/17 FG, 2/5 3PT, 1/3 FT), 9 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO in 45 mins

We’ll remember this performance from OG Anunoby for his heroics in the second half. He hit both of his threes as the Knicks fought back from a ten-point deficit from the third quarter into the fourth. Then OG added the dunk of the series late in a tied game.

But Anunoby’s game started off shaky. I counted three times that he was blocked trying to get shots off inside. His first long attempts weren’t pretty, and he hit the floor as often as he finished field goals in the first half. That makes OG’s second-half bounce back even more impressive because it shows his resilience.

Anunoby closed this series out by defending Joel Embiid in a free-throw-focused unit. He started the series guarding Tyrese Maxey and finished defending Joel Embiid. He might be the only defender in the league capable of doing both. OG gets a 3.5 out of 5 for picking it up in the second half.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS (7/13 FG), 2 AST, 9 REB, 2 BLK, 3 TO in 30 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein came up with big buckets in the second half, using his floater to keep pace with Embiid in the third quarter. But notice I said, “keep pace,” because Hartenstein couldn’t stop or even slow Embiid down. Embiid is simply too strong for Hartenstein, so the Philly star got to his spots and controlled the post against I-Hart.

But Hartenstein still played an important role for the Knicks. The offense opens up whenever Hartenstein is available at the top of the key or just outside the paint. It’s tough to win the turnover battle against New York when they have a big man who works his way into space as often as I-Hart.

I-Hart didn’t have the best series. Embiid proved too much offensively for Hartenstein to contain with any consistency. But Hartenstein scored double-digits in three games and made clutch baskets in even more. He gets a 2.5 out of 5 for his hard work.

New York’s second unit plays important defense

Miles McBride: 3 PTS (1/4 FG, 1/4 3PT) in 9 mins

Deuce McBride started the game ugly. He got three open shots from deep and clanked every one. He stepped onto the floor, and Philadelphia seemed to go on an instant run, which meant Tom Thibodeau utilized our pesky defender far less than in prior contests.

But McBride entered a tight game in the fourth and knocked down a three-pointer while the offense had begun to stagnate. He wouldn’t take another shot, but that jumper proved crucial and bought just enough time for Brunson to rest. 

Mitchell Robinson: 2 PTS (1/3 FG), 9 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK in 18 mins

Mitchell Robinson threw down a go-ahead dunk in the fourth quarter. It felt like a reward after he turned in the best defense on Joel Embiid that we saw all game. Mitch spent the third quarter battling Embiid for position and giving the Philly star fits. That culminated with Robinson’s dunk at the opposite end.

Mitch looked hobbled, but moved better than he had in recent contests. He drew an offensive foul from Embiid, and proved immovable for Philly’s big man. We watched Joel do a “too small” gesture at Hartenstein, then get bullied by Mitch for the next five minutes. I cheered harder for Mitchell Robinson moving Embiid off his spots than I did for some of DiVo’s three-pointers.

I can’t say enough about the toughness that Mitch showed in this series. He started the series on a sketchy ankle, and a dirty play made that injury worse. But he persevered and turned in crucial defensive performances in multiple wins. Robinson gets a 3 out of 5 for his clutch defense.

Tom Thibodeau tightens the rotation even more

Tom Thibodeau finished this series with a seven-man rotation and four players playing 44 minutes or more. That’s not sustainable for a deep playoff run, but it might have been necessary to clinch against Philadelphia. The Knicks lost all momentum when Jalen Brunson briefly sat in the second quarter, and he wasn’t risking the same happening when things were close later.

Thibs didn’t take any chances by adding Precious or Burks to the rotation. I felt like Precious earned a look, but I understand the decision to avoid big changes. Thibodeau’s adjustments to slow down Maxey were more important than any changes he could make in substitution patterns.

I don’t think there’s a coach left in the East that can out-scheme Thibodeau. But we’ll find out soon.

Closing Thoughts: 

If I had to describe my feelings after that victory, “Euphoria” is the word. I’m ecstatic we won, and I hate everything about the way Philly carried itself like Kendrick Lamar hates Drake. 

I hate the way they cried to the refs in every loss. I can’t stand the hyper-focus on Embiid being banged up while he actively injured our best big defender and Julius Randle has been out. Owners buying tickets for fans is cool, but I hate that it only happened because New Yorkers embarrassed them.

This series brought back playoff intensity, from the ecstasy of winning to the rage that comes with a loss. I don’t think anything that happened last year or during 2013 even comes close. This was an incredible experience, and hopefully, it’s the start of a special run.

People say pressure makes diamonds, and the Knicks chose the toughest path possible. They didn’t duck the Sixers like some teams who finished behind them. It meant New York played in the most physical, and gritty series of the first round. But if New York can withstand punches from an MVP, they’re ready to face anyone.

The Pacers are next, and I expect a different kind of series. I’m hoping it’s easier than this last one! I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

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 CP The Fanchise’s interview with ESPN’s Chris Herring.

New York Knicks lose game five against the Philadelphia 76ers 112-106: The one that got away

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks blow game five against the Philadelphia 76ers 112-106. Grave mistakes and missed free throws down the stretch cost New York the series-clincher.

The New York Knicks let a game-clinching victory slip through their fingers, losing to the Philadelphia 76’ers 112-106. The Knicks held a 6-point lead with 30 seconds left to regulation, but their execution failed.

Mitchell Robinson fouled Tyrese Maxey on a three-pointer in those waning moments, creating a four-point play. Josh Hart missed one of his free throws, then Deuce McBride missed the signal to foul before Maxey hit a game-tying three-pointer. Maxey’s shot forced overtime, during which the Knicks blew another five-point lead before succumbing to the Sixers.

The game played out like a prize fight, with both teams taking their best shots. But the Knicks’ offense ground to a complete reliance on Jalen Brunson isolations late. By contrast, the Sixers rode Tyrese Maxey’s hot hand but always had the threat of Joel Embiid to open things up. It’s a scary loss, but with plenty of silver linings.

So, let’s explore the individual performances, and I’ll explain my reasons for optimism in the closing thoughts.

The Knicks’ starters need a second scorer down the stretch

Jalen Brunson: 40 PTS (15/32 FG, 4/11 3PT, 6/9 FT), 6 AST, 3 REB, 3 STL, 4 TO in 51 mins

Jalen Brunson played a brilliant game but ran out of steam. He played the entire first half and barely rested in the second. Brunson kept New York’s offense chugging along, but he didn’t receive the shooting help that teammates have provided most of the series. That left Brunson taking on two and three defenders at a time to produce offense for the entire team.

Late in the game, Brunson slowed down. The Sixers sent aggressive doubles to get the ball out of his hands. New York’s star had to rush his attempts before help defenders arrived, the shot clock expired, or both. He picked up an ugly turnover in overtime and missed some shots that I’ll blame on tired legs.

Brunson needed more help on offense. The Knicks can’t expect Brunson to shoulder so much while defenses load up to slow him down. If I have one complaint about Tom Thibodeau’s coaching in this series, it’s that he hasn’t figured out any way to generate easy looks for Brunson. New York’s MVP gets a 4 out of 5 for his 40-point outburst.

 onte DiVincenzo: 9 PTS (3/10 FG, 1/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 4 REB, 2 BLK in 26 mins

I’m looking at Donte DiVincenzo as I clamor for the supporting cast to help Brunson. DiVincenzo has shot 29% from the field and 18% from three since his game-winning shot in game two. He got good looks in game five but failed to convert his shots.

To his credit, DiVo finished both of his attempts inside the arc. If the Sixers will sell out to keep the Big Ragu off the three-point line, then he can find rhythm by attacking the paint. But DiVincenzo has to be more aggressive in getting into the teeth of the defense.

DiVincenzo’s effort in the second half sparked positive moments. He had a great trailing block and chased down loose balls. But the Knicks, especially Brunson, need more offense from the second-leading scorer on their healthy roster. DiVo gets a 1 out of 5 for his poor shooting.

Josh Hart: 18 PTS (7/17 FG, 1/6 3PT, 3/5 FT), 4 AST, 9 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 53 mins

Josh Hart played quality ball for most of this game, but his jump shot came back to Earth, and he closed the game poorly. Hart missed a free throw in the final minute that would have put the game out of reach. His miss set the stage for Tyrese Maxey’s game-tying heroics. Then, in overtime, Hart missed a contested layup that led to a Sixers’ transition bucket.

But Hart’s late struggles shouldn’t erase his hard work the rest of the way. The Knicks’ energizer played a ridiculous 53 minutes, battled for boards, and pushed the pace throughout that span. He practically willed his way to 18 points despite his jumper failing him.

We’ve finally seen Josh Hart run out of steam. He looked tired by the end of this game, which was a first. Late-game execution is a blemish on Hart’s performance, but I can’t hit him too hard after his incredible effort. Hart gets a 3 out of 5 for his constant hustle.

OG Anunoby: 17 PTS (7/12 FG, 2/5 3PT, 1/2 FT), 6 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 4 TO in 50 mins

OG Anunoby played well, but his performance left me worried. Anunoby attacked mismatches whenever smaller defenders switched onto him. But as the game wore on, OG turned the ball over and repeatedly grabbed at his elbow after the plays. He seemed more susceptible to strips than normal, and I suspect a sore elbow played a role.

The good news is that OG’s jumper didn’t show ill effects from the elbow. He hit a pair of big threes and knocked down his midrange looks. If the Sixers gave Anunoby space, he cashed in the opportunities.

Anunoby’s defense didn’t steal the show like last time. It was decent but not great, which perfectly describes his entire performance. OG did plenty of good, but never rose above and beyond his role. That’s good for a 3 out of 5 on his performance score.

Isaiah Hartenstein:  6 PTS (1/2 FG, 4/4 FT), 4 AST, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 27 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein finally avoided foul trouble while defending Joel Embiid. He did well staying in Embiid’s space without getting his hands close enough for a whistle. But I’m slightly disappointed by I-Hart’s production, even though it wasn’t bad.

My main complaint is that Embiid was clearly hobbled, but Hartenstein only took two field goal attempts. He’d used perpetual motion to get free looks throughout the past two games but didn’t find open spaces this time. It should have been easier for Hartenstein to break free from Embiid, but instead, he flew under the radar.

That said, I want a more aggressive Hartenstein because he made so much from his touches. I-Hart threw 4 assists and turned two attempts into six points. He rebounded and defended well. It’s enough for a 3.5 out of 5 impact, but I think he left some meat on the bone.

New York’s second unit is down to two

Miles McBride: 14 PTS (6/11 FG, 2/7 3PT), 4 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 33 mins

Miles McBride forced his way into a bigger role. The Knicks needed offense, and Deuce wasn’t afraid to shoot. McBride made his own runs, scoring five points in a row on two separate occasions. Both times energized the Garden crowd, though he would have ripped the lid off the arena if he’d hit one more three.

Deuce’s defense wasn’t enough to stop Tyrese Maxey. But watch the replay of some shots Maxey made, and it’s hard to blame our perimeter stopper. McBride does bear some blame for missing Thibodeau’s signal to foul on Maxey’s game-tying three from the logo.

McBride played a great game, though I’m sure he’s kicking himself over the end of regulation. But I can forgive one mistake when he provided the Knicks with a much-needed offensive punch. McBride gets a 3 out of 5 for his strong game.

Mitchell Robinson: 2 PTS (1/2 FG, 0/2 FT), 7 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO in 25 mins

Mitchell Robinson made it back to the court and turned in an impressive defensive performance. He gave Joel Embiid hell, blocking the big man’s jump shot attempt and forcing him into tough shots all night. Mitch also poked the ball loose from Embiid repeatedly, resulting in a few steals and draining the shot clock otherwise.

Robinson’s offensive output came down to a single impressive alley-oop. If you’re looking for proof he’s still hobbled, it’s in his lack of impact in the offensive paint. But the Block Ness Monster’s defense made up for lack of scoring until one late mistake. He fouled Maxey to create a four-point play, which sparked Philadelphia’s last-minute comeback.

It’s promising that Robinson isn’t completely healthy, yet he still played great defense against an MVP candidate. However, the late mistake and lack of scoring keep Mitch from reaching his potential. He played well but could be better, which earns a 2.5 out of 5.

Tom Thibodeau’s short rotation risk backfires

Tom Thibodeau must have been counting on extra rest for his players. He kept Brunson and Hart on the floor for the entire first half. As the game wound down, that may have come back to bite him. Brunson and Hart had carried the Knicks for most of the action, but their execution wilted down the stretch. Meanwhile, the players that normally step up seemed out of rhythm and over-reliant on Brunson for any playmaking.

Thibs hasn’t done much to get DiVincenzo back on track. He didn’t trust McBride to spell Brunson for even a few minutes despite McBride playing well all series. Hart has been amazing, but Precious Achiuwa could have given the sparkplug some rest. So, I’ll count this loss as one of Thibodeau’s few missteps this postseason.

Closing Thoughts: 

That loss was a gut punch, particularly because we were so close to a win. But I’m optimistic that the Knicks can bounce back! The Knicks shot 28% from three-point land, 67% from the free-throw line, and lost the rebounding battle. They still forced Philadelphia to a miraculous comeback in overtime. This game was Murphy’s law embodied, and the Sixers still barely squeaked by.

I don’t expect Tyrese Maxey to shoot impossibly high percentages from ridiculous distances for two more games. I doubt the Knicks will continue to brick open looks from deep or the free-throw line. So, while it feels like the air has been knocked out of this team, I’m confident they’ll get this one back.

Thursday is a chance to erase the bad feelings and close the series out. I suspect the Philadelphia fanbase will put more effort into supporting their home team, but I’m not sure it will matter. The Knicks have every reason to play a motivated game, and I’ll be disappointed if they start flat again. We’ll see how they fare and discuss it here next time.

See you next time, Knicks fam!

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 the Game of the Week Preview with CBS Sports’ John Gonzalez. 

New York Knicks win game four against the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92: A historic performance from Jalen Brunson

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92 in game four. Jalen Brunson’s historic night fuels the Knicks to a gutsy win, just one away from the second round.

The New York Knicks took a 3-1 lead in their series against the Philadelphia 76ers, winning game four 97-92. Both teams clamped down on defense, but Jalen Brunson was unstoppable. The star guard set the Knicks’ record for points in a playoff game.

For most of the action, Joel Embiid kept up with Brunson. The Sixers’ star hit big shots or drew fouls to muck up any momentum New York picked up. But that changed when OG Anunoby took on the defensive assignment. Anunoby and an increase in switching and rotation by the rest of the defenders finally cooled Embiid off.

Brunson carried the scoring offense, but his teammates stepped up in other areas and key moments. Let’s look at each performance and see how New York put the Sixers on the ropes.

The Knicks’ starters get an MVP performance to lead the way

Jalen Brunson: 47 PTS (18/34 FG, 2/8 3PT, 9/11 FT), 10 AST, 4 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 44 mins

Jalen Brunson put together one of the greatest playoff performances in Knicks’ history. Brunson responded whenever the Sixers threatened to run away with a lead. He started the game by taking pull-up jumpers through screens, capitalizing on Embiid’s drop coverage. But the Burner eventually shifted to driving and finishing inside.

Brunson didn’t only score nearly half of the Knicks’ total points. He added ten assists for the double-double, finding Hartenstein for floaters early and three-point shooters once he began driving deeper into the defense. However, Brunson focused more on scoring once Embiid took a cheap shot at him in the third quarter.

Brunson put together a historic night, scoring or assisting on 70 of New York’s 97 points. He shot over 50% from the field and only turned the ball over once while doing so. It’s easily one of the greatest performances in New York Knicks history. Brunson gets a 5 out of 5 for going in the record books.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 8 PTS (3/11 FG, 2/7 3PT), 2 REB in 28 mins

Donte DiVincenzo had a rough game. Philadelphia chased him off the line again, though he finally started to force his way to looks as the game wore on. The Big Ragu finally found daylight in the third quarter and knocked down a pair of big three-pointers. But his offense labored other than that moment.

DiVincenzo struggled to produce anywhere else. But his defense had its moments. He occasionally switched on Tyrese Maxey, giving the speedy guard a different look. It didn’t happen often, but it was nice to see him pressure Maxey.

DiVo had a rough game and sat late because Thibodeau went with McBride for defense. But DiVincenzo started to shake loose in the third, so hopefully, he’ll find a rhythm soon. Donte gets a 1 out of 5 for his quiet game.

Josh Hart: 4 PTS (0/7 FG, 0/4 3PT, 4/8 FT), 5 AST, 17 REB, 3 BLK, 5 TO in 46 mins

Josh Hart never made a field goal but still managed an outsized positive impact. He rebounded with even more intensity than normal, leading both teams in all rebounding categories. Then, he made a pair of beautiful, momentum-grabbing blocks at the rim in the fourth quarter.

Hart’s played fantastic defense all night. He dealt with Tyrese Maxey more often than in previous match-ups. The Knicks’ energizer seamlessly moved on to covering Nicolas Batum and Kelly Oubre for chunks of time. His rotations and help defense were just as effective as his on-ball work.

Hart’s performance was far from perfect. He missed all his shots, including some bunnies. He turned the ball over while trying to carve through the defense and picked up foul trouble. But none of that takes away from his work as the pulse of the team. Josh Hart gets a 3 out of 5 for his hustle.

OG Anunoby: 16 PTS (8/16 FG, 0/4 3PT), 14 REB, 3 BLK, 1 TO in 47 mins

OG Anunoby stepped up big time. He looked like a menace whenever he got the ball with a step toward the basket. The former Raptor dunked on the Sixers repeatedly, powering through everyone regardless of their size. OG also hit pull-up jumpers when Embiid dropped too far to help on screens, something we saw both Brunson and Anunoby capitalize on.

Anunoby’s rebounding and defense were phenomenal. On multiple occasions, he flew in to take away potential offensive boards from Philly’s big men. The Knicks could afford to go small in the fourth because OG and Josh Hart rebounded like centers. 

But OG’s fourth-quarter defense was even more important than his scoring or rebounding. Anunoby locked Joel Embiid up for the final quarter of this game, taking away the one sure thing that Philadelphia has had since game one. Anunoby’s ball denial was fantastic, and he avoided fouling while forcing Embiid off his comfortable places to attack. 

OG gets a 4.5 out of 5 for playing crucial defense and getting big buckets.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 8 PTS (4/6 FG, 0/2 FT), 2 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 28 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein’s night is a mixed bag of good offense and presence but sloppy turnovers and fouls. Hartenstein started the night by finding open spaces for passers and knocking down floaters. He scored whenever Embiid cheated too far away to recover. But I-Hart also tried to sneak some bounce passes through the middle of the floor, which were intercepted.

Defensively, Hartenstein stood his ground against Embiid. He rarely gave the Sixers’ giant space to catch and shoot comfortably. But that meant I-Hart was close enough to pick up multiple fouls due to poor hand placement. If Hartenstein slipped up for a moment, Embiid capitalized and earned free throws. 

Hartenstein picked up his fifth foul in the third quarter. He sat, and OG Anunoby took over the defense on Embiid. A small-ball unit locked up the Sixers, so Hartenstein’s night ended early. But I-Hart did enough to earn a 2.5 out of 5, and it can get higher if he cuts out the bad fouls.

New York’s second unit gets injured but finds a defensive combination

Miles McBride: 13 PTS (4/7 FG, 3/5 3PT, 2/3 FT), 4 REB, 1 TO in 27 mins

Miles McBride provided reliable offense throughout his time on the floor. As usual, he knocked down his threes and threw in a nice pull-up jumper in the few minutes that Jalen Brunson sat. You couldn’t ask for a more efficient night from Deuce, scoring 13 points on just seven attempts from the field.

Deuce also played fantastic defense. His ability to slow down Maxey freed up OG to cover Embiid in the fourth-quarter small-ball lineup. McBride’s length made him an effective switch-defender, as that line frequently switched and rotated to cover for each other.

McBride scored the third-most points on the team, played a crucial defensive role, and even tacked on some timely rebounds. He gets a 3.5 out of 5 for a strong night.

Bojan Bogdanovic: 0 PTS (0/0 FG) in 1 mins

Bojan Bogdanovic barely entered the game when he injured his ankle chasing a loose ball. Nicolas Batum dove for the ball and landed on Bogey’s ankle. 

Precious Achiuwa: 1 PTS (0/5 FG, 1/2 FT), 2 AST, 7 REB, 4 BLK, 1 TO in 20 mins

Precious Achiuwa deserves a game ball for his defense. Achiuwa didn’t make a single field goal and missed one of the two free throws he earned, but his defense and rebounding meant none of the offensive woes mattered.

Achiuwa covered Kelly Oubre for most of the fourth quarter but constantly switched and made rotations to help others. He blocked Joel Embiid’s three-point attempt and denied multiple attempts from Oubre at the rim. While OG deserves the most credit for defending Embiid, Precious’ switches were also important.

Precious gets a 3 out of 5 for helping Thibodeau unlock a defensive scheme that shut Embiid down.

Tom Thibodeau is coaching the best series of his life

I’ve already called this Tom Thibodeau’s best coaching season of his career. But add that he’s coaching the best playoff series of his career. Thibodeau has made adjustments, survived injuries, and gotten his team past early struggles from his star player.

Thibodeau has been one step ahead of Nick Nurse at nearly every turn. I don’t think there’s a better coach in the East except for Erick Spoelstra.

Closing Thoughts: 

That’s how a team responds to their first loss of the playoffs. Philadelphia finally found reason to be confident, and the Knicks nipped it in the bud. Not only did the team respond, but the fanbase showed up en masse as well.

I’m not sure you’ll ever see fans take over an opposing team’s arena in the playoffs quite like New York just did. Charles Barkley complained about it in game three, and Joel Embiid all but called out the fans after game four. So, Jalen Brunson’s historic performance played out in front of Knicks’ fans despite being on the road.

This season continues to provide special, memorable moments for the franchise that has struggled more than its one in recent years. Let’s take it all in and enjoy the ride, because seasons like this don’t come around often.

The close out game is Tuesday, and I feel good about New York’s chances. Hopefully they win and earn some extra time to rest for the players. I’ll see you next time, Knicks’ fam!

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 CP The Fanchise’s interview with seasoned investment journalist and Knicks fan Caleb Silver.

New York Knicks lose game three against the Philadelphia 76ers 125-114: Revenge of the refs

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks fall to the Philadelphia 76ers 125-114 in game three. Joel Embiid scored 50 points and sought revenge against the Knicks in the dirtiest ways possible.

The New York Knicks lost game three to the Philadelphia 76ers 125-114, bringing their first-round series to 2-1. Physicality went to another level, with the Sixers picking up two flagrant fouls early in the action and arguably deserving a third. The refs seemed reticent to hold Philly’s players accountable, ignoring a Joel Embiid knee to Isaiah Hartenstein’s groin and giving him a flagrant 1 violation after pulling Mitchell Robinson to the ground in an obviously dirty play.

But dirty plays didn’t cost New York the game. The Knicks held on to a slim lead through most of the first half, leading by three points heading into the third quarter. The Sixers took over in the third quarter, shooting at unbelievable efficiency with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the way. Philadelphia outscored New York by 16 points in the third quarter, and while the Knicks made one final push at a comeback, they never came closer than an 8-point deficit.

After all the fervor over fouls in game two, Joel Embiid shot 21 free throws while the entire Knicks team took 19. But there’s more to the result than a 48-minute long make-up call. Let’s check how the players performed.  

The Knicks’ starters can’t stop Embiid, but key players wake up

Jalen Brunson: 39 PTS (13/27 FG, 3/7 3PT, 10/12 FT), 13 AST, 2 REB, 4 TO in 45 mins

Jalen Brunson finally found his offense. He knocked down a few shots early, but more importantly, beat double-teams with passing. Brunson repeatedly spotted Isaiah Hartenstein for floaters in the paint to start the game. Once help defenders began to think twice about committing to Brunson, the Knicks’ star had space to beat his defenders for finishes and fouls.

Brunson’s jumper came around, making his unpredictable offense even more potent. He consistently made the right choice, whether to pass or shoot. His playmaking made room for everyone to operate, putting the Sixers’ defense on its heels.

There’s one blemish on JB’s performance. He made three bad turnovers in the fourth quarter, hamstringing their attempt at a comeback. New York’s leader can be even better than he’s already shown. Brunson gets a 4 out of 5 for a great game, with mistakes late.

 Donte DiVincenzo:  5 PTS (2/7 FG, 0/3 3PT, 1/2 FT), 3 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 28 mins

Donte DiVincenzo played better than his numbers but still had a disappointing night. The Sixers did a great job crowding him off the three-point line. DiVo got a few attempts up, but his only clean look came in the fourth quarter, and he was out of rhythm. DiVo’s two field goals came at the rim, including a poster.

We miss you too, IQ.

The Big Ragu’s playmaking and rebounding made up for his lack of scoring, at least somewhat. The Sixers forced DiVincenzo to put the ball on the floor, and he found teammates after beating some closeouts. He also chased loose balls and generally played hard.

Donte stepped up and called out Embiid for a dirty foul on Mitchell Robinson. That earned him a bump in his performance score, but it still barely gets him to 2.5 out of 5 for his impact.

Josh Hart: 20 PTS (8/16 FG, 4/8 3PT), 6 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL in 43 mins

Josh Hart is still red-hot. He added four more three-pointers to his shooting streak while continuing to be a playmaker from the wings and transition and an agent of chaos on every loose ball. Hart flew up and down the court, attacking any defender that met him in the paint, from smaller guards to giants like Embiid.

We’ve spent an abundance of this series looking at the foul calls on Jalen Brunson and Joel Embiid’s shot attempts. Josh Hart deserves a shout-out, too. He takes strong drives to the basket every game and is often the victim of no-calls. To make matters worse, Hart is often sent barreling to the floor, which gives the opposing team a chance at quick transitions against fewer defenders.

Outside of a few missed bunnies, Josh Hart played another excellent game. I wouldn’t rate his performance as flawless, but he’s providing support in every area of need. Hart gets a 4 out of 5 for another great performance.

OG Anunoby: 17 PTS (7/11 FG, 3/4 3PT), 2 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 39 mins

OG Anunoby finally found his offense. Since returning from elbow surgery, he hadn’t shown us consistent shooting at a distance. But this time, he knocked down his open looks from long and mid-range all night, including two threes in the fourth quarter. The shooting added to his drive and finish ability, sparking a 17-point outburst.

Anunoby’s defense continued to be good, but not as elite as we’ve come to expect. He can’t keep up with the speedy Tyrese Maxey through screens, which leaves Maxey to take jumpers relatively unimpeded. Maxey’s jumper also has a gravity that keeps OG from helping aggressively on Embiid’s touches, further hindering Anunoby’s typical defensive impact.

Anunoby is having a decent series, but his impact isn’t nearly as large as it had been throughout the regular season. I don’t blame OG for that, but rather the way he’s been utilized. Smaller players that have an easier time getting “skinny” through screens make more sense covering Maxey, and OG would be free to double Embiid. I’m hoping Thibodeau makes an adjustment, but for now, OG gets a 2 out of 5 for impact.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS (7/12 FG, 0/1 3PT), 1 AST, 4 REB in 26 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein’s floater helped kick off New York’s offense. He continued a trend from the conclusion of the last game by finding open space whenever Embiid wandered too far off him. I-Hart didn’t get many chances to create for others, but that left him free to score.

Hartenstein’s defense is hard to rate. He defended well, except when he was fouling Embiid. But it’s hard to blame him for some of the foul calls that went against him. The Sixers’ star threw tantrums for whistles, and by the second half, light contact was enough to earn free throws. So, Hartenstein ran into foul trouble, though I don’t blame him.

Hartenstein couldn’t do much about the shots Embiid hit once he’d gotten into a rhythm. It’s difficult to rate his performance because he provided good minutes but was hampered by foul calls. That wouldn’t have been as problematic if Mitchell Robinson were healthy. Hartenstein gets a 2.5 out of 5 for good minutes but too many fouls.

New York’s second unit loses its big man

Miles McBride: 8 PTS (3/7 FG, 2/4 3PT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 22 mins

Miles McBride defends Tyrese Maxey better than anyone else on the Knicks. He’s contributing in other ways, but Deuce’s defense might be most important because Maxey is torching everyone else. 

Deuce is also hitting shots. He knocked down a pair of threes and added a clever finish in the paint. He didn’t create as much with passing as he had in the two home games, but it’s more a case of McBride spending more time off-ball than on.

I’d like to see Deuce checked in earlier when Maxey starts to get going. He makes plays at both ends of the court and even came close to repeating the steal and finish he had on Maxey in game two. McBride gets a 2.5 out of 5 for his contribution.

Bojan Bogdanovic: 5 PTS (1/5 FG, 1/3 3PT, 2/3 FT), 1 AST, 3 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 13 mins

Bojan Bogdanovic seemed to rush his shots. He knocked down an early three, thanks to a nice pass from Jalen Brunson. But everything looked hurried after that. I’ve always admired Bojan’s quick-trigger release, but he felt too sped up in this game.

The good news is, despite a poor shooting performance, Bojan did other things well. He hustled for a few rebounds and defended with enough effort to make up for his lack of mobility. Cam Payne beat Bogey off the dribble, but our Euro-sharpshooter chased Payne down and blocked his layup attempt off the glass.

The Knicks need Bogey’s shooting, and I don’t expect him to continue slumping. He’s settled into a nice role for New York, and I suspect that will continue. Bogdanovic gets a 1.5 out of 5, but considering his tough shooting night, he held his own.

Mitchell Robinson: 2 PTS (1/3 FG, 0/2 FT), 7 REB in 12 mins

Mitchell Robinson nearly missed the game with a sore ankle. He gave it a go and visibly frustrated Embiid early. That made Embiid’s dirty play on Mitch particularly egregious.

OG Anunoby drove the lane, knocking Embiid down and passing to Robinson. Mitch would have had an open dunk, but Embiid grabbed him around the ankle and pulled him down. It was a dangerous play, and Robinson’s limp got progressively worse afterward.

Mitch gutted out the rest of the half and even dunked an alley-oop. But he couldn’t continue after halftime when Embiid and the Sixers’ offense exploded. 

Precious Achiuwa: 4 PTS (2/2 FG), 1 BLK, 1 TO in 10 mins

Precious Achiuwa took the floor after Mitchell Robinson’s ankle injury. Precious provided a lively few minutes at the end of the first half. But his defense faltered in the second half. He’ll have two days to prepare if Mitch can’t go on Sunday.

Tom Thibodeau should talk to the refs about dirty play

Tom Thibodeau has used post-game pressers to take cryptic shots at the refs. But he needs to stop taking the high road and speak plainly. Joel Embiid just got away with dirty fouls and finished with more free throws than the entire Knicks roster. 

Thibodeau shouldn’t beat around the bush; he should say the quiet part out loud. Embiid is taking the most free throws out of any player in the playoffs by a wide margin. The Sixers shouldn’t be able to complain their way to an even more beneficial whistle.

Closing Thoughts: 

That was one of the most frustrating losses I’ve ever witnessed. Watching Joel Embiid take dirty shots at both centers in our rotation, throw tantrums over nominal contact, and be rewarded with more than 20 points worth of opportunities at the free-throw line went well past aggravating.

I’ve always been a fan of gritty, hard-nosed basketball. But there’s no room for cheap shots or dirty play in that arena, especially not for a player being shielded from any contact by the refs. After all of Nick Nurse’s theater to excuse himself and his players for choking away game two, game three felt like a joke.

But the Knicks are resilient. They’ve overcome plenty of uphill battles, and this isn’t the first time the recklessness of others has injured a Knick. They’ll fight back without needing to play dirty, and I expect Tom Thibodeau to adjust the defense in meaningful ways. New York will bounce back, assuming the refs don’t consistently give Joel Embiid 20 points per game at the charity stripe.

Sunday can’t come soon enough! The Knicks will play early, and hopefully, they can wash away the bitter taste of this loss. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

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 CP The Fanchise’s interview with former Knicks star Stephon Marbury!

New York Knicks take game two from the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101: An unforgettable finish

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks steal game two from the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101. The final 30 seconds created one of the most memorable moments in New York history.

The New York Knicks scored eight points in the final 27 seconds of regulation to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101. The victory gives New York a 2-0 lead in the first round of the playoffs and arguably the Knicks’ most memorable moment of this millennium.

The Knicks started slow, trailing for the entire first half. The Sixers neutralized Jalen Brunson for the second straight game, and Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey looked determined to even the series. But even as New York’s offense struggled, they never let Philadelphia build too big of a lead.

New York entered the third quarter down by four points and fought back with a boost from their bench scorers. The Sixers struck back in the fourth, regaining the lead and seeming to have the game in hand.

The Knicks trailed by five points with less than a minute to go, as a three-pointer from Brunson brought the game within two points. Within a moment, Josh Hart stole the inbounds pass, and Donte DiVincenzo eventually hit a three to take the lead.

All five Knicks had a hand in the final play. Brunson hit the first three, and Hart stole the ball. Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed an offensive rebound, then OG Anunoby found DiVincenzo who hit the shot. It was an incredible crescendo to an amazing comeback, and a moment that will go down in Knicks’ lore.

There’s more to discuss from each player’s performance, so let’s get into the recap…

The Knicks’ starters pick Jalen Brunson up

Jalen Brunson: 24 PTS (8/29 FG, 1/6 3PT, 7/9 FT), 6 AST, 8 REB, 1 TO in 38 mins

Jalen Brunson couldn’t figure out the Sixers’ defense. He spent the first half pressing for offense, taking and missing tough shots. Brunson struggled from the field but began to find seams in the Sixers’ defense by the latter half of the game. But Brunson’s shot wasn’t falling, even when he got to his spots.

The Knicks’ star made offensive contributions through passing. The Sixers sent either Josh Hart or Isaiah Hartenstein’s defenders to deny Brunson the middle of the floor. The main defender would push Brunson right while that second defender lingered in the middle. But the heavily leaning defense left room for JB to find Hartenstein for floaters and Hart or DiVo for weakside attacks.

Brunson shot miserably, but he found other ways to contribute. Beyond the playmaking, he also contributed eight boards backing up his big men. It feels like a matter of time before he kicks into gear, and the Knicks will need it when they hit the road. Brunson gets a 1.5 out of 5, but I expect him to go nuclear soon.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 19 PTS (5/10 FG, 4/8 3PT, 5/5 FT), 3 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO in 37 mins

Donte DiVincenzo’s three-pointer with 13 seconds left will be remembered next to LJ’s four-point play. But don’t let that singular moment rob you of your appreciation for his clutch play throughout the second half. DiVincenzo made steals, hit big shots, and came away with loose balls from the start of the third quarter through his big shot at the end.

DiVo let the game come to him throughout the night. He took a modest 10 field goal attempts and never pressed for production. When opportunities presented themselves, he capitalized. For most of the action, his defense shined as much as his jumper.

I’d like to see the Big Ragu more involved in the offense. The Sixers funneled the ball to Hart or Hartenstein, and both players handled it well. But DiVincenzo was dynamite with every opportunity. DiVo gets a 4.5 out of 5 for hitting the biggest shot of the series.

Josh Hart: 21 PTS (7/16 FG, 4/7 3PT, 3/4 FT), 3 AST, 15 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO in 48 mins

Josh Hart put the Knicks on his back through their first-half struggles. He scored 19 points and hit four out of five long-range shots before halftime. His offense cooled considerably in the second half, but he never stopped defending hard and chasing boards to push the pace. 

Hart’s rebounding demanded enough attention to open chances for others. When DiVincenzo missed his first shot at the lead with 20 seconds on the clock, Joel Embiid focused on boxing out Hart and left Isaiah Hartenstein a free path to the rebound. So, even without touching the ball, Josh Hart’s hustle created an opening for teammates to make winning plays.

Hart never sat and never stopped hustling. He was the pulse of the team through their early struggles and kept it up when they kicked into gear. Josh Hart gets a 4.5 out of 5 for keeping New York in every play.

OG Anunoby: 10 PTS (4/10 FG, 0/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 4 REB, 1 BLK in 37 mins

OG Anunoby looked mortal as a defender. That’s mainly because Tyrese Maxey shot lights out with even the slightest bit of space. Anunoby didn’t have the speed to get through screens and clamp down Maxey, who hit jumpers from any distance and circumstance.

Anunoby’s offense didn’t fully come around, either. He missed open looks from deep and bobbled a few passes in the lanes. OG still produced off his cuts into the paint and knocked down a nice midrange jumper in the third quarter. But the former Raptor looked pedestrian for a change.

Anunoby might be better served defending a wing he can cheat off. His help defense is fantastic, and when he had time to double Embiid, the results spoke for themselves. But Maxey won this match-up, and OG gets a 2 out of 5 for light production.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS (7/8 FG), 4 AST, 8 REB, 4 BLK, 2 TO in 30 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein is the unsung hero of this win. While Joel Embiid slowed as the game wore on, Hartenstein never stopped moving. Embiid would rotate to help on Brunson, and Hartenstein would find open space to receive the ball and hit a floater. I-Hart became Brunson’s answer to Philly’s double-teams.

Then, in the closing minute, Hartenstein grabbed a crucial offensive board and kicked the ball out to set up DiVincenzo’s three. The Sixers still had time to answer, but when Tyrese Maxey attacked the rim, Hartenstein blocked the shot from behind. The Knicks’ clutch victory had I-Hart’s fingerprints all over it.

Hartenstein played brilliant basketball. He struggled to contain last season’s MVP but wore the big man down. I-Hart’s movement, passing, and effort took over the fourth quarter. Our big man gets a 4 out of 5 for the effort.

New York’s second unit steps up in the second half

Miles McBride: 9 PTS (4/11 FG, 0/3 3PT, 1/1 FT), 2 AST, 1 REB, 1 STL in 21 mins

Miles McBride hit a pair of jumpers in the first half to give the second unit its only points before the third quarter. But he kicked into another gear in the fourth quarter. McBride threw a beauty of a cross-court dime to Bojan Bogdanovic to get the fourth-quarter offense going. Then he bullied the ball away from Tyrese Maxey for some points and followed with an and-one midrange shot.

Deuce’s defense looked great again. Tyrese Maxey occasionally got the best of him, but McBride continued his trend as the best defender on Maxey by a long shot. Deuce ceded extra time to the red-hot Nova wings, but he still provided key minutes off the bench. McBride gets a 2.5 out of 5 for buying Brunson much-needed rest.

Bojan Bogdanovic: 6 PTS (2/7 FG, 2/6 3PT), 2 AST, 2 REB in 12 mins

Through the first half, Bojan Bogdanovic missed his shots but hustled to create rebounds for teammates and passed the ball well. He made up for poor shooting early and came up big in the second half. Bogdanovic’s three-pointers came alive in the second half, helping the Knicks take a brief lead.

I can’t stress enough Bojan’s effort. His defense is more focused, and he’s making hustle plays. That helps him maintain value even when he isn’t adding as much offensively. Bogey gets a 2 out of 5 for grabbing momentum during a lull in the offense.

Mitchell Robinson: 1 PTS (0/0 FG, 1/2 FT), 1 AST, 4 REB, 1 TO in 18 mins

Mitchell Robinson didn’t get to play as much as in game one. That’s not because he was bad, but Hartenstein played a gem that demanded extra minutes. For his part, Mitch defended well, creating havoc and forcing scrambles for rebounds. Robinson’s offensive rebounding shines even when the rest of his game is quiet.

Mitch didn’t guard Embiid as well as in game one. Clyde kept pointing out that Mitch wasn’t creating pressure to force Embiid to move off his spots. That helped Embiid shoot comfortably or draw fouls on Robinson.

Still, Robinson proved a formidable challenger, wearing down Embiid and all but erasing Paul Reed’s presence from the game. Mitch gets a 2 out of 5 for holding his own in a limited time.

Tom Thibodeau’s work is cut out for him

I love that this win came on the same night that Tom Thibodeau garnered the most votes for “coach players least want to play for” in the NBA players’ survey. That news comes out while nearly all of Thibodeau’s players are enjoying career seasons and sit with a 2-0 lead on the verge of making the second round of the players.

Let me state this as plainly as possible: Players who look at New York and say, “I don’t want to play for that coach,” have a loser’s mentality.

But Thibodeau’s work will be cut out for him as New York hits the road. Role players struggle more heavily in playoff games on the road, even when they’ve thrived in home games. These next two games will be a fun look at Thibodeau’s ability to impact the success of role players in the most intense situations.

Closing Thoughts: 

I’ve been a Knicks fan my entire life, or 37 years for those keeping score. I’ve seen the John Starks dunk, LJ’s four-point play, and Allan Houston’s floater. The Knicks have given me memories galore, yet the DiVincenzo three-pointer is a moment I’d place right up there with the best of them. We just saw something special!

I named three big moments in Knicks’ playoff history, and none of them happened in this millennium. Anyone younger than 30 won’t recollect the Garden’s jubilation at those points. So, a generation of Knicks fans just got their first true taste of Garden magic.

But let’s not take a victory lap yet. The adage goes, “A series doesn’t start until a road team wins.” The Knicks barely escaped these Garden games with wins, and the Sixers have home court for the next two games. We’ve seen New York’s mettle this season, but now they must prove it in the playoffs.

Let’s hope the heroics carry over and Brunson finds his offense. I’ll see you after the next one, Knicks fam!

New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76’ers 111-104: Setting the tone by stealing a win

By
Remi Se
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0
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Credit: Gamba The Bard

The New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers to win game one 111-104. Philly may have taken their best shot, but New York gutted its way to victory.

The New York Knicks outlasted the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 111-104. The Knicks overcame Jalen Brunson’s tough shooting night and Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid’s combined 62 points.

New York started the night trailing; Joel Embiid scored nine points in the first few minutes of action. The Knicks barely mustered enough to keep the game from running out of control. But the situation changed as soon as the bench entered. Deuce McBride energized the offense with a great shooting display, and Mitchell Robinson defended Embiid better than any other Knick.

New York entered halftime with a slim, comfortable lead, and the cycle repeated. The Sixers sprinted out to reclaim the lead in the third quarter, only for New York’s bench to enter the game and completely flip the momentum. Late-game shooting heroics from unlikely players Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson helped seal the deal and take game one.

Let’s examine how the team started the series with a win despite Philadelphia’s best players giving their best shots.

The Knicks’ starters get a big game from Hart

Jalen Brunson: 22 PTS (8/26 FG, 1/6 3PT, 5/6 FT), 7 AST, 7 REB, 1 STL, 5 TO in 41 mins

Jalen Brunson struggled as badly as we’ve seen in weeks if not months. The Sixers did a great job of sticking to Brunson and recovering to disrupt his shots when he got a step on defenders. To make matters worse, Brunson’s jumpers rimmed out on most attempts. The Knicks’ MVP had to scrap for every point he produced.

To Brunson’s credit, he found other ways to help New York. His dimes included a beauty of a no-look pass to Deuce for three and some quick kicks to an open Josh Hart, but I’ll talk about that more later. New York’s star also chipped in on the glass, chasing down boards that slipped away from the battling bigs.

The Sixers defense was well-planned against Brunson, and Kelly Oubre stuck to him throughout. But Brunson still made clutch plays by trusting his teammates and drawing fouls. The Knicks will need him to be better to win this series, but I’m confident his worst performance is out of the way. Brunson gets a 1.5 out of 5, but I trust him to adjust.

 Donte DiVincenzo: 8 PTS (3/10 FG, 2/5 3PT), 2 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 24 mins

Speaking of uncharacteristically tough games, Donte DiVincenzo struggled. The Sixers chased him off the three-point line more often than not. DiVo has proven he can capitalize off the dribble throughout the season, but he missed several bunnies this time. He never got into a comfortable scoring rhythm.

That’s not to say the Big Ragu didn’t find ways to help. He knocked down a pair of timely threes to slow Philadelphia’s runs. His help defense stood out several times as he slid over to double Embiid or help on Maxey. 

DiVincenzo’s minutes were trimmed due to Deuce McBride’s impact. DiVo may have gotten hot with extra time, but the Knicks needed Deuce’s defense on Maxey more than DiVincenzo’s jumper. DiVo gets a 1 out of 5 for his quiet night, but I expect a bounce back, just like with Brunson.

Josh Hart: 22 PTS (5/12 FG, 4/8 3PT, 8/10 FT), 2 AST, 13 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO in 42 mins

Josh Hart played an up-and-down game for three quarters. He grabbed boards and paced the Knicks’ transition attack as usual. But Hart’s defense wasn’t up to snuff, as he gave up a few blow-by drives and was uncharacteristically late on rotations. 

But the most frustrating part of the Josh Hart experience was watching the Sixers cheat off him to close lanes for ball handlers. Hart must have been mad too, because he responded to that defensive scheme with three three-pointers in the fourth quarter, among a slew of game-clinching plays. Hart turned every kick out to the weak side into instant offense.

Hart has embodied the Knicks’ gritty personality for months now. He did the same in this victory, overcoming early woes to make a huge contribution. Hart gets a 3.5 out of 5 for his double-double.

OG Anunoby: 11 PTS (5/10 FG, 1/3 3PT), 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 31 mins

OG Anunoby played well but hit some tough spots. At times, OG struggled to keep up with the speedy Tyrese Maxey through screens. Anunoby needed more hedge help than usual, but that makes sense against Maxey’s quickness. The former Raptor’s defense shined in switches and help defense. He more than made up for any lapses through quick doubles or cleverly switching to defend a new ball-handler from guards to star-center.

OG’s offense came from off-ball cuts and quick attacks from the weak side. He hit his lone three-pointer late in the game. But the rest of his work came in the paint after defenders leaned too far into the strong side. 

Anunoby didn’t play his best game, but he provided help in nearly every area of the game. His defensive matchup with Maxey isn’t my favorite. But OG remains an impact player and snags a 2 out of 5 for a commendable effort.

Isaiah Hartenstein: 6 PTS (1/4 FG, 4/4 FT), 3 AST, 7 REB, 2 BLK in 18 mins

Isaiah Hartenstein joins the rest of the starters in playing decent ball but with clear struggles in some areas of the game. I-Hart had trouble containing Joel Embiid, which is fair enough against a perennial MVP candidate. But Hartenstein missed his floaters and shots in close to the basket, which is rare.

Of course, Hartenstein’s performance wasn’t all bad. His passing picked up the offense during a few lulls. Go back to the Brunson section, and you’ll see a clip of Hartenstein’s best pass of the game. The big man made defensive stands at the rim, blocking would-be dunkers.

Hartenstein’s minutes were trimmed down for a similar reason to DiVincenzo’s. Mitchell Robinson’s defense was too good for Big Hart to play more. But Hartenstein made his contributions in the shorter time he received, enough for a 2 out of 5.

New York’s second unit makes a massive contribution

Miles McBride: 21 PTS (7/12 FG, 5/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL in 28 mins

The Knicks seemed tight to start the game. They struggled to create and make good shots and couldn’t contain the Sixers’ offense. Then Miles McBride stepped onto the court and quickly hit a three. He got what felt like the first stop on Tyrese Maxey next and proceeded to make two more threes shortly after. Deuce invigorated the team.

The Knicks owned the minutes when Brunson sat because Deuce went on the attack. He did most of his damage from three but also scored inside on a fast break and a great move in a tied fourth quarter. But more importantly, McBride’s defense on Maxey was a revelation. The Sixers’ star guard still found ways to score, but Deuce slowed him down in a major way.

After the game, Rebecca Haarlow asked Jalen Brunson what it took for New York to win. Brunson responded, “Deuce McBride.” It’s a great answer! McBride changed the game’s momentum in both halves and made big plays at both ends. He gets a 4.5 out of 5 for his gem of a performance.

Bojan Bogdanovic: 13 PTS (4/12 FG, 3/6 3PT, 2/4 FT), 1 AST, 7 REB in 25 mins

The second unit’s offense wouldn’t work if Deuce McBride were the only player scoring. Bojan Bogdanovic provided McBride’s help off the bench. Bogey shot the ball confidently, knocking down threes as fast as teammates could find him on the perimeter. The few times Bojan saw smaller players on the switch, he punished them in the post and drew fouls or shot over them.

But Bojan’s contributions didn’t stop at scoring. His effort to get after loose balls and rebounds was as good as we’ve seen all season. The playoff atmosphere seemed invigorating for the former Piston. 

Bogdanovic gives New York an extra weapon. He spaced the floor for every unit he joined, and played as hard as we’ve seen all season. He can be an X-Factor when starting shooters run cold. Bogey gets a 3 out of 5 for stepping up in the big game.

Mitchell Robinson: 8 PTS (3/5 FG, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 12 REB, 1 STL, 4 BLK, 1 TO in 30 mins

Mitchell Robinson reminded me of his first-round series against the Cavs last year. He proved strong enough to force Joel Embiid to fight for every point, and to dominate the glass. Mitch grabbed more offensive rebounds than the entire starting unit for Philadelphia. He bullied his way to position for boards and gave New York second chances all game.

But Robinson’s defense shined more than anything else. He flew around the paint to block would-be drivers and contained Embiid at every turn. Embiid still earned free throws and made plays, but Mitch had Joel fighting for every step. Embiid went 2/11 in the second half and had to take jumpers on tired legs for most of his looks.

The 76ers applied the hack-a-Mitch tactic in the fourth quarter. But Mitch hit both his free throws and forced Philly to change their strategy. It’s a perfect cap to a tremendous performance from the Block Ness Monster. Mitch gets a 4 out of 5 for his defense on the former MVP.

Tom Thibodeau trusts his bench to get the win

I remember complaining about Tom Thibodeau’s rigid adherence to his rotations once upon a time. Players would stay on the floor too long during cold streaks or have their hot streaks cut short by substitutions. Fast-forward to today and Tom Thibodeau just let three players off the bench play for 25 minutes or more.

Thibodeau just won a game with his star struggling, the opposing stars thriving, and his entire starting lineup posting negative +/-s. Thibs has evolved, and he continues to be a positive difference-maker in this team’s success.

Closing Thoughts: 

Game one is in the books, and it was exhilarating. Everywhere I went in the city yesterday, I saw Knicks gear. The chants at the Garden were echoing out of bars all over NYC. The vibes were immaculate, and the Knicks did not disappoint.

There’s a lot for the orange and blue to improve on. I expect Thibodeau to adjust to address Philadelphia’s stars, and I doubt Brunson or DiVincenzo can be contained for much longer. But the Knicks gritted their way to a series lead.

I watched the Magic do a bad Knicks impersonation in losing to the Cavs earlier in the day. Comparing those two games made me appreciate that New York has a quality that can’t be faked. This franchise carries a toughness from the players to the fans that can go a long way when the lights are brightest.

Game two is on Monday, and I can’t wait to see the coaches’ first set of adjustments. I’ll see you after the next one, Knicks fam!

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 the live Game 1 reactions from the Garden!

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