Game Thread: New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks Wed, Feb 12, 2025 7:30pm

[nykballa2k4]

I kind of dig it. Reminds me of the old MLB when you'd only play teams from the same league, made stronger rivalries and when the World Series came, it felt like it meant more.

Honestly think going that route could help the NBA. More divisional games, and play games in a series format. Sort of replicate the NFL in a way because if you clump, say, 3 games into a weekend (3 games in 4 nights same two opponents) then it really has the power to shift the standings and makes the games more meaningful. Also adds a strategy (do I want to rest a player in that b2b or not?)

We need to eliminate the back to backs entirely. It is pointless and not really fair to the team playing them. Especially if there is travel involved like we have seen plenty of this year. You want back to backs? Then both teams should be playing in them and it should be in one building every time.

I don't mind the idea of more division games though. Why bother having divisions if you play every team basically the same amount of games? Does winning the division even matter anymore towards playoffs?

I think we actually agree here.
Example: We play Celtics 6 times
first set: 2 home (b2b) 1 day trave, 1 road game.
second set 2 road games (b2b) 1 day travel, 1 home game.
4 division rivals, that's 4*6 so 24 of your games against your own division. 30 games out of conference. that's 54 games. Remaining balance of 28 games spread between the fugazee tourney and other in-conference opponents.

I would possibly even do more in-division (so like 8 per rival) but 6 is an incremental step. the big change is adding the b2b or series factor. Think it would make it more exciting. Like an event.

[nykballa2k4]

We need to eliminate the back to backs entirely. It is pointless and not really fair to the team playing them. Especially if there is travel involved like we have seen plenty of this year. You want back to backs? Then both teams should be playing in them and it should be in one building every time.

I don't mind the idea of more division games though. Why bother having divisions if you play every team basically the same amount of games? Does winning the division even matter anymore towards playoffs?

This will never happen but I'd reduce the games to 58 (every team playing the other team twice). Maybe 4 times against Division rivals if 58 games is too low-it would put the games at around 66---however that may make it unfair if you are in a tough division. Eliminate the conferences altogether. The top 16 teams make the playoffs. It gives you an entire different variety of playoff matchups. No back to backs. Only 2 games per week. The games themselves would be much more important and thus the intensity would be much higher. I feel like the 82 games nowadays half the entire league (minus Thibs) load managing their way through....the games usually are low intensity for 3,5 quarters and only pick up if it is close in the waning moments. It should also keep injuries way lower and have teams healthy at playoff time. Never gonna happen I know.

Or have the top 12 directly qualified for the playoffs and have 13 through 20 play a best of 3 series to determine the final 4 playoff participants. 66 regular season games. 1 week of best of 3 playoff qualification.

Most of that won't happen as you said, but I'd love to see a cut to about 72 games or whatever it would take to have no back to backs and still a balanced schedule. The 82 games gets to drag on after the ASG break.

On a different note, Silver floated the idea of changing from 48 minute games to 40 like all other levels of basketball. There was a thread on the Raptors board about it, not sure if it was ever discussed here.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-commissioner-adam-silver-raises-possibility-of-league-moving-to-10-minute-quarters-213929598.html

Might be good for Thibs and his shorter rotations

I think if they are floating the idea of shorter games, then they are going to need to increase the quantity of games. Owners are not paying players the same $ for less output. More games = more revenue as well.

The trick here really is, from a player POV, the stars would be fine with playing their 32+mpg. It's the other players that would get cut out and have their earnings slashed. They are the majority of the players (5 starters, 10 reserves) so that vote would not win.

[Guano]

sure b2b games are hard on the players but lets make this about me - its hard on my nerves to handle 2 games in 2 days. they're asking too much. and also coming off a great win i'd like to be able to enjoy that high for more than 24hrs. they wont even give me that. now i have to get up for a game against ATL. rude as hell.

[robillionaire]

sure b2b games are hard on the players but lets make this about me - its hard on my nerves to handle 2 games in 2 days. they're asking too much. and also coming off a great win i'd like to be able to enjoy that high for more than 24hrs. they wont even give me that. now i have to get up for a game against ATL. rude as hell.

Ok but if we win it’s like a double high that can carry us through the entire all star weekend

[HMFFL]

Knicks4Real with the nice game thread as usual.

Let's have a good matchup.

Last 10 Meetings:
5-5

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[Context]

been so busy didnt know we were on a back to back

[Context]

INJURY REPORT: KNICKS
Mitchell Robinson - OUT
OG Anunoby - Questionable
Kevin McCullar, Jr. - Day-to-Day

INJURY REPORT: HAWKS
Larry Nance, Jr. - OUT
Vit Krejci - OUT
Trae Young - Day-to-Day
Lets make it 2 in a row!!!!
.

tuesday versus the pacers:

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LET'S KEEP THE WINNING GOING!!!

[Context]

Knicks need to knock the pubes off of Trae Young's candy coated head

Spoiler:

YES! Buzz!

[K_ick_God]

If Trae is trying to disrespect the fans and the court even though he's below .500, doesn't that make him look stupid? Answer: Yes.

[HopelessKnick]

I actually think we'll pull it out. KAT and Josh must be in high confidence mode right now and I think JB and Mikal will want to put in a good game as well.

The Hawks have won 4 out of their last 5 though so we need to bring it. Would be a bit dissapointing if we lose on our home floor to a Hawks team without Johnson or Hunter.

[Guano]

Loss. Trae humiliates the Knicks again.

WTF is this?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enough with the negativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be better buzzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not all of us can keep the positivity up all the time like you greeny.

But know we appreciate your consistent unwavering demeanor and will try to follow your lead.

[nykballa2k4]

I know it won't happen, but with Hart having knee soreness and having carried us last night, it would be wise to DNP him today.

[Spree2Houston]

A opponent not named OKC, Boston, or Cleveland = Knicks winning big tonight

[Jalen Bluntson]

Knicks4Real with the nice game thread as usual.

Let's have a good matchup.

Last 10 Meetings:
5-5

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM mobile app

Ahem. Excuse me but, I want total domination of the pube head chucker and his posse!! No mercy! No survivors!! No friendly competition!! Absolute destruction of the team and the fans in the stands!!!!!

[Jalen Bluntson]

A opponent not named OKC, Boston, or Cleveland = Knicks winning big tonight

This narrative needs to change come playoff time. We choked away a game against both OKC and CLE. We weren't full strength in any of the games either. I am not afraid of them at all. Boston on the other hand, we need to play them full strength and see where we stand. They owned us both games. Not because we can't compete though. One of those games was our first game as a team. Things need to be put into perspective! We are a top team in the league. We deserve more respect from our fan base!! Be better!!!

[MrDollarBills]

Since this is the last game before a much needed break, I think we, the Fraternal Order of Minutes Police, should allow Thibs to play guys 40+ tonight so that we can ensure that the Hawks go to hell

[TheGreenArrow]

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[F N 11]

Beat them down !

[Guano]

I know i'm suppose to hate trae and atl but i just don't have it in me. tbh, i kinda like trae even though i wouldn't want him on my team. i kinda like that he is an @sshole and is fearless. and that he is doing the most with his limited athleticism and size. i fck with him.

[louisorr]

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Thibs once again! Heavy minutes causing sprains.