The Knicks weakness in defending and shooting 3 pointers was a main reason for losing the series against the Pacers.Losing the first game with a big lead at MSG put the Knicks in a failed catch up mode .Far too many turnovers by the Knicks and fast break layups by the Pacers.
OT: NBA Playoffs
- Thread starter toby83
- Start date
I don’t think you can win it all if KAT is your 2nd best player. Yes, he can put up monster numbers at times but just watch him not get back on D, flop, whine, and fall down on drives. The fouls he commits are inexcusable. In fairness, he does get hacked at lot of times that are not called.
The Bridges for 5 first round picks was one of the worst trades in a long time. I like him as a player but he’s maybe worth two first rounders.
They took the Pacers to 7 games last year with Hartenstein and DiVencenzo instead of Bridges, KAT, and Robinson …and Annunoby and Brunson were hurt for part of that. Yes, the Pacers have improved, but not nearly enough to justify that.
DiVincenzo did not have a good year this year but they lost a lot of toughness without him and Hartenstein. They would have had Randle this year too. I don’t think last years team would have won it all either, but I sure would like the draft capital back that they lost in the Bridges deal. Of course, if they don’t blow a 14 point lead in game 1 with minutes left, they would probably be in the finals.
Now the NBA gets their worst nightmare - an Indiana - OKC Finals.
The Bridges for 5 first round picks was one of the worst trades in a long time. I like him as a player but he’s maybe worth two first rounders.
They took the Pacers to 7 games last year with Hartenstein and DiVencenzo instead of Bridges, KAT, and Robinson …and Annunoby and Brunson were hurt for part of that. Yes, the Pacers have improved, but not nearly enough to justify that.
DiVincenzo did not have a good year this year but they lost a lot of toughness without him and Hartenstein. They would have had Randle this year too. I don’t think last years team would have won it all either, but I sure would like the draft capital back that they lost in the Bridges deal. Of course, if they don’t blow a 14 point lead in game 1 with minutes left, they would probably be in the finals.
Now the NBA gets their worst nightmare - an Indiana - OKC Finals.
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I think you can win if KAT is your 2nd best, but your best can't be just as bad on defense. They are also both guys that need the ball to be effective, which is why the Knicks were better when only one was out there.
Agree on Bridges, gave up way too much for a good, but replaceable player.
Last years version always seemed better and deeper to me.
Agree. You need quicker more athletic players to compensate for KAT’s defense, which is atrocious. He can’t fight through a screen quick enough, and if he does, he trips. He’s also constantly going under the screens on shooters probably because he can’t extend the energy. Very gifted player but also clumsy and out of shape vs agile players like the pacers. I detested starting Robinson with him because then they were even slower. However, it did allow KAT to bring his man outside if he’s hitting his 3s. Tough wasting his size though. The Knicks are a very slow team who needs to control pace. They were outscored I believe 41-10 in transition last night. When you don’t have (or won’t play) a bench, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Knicks didn’t have one bench player get hot until Shamet hit 3 straight 3’s with 90 seconds left down 20 in game 6.
Deuce Shamet Wright Payne never hit 3 shots in row or go 6-7 like several pacers did.
Pacers had a nobody Byrant hit 3 3’s in row , Toppin had 18 in game 6.
Deuce Shamet Wright Payne never hit 3 shots in row or go 6-7 like several pacers did.
Pacers had a nobody Byrant hit 3 3’s in row , Toppin had 18 in game 6.
The Pacers bench played a role all year and are part of the process. The Knicks limited bench has been used for four games, can't expect them to suddenly give the same production.
I think KAT fits in better with this team than Randle did. They are just not good enough and don’t have the cap space or assets to get any better.
You could play Randall next to a Robinson or Hartenstein. KAT isn't a great fit next to them. Kind of why Minn looked to get out of KAT/Rudy.
Whenever the ball went to Randle last year, the rest of the team just stood around and waited for Randle to do whatever he was going to do. KAT operates much better within the team offense.
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There is some of this happening while Brunson pounds the rock as well. Knicks don’t get easy points on their half court offense frequently enough against good teams.
Brunson is the point guard, so he should be the dominant handler, and he is a more willing passer. During the Indiana series, a lot of what Brunson was doing was to try and eat up some clock and slow down the Pacers.
The inability to have a reliable secondary ball handler hurt the Knicks in this series. JB was bad as were many of his teammates in Game 6. The amount of time and effort he takes to get into the lane to create his shot does not always serve the team well and makes the Knicks too easy to defend. The doubled Brunson and he did not make them pay enough.
He was much better in Game 5 but going forward he needs to be a little less ball dominant. How often do you see him score of an assist from someone else. Maybe on a few threes but not much else.
Knicks need someone who makes you pay for double teaming Brunson
Deuce or Shamet bridges Knock down 4 of 5/6 threes defense has to adjust
Who is that ? Who is available ? Trade ?
Love to see stats on KAT’s 23 foot 3PA % and his actual % without the ridiculous 26-28 footers he attempts
Deuce or Shamet bridges Knock down 4 of 5/6 threes defense has to adjust
Who is that ? Who is available ? Trade ?
Love to see stats on KAT’s 23 foot 3PA % and his actual % without the ridiculous 26-28 footers he attempts
All series, they missed easy opportunities to score, even break aways. In a competitive series that matters
Shamet came in for cple mins end of first qtr (knocked down a three, had nice assist) don't think played again until garbage time. I was paying attn because I had some money on his pt totals. (over 2.5)
Free Shamet
You can’t win big with KAT. gives up on defense as much as scores. He’s not a winning player. letting Hartenstein go was a mistake. should have traded Randle for another ball handling 2 guard that can shoot.
Love Hart’s hustle and grit but he can’t shoot and is a liability on O.
Love Hart’s hustle and grit but he can’t shoot and is a liability on O.
