PG: Knicks vs ATL

[ScienceOfLosing]

And with that sad excuse for a win, the Knicks defensive rating dropped to 18th on the season. They will have to give up 3 fewer points over the final 28 games (when Mitch is back) to finish in the top 10 defensively. It'll say something about Mitch if they can do that.

Statmuse had them at 17 last night and 21st today. Elsewhere we are listed at tied for 12.. Since OG went down they dropped a bunch of spots in 5 games. They gave up an avg of 12ppg more in his absence. It isn't crazy to suggest they jump back up adding both OG and Mitch at least. Not sure if Wright is the perimeter blanket people claim he is but, if that's true then he should see some PT and help the defense as well. Thibs will let us know.

#2 offense can make up for that though. As long as players are performing at their peak. AKA bring their A game.

Want to know how useful these stats are? Look at the teams ahead of us if you want to laugh. The only stats that matter are W/L record. We are top 4 in the league. People can bring up stats all they want. None of it matters when the games are played. We have dominated the top defenses in several games this season. We smoked the #2 defense multiple times. We have also lost to teams way down the list.

When the dust clears all that matters is how you played on a given night. Stats don't predict outcomes. If they did, no one would ever lose when gambling.

This is the best start to almost 3/4 of a season in 28 years. It's been a fun ride with ups and downs just like every other team hoping to compete for that title. Will we win it all? You're gonna have to watch the games to find out. That's the beauty of this experience. No one knows how it will end until it's over.

Mostly agree but do you think we can be this good offensively in the playoffs while also playing high minutes and with high defensive intensity? I think it’s impossible and the whole team will pull a hamstring.

Thibs should be developing Pacom in games so he can be ready for some minutes. A tall true wing never gets in game development.

[robillionaire]

They been saying it’s team defense but it’s really having OG (and to a much lesser point Bridges) out there.
OG does so much on that end, a bit like Mitch before he turned into the hulk.
Looking forward to having Mitch back.

If we can move KAT for Giannes, you do it. (After the Luka” trade”, anything is possible.)
I don’t see a starting unit with Brunson and KAT being able to win it all.
Not with 3 wings trying to make up for it.

I also don’t think Thibs is the right coach.
Wish Bryant was our coach. They shi* the bed there.

You could argue that Mitch when healthy and OG are the two most impactful defenders for a Thibodeau system.

I want to see how the defense looks when we have Mitch patrolling the paint.

There is no question that a different coach would get these guys playing better defensively though. Let's see if at least Thibs can make it look good again when he has his 7 foot rim protector in the middle.

I’m just praying that Mitch gives us some kind of boost along with Thibs staying consistent with a 9+ rotation (and giving Delon a shot) to keep these guys fresh because we need that #1 spot if we want a realistic chance to go all the way. We’re only 8 games behind.

Things can/will obviously change, but as it stands now, facing the Bulls/Hawks in round 1 and Pacers/Bucks in round 2 is far better than the Pistons in round 1 and Celtics in round 2.

We talk about the players getting rest, but hopefully this break gives the old man time to unwind and reassess some things in his strategy/approach for this important push.

Most important thing is going to be getting through a playoff run without the whole team getting injured or really just any important player. Because I don’t trust our depth at all. If everyone remains available I think we could beat anybody but I was really hoping we’d add another depth scoring option. Now McBride is injured AGAIN. What’s up with this guy, he doesn’t even play a lot of minutes. Hope he’s ok

[Clyde_Style]

You could argue that Mitch when healthy and OG are the two most impactful defenders for a Thibodeau system.

I want to see how the defense looks when we have Mitch patrolling the paint.

There's no doubt that if both OG and Mitch were healthy for a full playoff run we could make a title run this year.

History says that is unlikely to happen, so it's a wait and see

Without them, we don't do crap in the playoffs though. We just don't have the developed rotational depth with defensive size to go deep into the playoffs.

This is my take as well. We need everyone healthy to have a real shot and even then, being the best is not that easy. Boston had a fairly easy run to the finals last season. Every team they played was missing their best players or had injuries to their best players. Except for the Pacers who didn't deserve to be in the ECF at all. We were the depleted team that helped them get there. Lucky for Boston.

There's 28 games left and then the playoffs start. We shall see what happens then. In the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy the ride as much as I can.

[Gravy]

A 9-2 record heading into the break is really good. We also did not have OG for 5 of those games.

That was an ugly win, but every team has ugly wins and bad losses we just don't follow those other teams every single night.

[Jalen Bluntson]

And with that sad excuse for a win, the Knicks defensive rating dropped to 18th on the season. They will have to give up 3 fewer points over the final 28 games (when Mitch is back) to finish in the top 10 defensively. It'll say something about Mitch if they can do that.

Statmuse had them at 17 last night and 21st today. Elsewhere we are listed at tied for 12.. Since OG went down they dropped a bunch of spots in 5 games. They gave up an avg of 12ppg more in his absence. It isn't crazy to suggest they jump back up adding both OG and Mitch at least. Not sure if Wright is the perimeter blanket people claim he is but, if that's true then he should see some PT and help the defense as well. Thibs will let us know.

#2 offense can make up for that though. As long as players are performing at their peak. AKA bring their A game.

Want to know how useful these stats are? Look at the teams ahead of us if you want to laugh. The only stats that matter are W/L record. We are top 4 in the league. People can bring up stats all they want. None of it matters when the games are played. We have dominated the top defenses in several games this season. We smoked the #2 defense multiple times. We have also lost to teams way down the list.

When the dust clears all that matters is how you played on a given night. Stats don't predict outcomes. If they did, no one would ever lose when gambling.

This is the best start to almost 3/4 of a season in 28 years. It's been a fun ride with ups and downs just like every other team hoping to compete for that title. Will we win it all? You're gonna have to watch the games to find out. That's the beauty of this experience. No one knows how it will end until it's over.

Mostly agree but do you think we can be this good offensively in the playoffs while also playing high minutes and with high defensive intensity? I think it’s impossible and the whole team will pull a hamstring.

Thibs should be developing Pacom in games so he can be ready for some minutes. A tall true wing never gets in game development.

Not a fan of Thibs at all. Didn't want him. Wanted him fired multiple times since then. I like his personality in the post game interviews mostly but, not much else. Maybe the fact that his players will run through a wall for him is another thing I like as well. I don't like his offensive approach. I don't like his defensive approach. I don't like his in game adjustments or lack thereof. I think he will be the biggest flaw when all is said and done.

That said, he does have us winning. I am willing to give him a chance the rest of the way this season. If he keeps doing the myriad of dumb shyt he does then, no. I do not think we will win a title this year or in the future but, I am waiting to see how he approaches having a full bench after the break and whatever we add in March. We have depth, he chooses not to use it no matter how well they play. That's the biggest gripe for me. He is too stubborn and only coaches one way. It may end up being our downfall.

We also have to deal with teams that have a high rate of continuity above us in the standings as well. No matter what the coach does, that's pretty hard to compete with as well. We shall see. I am here for all of it though.

[HEZI]

This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score

[Jalen Bluntson]

You could argue that Mitch when healthy and OG are the two most impactful defenders for a Thibodeau system.

I want to see how the defense looks when we have Mitch patrolling the paint.

There is no question that a different coach would get these guys playing better defensively though. Let's see if at least Thibs can make it look good again when he has his 7 foot rim protector in the middle.

I’m just praying that Mitch gives us some kind of boost along with Thibs staying consistent with a 9+ rotation (and giving Delon a shot) to keep these guys fresh because we need that #1 spot if we want a realistic chance to go all the way. We’re only 8 games behind.

Things can/will obviously change, but as it stands now, facing the Bulls/Hawks in round 1 and Pacers/Bucks in round 2 is far better than the Pistons in round 1 and Celtics in round 2.

We talk about the players getting rest, but hopefully this break gives the old man time to unwind and reassess some things in his strategy/approach for this important push.

Most important thing is going to be getting through a playoff run without the whole team getting injured or really just any important player. Because I don’t trust our depth at all. If everyone remains available I think we could beat anybody but I was really hoping we’d add another depth scoring option. Now McBride is injured AGAIN. What’s up with this guy, he doesn’t even play a lot of minutes. Hope he’s ok

McBride gets the most bench minutes out of anyone. He is also tasked with playing hard defense against bigger players. He is running in circles all game every game. I am sure it puts a beating on him. He's a dog out there but, he is a little dog.

[WaltFrazier]

A 9-2 record heading into the break is really good. We also did not have OG for 5 of those games.

That was an ugly win, but every team has ugly wins and bad losses we just don't follow those other teams every single night.

It's funny, during the game and immediately after it feels terrible despite the win. Thibs, JB overdribbling, bad passes, lucky to win. Today, this broader perspective starts to make sense - a win is a win, overall record, OG and Mitch coming, etc. But next game the cycle will start over again

[thebuzzardman]

This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score

Who do the Knicks trade, Brunson or KAT?

[Jalen Bluntson]

[quote="HEZI"]This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score[/quote

Dirk win a title with the Mavs. That's a good sign.

[RHODEY]

Read on Twitter

JB absolutely cooked this man on the last **** with the hang dribble, double cross stepback, it’s like he saved the best ass whuppin’ for last.

JB barbecued Daniels the end of the 4th and the whole OT… Daniels better watch his mouth, just cause you have half a season of defense, don’t mean the true offensive super stars won’t figure you out kid. JB is a supernova, not a superstar.

Daniels would look good in a Knick uni....

[HEZI]

This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score

Who do the Knicks trade, Brunson or KAT?

Not sure we are ready for this conversation yet

[louisorr]

For those foolishly hoping Thibs gets fired, what other coach that is currently available or could be available would have this current roster, with their lack of depth, injuries etc, have them at 36-18? And before you give me the same old bs that Thibs isn’t the guy to win them a ring, I can promise you if the knicks don’t win a ring with this core, it will not be a coaching issue, it will be the talent/experience/depth from other teams will be the reason..not the coach..

WHEN we don’t win it will be because of injuries/attrition. (aka The Thibs Dilemma.)
We should have fired Thibs and promoted Bryant.
Now we’re between a rock and a hard place.

btw - I mostly like Thibs but his stubborness, lack of quick adjustments, lack of in game rookie development, etc…

So let’s look at this logically, you think a coach that has and still has ZERO head coach experience is all of a sudden going to come in and have this team with this current roster have a better record than they currently have and give them a better chance at a ring, truly based on ZERO actual facts or experience to back it up..again just a foolish take

Phil Jackson?

[ctorres]

Read on Twitter

[robillionaire]

This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score

Who do the Knicks trade, Brunson or KAT?

If we wanted to focus on defense we could play Mitch in more lineups. Of course this would come at the expense of the offense. The Timberwolves had far and away the best defense in the nba last year and towns was a starter. But they also had Gobert. OG covers up a lot and is one of the better defensive players in the league and Mikal has his moments. We should have the personnel to at least be an average defensive team. Plus Thibs is usually one of the better defensive coaches. So when everyone is back healthy and the games start to matter more let’s see what happens. Teams don’t always play playoff intensity defense in regular season games either. Last nights game was basically like watching the all-star game, very little effort by either team to get a stop

[Context]

lol giving up 140+ points to a terrible hawks team but apparently this is the best Knicks team of the century.

That’s actually how much OG means to the team he’s basically the entire defense he’s the real life version of what people think Mitch is

Just wait till Mitch and OG are on the floor with Mikal

[Jalen Bluntson]

This team reminds me of the early 2000s Mavs. Good team, fun and entertaining but just not good enough to beat the other elite teams in the league. Similar to Nash and Dirk, Brunson and KAT are just way too poor defensively to win a chip together. Good offensive team and we can definitely score

Who do the Knicks trade, Brunson or KAT?

The Knicks need depth. The Knicks need a plan that doesn't involve playing starters 40mpg for 82 games. The starting 5 is as good as any in the league. It is the game plan that doesn't work most of the time in losses. No team wins every game. Most of our losses fall at the feet of the HC.

We almost lost last night to a team(26-28) that played their bench for 80+ minutes and we played ours for around 42. It's the same old song and dance with Thibs. The talent is there right now. The game plan is the problem. It's not that hard to see what our flaws are. We are still a top team in the league. Something has to give. Saying we can't win with Brunson and KAT is a weak take IMO. TWO All Stars and two good to great defenders with a great glue guy is a great recipe for success. Running them into the ground is a recipe for disaster.

[Spree2Houston]

[x]

Read on Twitter

[/x]

[Gravy]

A 9-2 record heading into the break is really good. We also did not have OG for 5 of those games.

That was an ugly win, but every team has ugly wins and bad losses we just don't follow those other teams every single night.

It's funny, during the game and immediately after it feels terrible despite the win. Thibs, JB overdribbling, bad passes, lucky to win. Today, this broader perspective starts to make sense - a win is a win, overall record, OG and Mitch coming, etc. But next game the cycle will start over again

Feeling something in the moment is being a fan. That game was frustrating af! This is still better to me than the days of rooting for losses so we can draft another RJ.

[Kampuchea]

Did Thibs royally mess up on his way to another win? He keeps winning but is also so terrible. If he wins a championship with this clown coaching and crazy starters minutes I am done with this team.