Hawks (5) @ Knicks (4) - Playoffs Round 1 - Game 1 - SUNDAY May 23 - 7:00pm

[Capn'O]

Me wanting Frank to take this somehow means I want him to take 30 shots like he’s Trae young
Y’all crazy

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Yup. Just shoot it. And sometimes he does. And when he does he looks like a decent player out there.

Exactly cap. The only player holding him back from greatness is himself.

Greatness is a little much but I agree.

[mpharris36]

Me wanting Frank to take this somehow means I want him to take 30 shots like he’s Trae young
Y’all crazy

Read on Twitter

no one is saying he shouldn't have put that up and no one is suggesting he doesn't have major limitations offensively. Did he lose track of the shot clock was he just not feeling his jumper that day (it happens sometimes).

But one clip can't tell the whole story. Take his last 3 for example...I wouldn't call that a wide open 3...he took that with confidence regardless if it went it he took it.

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I think I have seen more of the later this year then the former. The numbers would back that up at least. His usage is at a career low (since he is almost always playing off ball) and his 3 point attempt rate is a career high. So he's taking more shots with less touches in his career this year.

Also if we are able to control Trae without Frank...by all means limit his minutes to just end of the game final possession stuff because I am agreeing with you we have significantly better offensive options then Frank. However, I am under the assumption Trae will give us some problems this series because we really don't have guys other than Frank that I would feel comfortable defending him. Bullock will get some time but Bullocks more of a wing defender. Rose at this point in his career has his limitations defensively. And Burks and RJ really don't defend point guards. So my thought process is since Trae is such high USG and Frank might effect just a handful of offensive possessions for us so his NET benefit might be greater because in this case we might need defense over offense.

[3toheadmelo]

Me wanting Frank to take this somehow means I want him to take 30 shots like he’s Trae young
Y’all crazy

Read on Twitter

For sure he should shoot that and has issues. On the other end, there have been games where he has knocked down some 3's. So you hope we see that Frank if he plays.

But overall, you are missing the point of playing Frank. You play him for 10 minutes or so of good defense on Trae. That can be worth the minutes...and anything he gives us offense is gravy.

We can’t live with just 10 minutes of good defense with zero offense. He has to show up on offense too. That is my point. Remember the OKC game earlier this season where frank started and offensively he was so bad Thibs didn’t play him for the rest of the game. Once we took out frank and subbed him in for IQ, we were able to get back in the game and win it with ease. Frank being passive had us losing to a G league OKC team... just imagine what would happen against the hawks in the playoffs if he plays passive again. You can’t ignore this stuff. Thibs certainly isn’t, that’s why he doesn’t play him. So hopefully Frank is ready this time and doesn’t blow another opportunity. We’ve seen how good he is when he plays with confidence.

[stuporman]

I don't like that nearly everyone is picking the Knicks...I prefer the doubted underdog role because if the Knicks lose a tough series these 'experts' will use their wrong predictions as a reason to criticize the Knicks.

This is a great point. First time in a long time that the Knicks are not the 'underdog'. It's going to be interesting to see how they handle this new position as the favorite.

I think I saw the Hawks are 27-11 under McMillan. Too much overconfidence in this thread. The Hawks are a dangerous team. And when you have a player like Trae Young who can light it up at any moment, that adds a different dynamic to the series.

Pressure is on the Knicks to win game 1. Hawks have nothing to lose. They know if they could steal one game in NY, they'll take back home court advantage. We CANNOT lose game 1.

I don't know that they are the betting favorite for the series but many of the media muppets are jumping on the bandwagon.

My issue with that is if they are mostly picking the Hawks and the Knicks lose their expectations weren't contradicted so their opinion of the series may be more favorable to the Knicks compared to if their expectations are betrayed by what plays out.

Their egos about their projections could get mixed into their perception of what they are watching so influence their commentary.

Why does this even matter? Because they will use it is another way to 'lol Knicks' the narrative and dismiss them instead of recognize the heart they have and the effort the team gave to overachieve even if the Knicks lose this series to a good Hawks team.

I prefer they continue the 'lol Knicks' attitude they have built their lame azz talentless careers on and let the Knicks do what they will do....the only place on the bandwagon they deserve is dragged by the heels behind it.

[3toheadmelo]

Yup. Just shoot it. And sometimes he does. And when he does he looks like a decent player out there.

Exactly cap. The only player holding him back from greatness is himself.

Greatness is a little much but I agree.

I just don’t know how people still make excuses for him. It’s his 4th year now.

[Deeeez Knicks]

are we acting like frank hasn’t had a confidence issue for the past 4 years? theres a reason why Thibs has him benched. he holds him accountable unlike the people on this board

Frank def has some issues on offense. But Thibs trusts Frank on defense and he has been put in some critical situations for his defense. Defending Trae might be a key to the series. If Thibs plays Frank in the playoffs it will be for his defense and chipping in to help slow Trae....help Rose/Burks save energy and get Payton off the floor because he has far worse issues then Frank

All I’m saying is that he needs to be ready. His defense will help of course but he also needs to play with confidence on offense. We can’t be playing 4 on 5 with him. I just posted a clip of him passing a open 3 and forcing a shot clock violation likes he’s done so many times the past 4 years. Plays like that is why he’s just a situational player now in his career. That’s just the truth. We’ve seen games where he’s played with confidence and looked great. If he can play with confidence, he is a great asset to the team in the playoffs. So hopefully we get the good version of Frank and not passive frank.

For sure and I think everyone can agree with some of that. Hopefully we see confident Frank. It should all be pretty simple for Frank on offense. Take the shot when he is open in the flow of the offense or move the ball.

I mean, he may only be a situational player in this series for defense.

[3toheadmelo]

I’m bowing out of this frank talk. I said what I said. He better be ready. It’s playoff time. Not his rookie season anymore. Tired of the excuses.

[GONYK]

Yup. Just shoot it. And sometimes he does. And when he does he looks like a decent player out there.

Exactly cap. The only player holding him back from greatness is himself.

Greatness is a little much but I agree.

Nah, it's the perfect word

Watch on YouTube

[GONYK]

The only thing holding Frank back all this time was his hair.

Braids Frank is here now, and we are all witness

[Capn'O]

Exactly cap. The only player holding him back from greatness is himself.

Greatness is a little much but I agree.

Nah, it's the perfect word

Watch on YouTube

It's never a bad time for that video

[stuporman]

We can’t live with just 10 minutes of good defense with zero offense.

Yet we have lived with zero offense and negative defense of Payton for more than 10 minutes.

[mpharris36]

For sure and I think everyone can agree with some of that. Hopefully we see confident Frank. It should all be pretty simple for Frank on offense. Take the shot when he is open in the flow of the offense or move the ball.

I mean, he may only be a situational player in this series for defense.

I would also like to say put me in the camp that unless Frank is playing a good offensive game I don't want him playing over Rose/RJ/IQ/Burks/Bullock they have all shown why they play more.

My only argument is if we are going to play 4 on 5 to start the game because Thibs values size and defense with Paytons minutes. Then Frank is a better option for that role. Its as simple as that.

Go into the playoffs with a 9 man rotation.

Burks/Rose
Bullock/IQ
RJ
Randle/Obi (sparing minutes just to give randle a blow)
Noel/Taj

that is the rotation. I'm just saying if you need to get 10 minutes or if Trae is catching fire then use Frank...Thibs clearly values Franks defense over Paytons. When its a last second possession its not Payton coming in...its Frank. So use him simply situationally if you need stops because Trae Young is doing Trae Young things...which is scoring and gettings assists and Frank might be the only guy on the roster that is suitable to defend him.

[mpharris36]

The only thing holding Frank back all this time was his hair.

Braids Frank is here now, and we are all witness

that start of the clippers game where he airballed a 3 and floater had me questioning the braids

but he seems like he got that confidence back after that Lakers outing which was one of his best outings of his career on both ends.

[GONYK]

The only thing holding Frank back all this time was his hair.

Braids Frank is here now, and we are all witness

that start of the clippers game where he airballed a 3 and floater had me questioning the braids

but he seems like he got that confidence back after that Lakers outing which was one of his best outings of his career on both ends.

Spiderman slammed into a wall and nearly fell to his death the first time he tried his powers out.

These things take getting used to.

[Deeeez Knicks]

Me wanting Frank to take this somehow means I want him to take 30 shots like he’s Trae young
Y’all crazy

Read on Twitter

For sure he should shoot that and has issues. On the other end, there have been games where he has knocked down some 3's. So you hope we see that Frank if he plays.

But overall, you are missing the point of playing Frank. You play him for 10 minutes or so of good defense on Trae. That can be worth the minutes...and anything he gives us offense is gravy.

We can’t live with just 10 minutes of good defense with zero offense. He has to show up on offense too. That is my point. Remember the OKC game earlier this season where frank started and offensively he was so bad Thibs didn’t play him for the rest of the game. Once we took out frank and subbed him in for IQ, we were able to get back in the game and win it with ease. Frank being passive had us losing to a G league OKC team... just imagine what would happen against the hawks in the playoffs if he plays passive again. You can’t ignore this stuff. Thibs certainly isn’t, that’s why he doesn’t play him. So hopefully Frank is ready this time and doesn’t blow another opportunity. We’ve seen how good he is when he plays with confidence.

If Frank plays 2 minutes and stinks it up real bad he will get pulled real quick and rightfully so I am not even worried about him playing 10 minutes.

But if Frank plays with some confidence and defends Trae well he can give us some good minutes this series. We can probably all agree with that. I dont want Frank playing 10 minutes and throwing up airballs all game either

Just saying, due to the matchup is the main reason we would be thinking of playing Frank cause we dont have many players to match up with Trae for 48minutes.

[Knicksfan1992]

Got tickets for Game 1 today... Imma be too hyped in that b*tch. Letting Trae hear it all day

congrats man! be part of the 6th man early and often!

Let the young hawks actually feel what the garden sounds like in the playoffs!

Absolutely man. These guys have no idea what they're in for. A bunch of pent up NY fans from a pandemic and an 8 year playoff drought.. Going to be a madhouse in there.

[Deeeez Knicks]

For sure and I think everyone can agree with some of that. Hopefully we see confident Frank. It should all be pretty simple for Frank on offense. Take the shot when he is open in the flow of the offense or move the ball.

I mean, he may only be a situational player in this series for defense.

I would also like to say put me in the camp that unless Frank is playing a good offensive game I don't want him playing over Rose/RJ/IQ/Burks/Bullock they have all shown why they play more.

My only argument is if we are going to play 4 on 5 to start the game because Thibs values size and defense with Paytons minutes. Then Frank is a better option for that role. Its as simple as that.

Go into the playoffs with a 9 man rotation.

Burks/Rose
Bullock/IQ
RJ
Randle/Obi (sparing minutes just to give randle a blow)
Noel/Taj

that is the rotation. I'm just saying if you need to get 10 minutes or if Trae is catching fire then use Frank...Thibs clearly values Franks defense over Paytons. When its a last second possession its not Payton coming in...its Frank. So use him simply situationally if you need stops because Trae Young is doing Trae Young things...which is scoring and gettings assists and Frank might be the only guy on the roster that is suitable to defend him.

Yea, all those guys will play over Frank. it would really be for situational purposes for defense, as he has mostly been used. Maybe a little more extended due to the matchup with Trae unless he catches fire or something. Its probably all gonna depend how the game and series go....still preparing for Payton to start Game 1.

[3toheadmelo]

For sure he should shoot that and has issues. On the other end, there have been games where he has knocked down some 3's. So you hope we see that Frank if he plays.

But overall, you are missing the point of playing Frank. You play him for 10 minutes or so of good defense on Trae. That can be worth the minutes...and anything he gives us offense is gravy.

We can’t live with just 10 minutes of good defense with zero offense. He has to show up on offense too. That is my point. Remember the OKC game earlier this season where frank started and offensively he was so bad Thibs didn’t play him for the rest of the game. Once we took out frank and subbed him in for IQ, we were able to get back in the game and win it with ease. Frank being passive had us losing to a G league OKC team... just imagine what would happen against the hawks in the playoffs if he plays passive again. You can’t ignore this stuff. Thibs certainly isn’t, that’s why he doesn’t play him. So hopefully Frank is ready this time and doesn’t blow another opportunity. We’ve seen how good he is when he plays with confidence.

If Frank plays 2 minutes and stinks it up real bad he will get pulled real quick and rightfully so I am not even worried about him playing 10 minutes.

But if Frank plays with some confidence and defends Trae well he can give us some good minutes this series. We can probably all agree with that. I dont want Frank playing 10 minutes and throwing up airballs all game either

Just saying, due to the matchup is the main reason we would be thinking of playing Frank cause we dont have many players to match up with Trae for 48minutes.

As long as we are in agreement that we need confident frank then I rest my case.

[GONYK]

For sure he should shoot that and has issues. On the other end, there have been games where he has knocked down some 3's. So you hope we see that Frank if he plays.

But overall, you are missing the point of playing Frank. You play him for 10 minutes or so of good defense on Trae. That can be worth the minutes...and anything he gives us offense is gravy.

We can’t live with just 10 minutes of good defense with zero offense. He has to show up on offense too. That is my point. Remember the OKC game earlier this season where frank started and offensively he was so bad Thibs didn’t play him for the rest of the game. Once we took out frank and subbed him in for IQ, we were able to get back in the game and win it with ease. Frank being passive had us losing to a G league OKC team... just imagine what would happen against the hawks in the playoffs if he plays passive again. You can’t ignore this stuff. Thibs certainly isn’t, that’s why he doesn’t play him. So hopefully Frank is ready this time and doesn’t blow another opportunity. We’ve seen how good he is when he plays with confidence.

If Frank plays 2 minutes and stinks it up real bad he will get pulled real quick and rightfully so I am not even worried about him playing 10 minutes.

But if Frank plays with some confidence and defends Trae well he can give us some good minutes this series. We can probably all agree with that. I dont want Frank playing 10 minutes and throwing up airballs all game either

Just saying, due to the matchup is the main reason we would be thinking of playing Frank cause we dont have many players to match up with Trae for 48minutes.

I think the main difference in this back and forth is that people have different definitions of what Frank "stinking it up real bad" means

If he's playing good defense, but bricking every shot, I think Thibs will still leave him out there for 10 mins if the situation calls for it.

He just needs to take the shots the defense gives him if they are using him as the release valve for the defensive pressure.

[Deeeez Knicks]

If Frank plays 2 minutes and stinks it up real bad he will get pulled real quick and rightfully so I am not even worried about him playing 10 minutes.

But if Frank plays with some confidence and defends Trae well he can give us some good minutes this series. We can probably all agree with that. I dont want Frank playing 10 minutes and throwing up airballs all game either

Just saying, due to the matchup is the main reason we would be thinking of playing Frank cause we dont have many players to match up with Trae for 48minutes.

I think the main difference in this back and forth is that people have different definitions of what Frank "stinking it up real bad" means

If he's playing good defense, but bricking every shot, I think Thibs will still leave him out there for 10 mins if the situation calls for it.

He just needs to take the shots the defense gives him if they are using him as the release valve for the defensive pressure.

Yeah, that might be it. I will take Frank going 1 for 4 in 10min or whatever if he is playing great defense and slowing down Trae. Think everyone can agree there has been times Frank has hesitated and we will need Frank to at least take those open shots.