ImageImageImageImageImage

Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN

Moderators: Deeeez Knicks, HerSports85, j4remi, NoLayupRule, GONYK, dakomish23, mpharris36, Jeff Van Gully

HopelessKnick
Analyst
Posts: 3,293
And1: 3,002
Joined: Aug 03, 2021

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#41 » by HopelessKnick » Fri Feb 21, 2025 5:37 pm

Just saw he is day-to-day with a runner's knee....had it myself, nothing concerning.

Hope these warning signs have gotten through to Thibs (OG, Hart). Decrease load, off games and health management until the playoffs.
NiceLikeChrist
Starter
Posts: 2,066
And1: 2,054
Joined: Mar 16, 2012
 

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#42 » by NiceLikeChrist » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:21 pm

Blame thibs if we lose. Praise the players if we win.
NiceLikeChrist wrote:We are going to deeply regret this. We traded away the best player in the trade and still had to give up a great role player AND a pick?

so many people are going to eat their words about randle
Spree2Houston
Head Coach
Posts: 7,433
And1: 8,857
Joined: Feb 21, 2015
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#43 » by Spree2Houston » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:22 pm

Wish we had OG, Hart and especially Mitch for this game. But no way we’re winning tonight
User avatar
NoDopeOnSundays
RealGM
Posts: 27,527
And1: 57,319
Joined: Nov 22, 2005
         

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#44 » by NoDopeOnSundays » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:34 pm

TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.
User avatar
TheGreenArrow
RealGM
Posts: 28,045
And1: 43,675
Joined: Sep 13, 2017

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#45 » by TheGreenArrow » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:39 pm

Read on Twitter
?s=46&t=W09F6FrMDfp5_y1gKYgF1g
User avatar
3toheadmelo
RealGM
Posts: 96,340
And1: 138,296
Joined: Feb 15, 2015
 

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#46 » by 3toheadmelo » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:41 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.

So you finally admit that KAT should be at the 4 after all the arguments we had
Image
Image
It’s like when lil bitches make subliminal records, if it ain’t directed directly at me, I don’t respect it
User avatar
Guano
RealGM
Posts: 40,522
And1: 68,404
Joined: Dec 16, 2010
Location: any port

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#47 » by Guano » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:45 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.


This was some of our biggest concerns with playing 5out with kat. I'll freely admit that I vastly underestimated his ability to get buckets. But the biggest concern some of us skeptics(critics) had are looking real. He is absolutely terrible as a rim protector.

I still question if we used him better on offense and switched more than playing him drop if we could be more successful. And that we would run teams out of the gym. So it would make up for his poor defense.

Idk it also doesn't help that he is out there shuffling like he is walking around a retirement home.
Chanel Bomber wrote:This board really is full of bad people.
User avatar
dakomish23
Forum Mod - Knicks
Forum Mod - Knicks
Posts: 58,795
And1: 48,769
Joined: Sep 22, 2013
Location: Empire State
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#48 » by dakomish23 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:45 pm

Knicks are 10-2 the last 12 games.

I get guys are out but sometimes in a one game situation that works out well b/c it forces others to take bigger roles that they may have not had the willingness or ability to do when we're at full strength.

We got our big guns. We still got Mikal. We still got one of the best bench players in Deuce. They can def win this game.
Jimmit79 wrote:Yea RJ played well he was definitely the x factor


#FreeJimmit
User avatar
G_K_F
General Manager
Posts: 8,515
And1: 11,072
Joined: Dec 08, 2018
       

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#49 » by G_K_F » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:48 pm

dakomish23 wrote:Knicks are 10-2 the last 12 games.

I get guys are out but sometimes in a one game situation that works out well b/c it forces others to take bigger roles that they may have not had the willingness or ability to do when we're at full strength.

We got our big guns. We still got Mikal. We still got one of the best bench players in Deuce. They can def win this game.

This even a positive anymore?
The OG Greek Freak
User avatar
NoDopeOnSundays
RealGM
Posts: 27,527
And1: 57,319
Joined: Nov 22, 2005
         

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#50 » by NoDopeOnSundays » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:50 pm

3toheadmelo wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.

So you finally admit that KAT should be at the 4 after all the arguments we had
Image



Brother, you lost on September 27th, 2024, you're going through your Ye tweeting era right now. The option to play KAT at the 4 or 5 is what makes him so great, unlike players we had in the past. Playing him next to some unskilled oaf is pointless.


The end of Walt's chapter, fitting gif you used, I will pray for you.
Image
LFGK
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,851
And1: 1,495
Joined: Apr 24, 2024
       

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#51 » by LFGK » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:52 pm

NiceLikeChrist wrote:Blame thibs if we lose. Praise the players if we win.


:lol:
User avatar
robillionaire
RealGM
Posts: 40,527
And1: 58,361
Joined: Jul 12, 2015
Location: Asheville
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#52 » by robillionaire » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:54 pm

HopelessKnick wrote:Just saw he is day-to-day with a runner's knee....had it myself, nothing concerning.

Hope these warning signs have gotten through to Thibs (OG, Hart). Decrease load, off games and health management until the playoffs.


That’s probably what last night was, precautionary so he wouldn’t have to play back to back and would play the better team. Now if he misses tonight maybe it’s cause for more concern. Edit: just saw he is out so I guess this is gonna be a thing.
User avatar
NoDopeOnSundays
RealGM
Posts: 27,527
And1: 57,319
Joined: Nov 22, 2005
         

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#53 » by NoDopeOnSundays » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:55 pm

Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.


This was some of our biggest concerns with playing 5out with kat. I'll freely admit that I vastly underestimated his ability to get buckets. But the biggest concern some of us skeptics(critics) had are looking real. He is absolutely terrible as a rim protector.

I still question if we used him better on offense and switched more than playing him drop if we could be more successful. And that we would run teams out of the gym. So it would make up for his poor defense.

Idk it also doesn't help that he is out there shuffling like he is walking around a retirement home.





He could be used a lot better on both sides of the ball, the way we use him is basically just leaving it up to his talent on offense, and they hang him out to dry on defense.

Playing two bigs where 1 is offensive and the other is defensive is no different from what the Cavs do, and ultimately that will be their downfall because 1 of them is going to be a liability on offense. The Thunder have two bigs, but they use them together on a team by team basis. Unfortunately, the only team in the NBA that has two bigs that can defend and shoot are the Celtics with Horford. If you're going to commit to 2 bigs it has to be unique, they both have to be ableo stretch the floor, otherwise a team with big wings will eventually be able to keep one of them in check.

We need the option, and a coach that would do it on a game to game basis, the Raptors did that in 2019. Sometimes Gasol and Ibaka would start together, other times it was Siakam next to Gasol, and in other instances against mobile teams they went with Siakam and Ibaka with Marc off the bench.
User avatar
Fat Kat
RealGM
Posts: 35,373
And1: 36,706
Joined: Apr 19, 2004
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#54 » by Fat Kat » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:55 pm

TheGreenArrow wrote:
Read on Twitter
?s=46&t=W09F6FrMDfp5_y1gKYgF1g


:(
All comments made by Fat Kat are given as opinion, which may or may not be derived from facts, and not made to personally attack anyone on Realgm. All rights reserved.®
User avatar
robillionaire
RealGM
Posts: 40,527
And1: 58,361
Joined: Jul 12, 2015
Location: Asheville
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#55 » by robillionaire » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:57 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.


You’re just going to have to settle for Giannis
User avatar
3toheadmelo
RealGM
Posts: 96,340
And1: 138,296
Joined: Feb 15, 2015
 

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#56 » by 3toheadmelo » Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:58 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
3toheadmelo wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:



Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.

So you finally admit that KAT should be at the 4 after all the arguments we had
Image



Brother, you lost on September 27th, 2024, you're going through your Ye tweeting era right now. The option to play KAT at the 4 or 5 is what makes him so great, unlike players we had in the past. Playing him next to some unskilled oaf is pointless.


The end of Walt's chapter, fitting gif you used, I will pray for you.
Image

Nah you can’t back pedal out of this. Our arguments about KAT was about him holding back our team defensively at the 5. Not about the 4. You just admitted it we need another C after being in denial about it for months. I won.
Image
Image
It’s like when lil bitches make subliminal records, if it ain’t directed directly at me, I don’t respect it
User avatar
3toheadmelo
RealGM
Posts: 96,340
And1: 138,296
Joined: Feb 15, 2015
 

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#57 » by 3toheadmelo » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:01 pm

Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
TKKnicks1 wrote:
Read on Twitter
?t=OLxdxdX8zpUaGHE70E5Frg&s=19





Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.


This was some of our biggest concerns with playing 5out with kat. I'll freely admit that I vastly underestimated his ability to get buckets. But the biggest concern some of us skeptics(critics) had are looking real. He is absolutely terrible as a rim protector.

I still question if we used him better on offense and switched more than playing him drop if we could be more successful. And that we would run teams out of the gym. So it would make up for his poor defense.

Idk it also doesn't help that he is out there shuffling like he is walking around a retirement home.

The only time KAT’s teams were ever successful was when he was at the 4 next to a big that can defend. If we commit to playing him at the 4 next to someone like Huk, I think we would be a much better team. I too underestimated KAT’s ability to get buckets, but he is really a cone out there man.
Image
It’s like when lil bitches make subliminal records, if it ain’t directed directly at me, I don’t respect it
User avatar
robillionaire
RealGM
Posts: 40,527
And1: 58,361
Joined: Jul 12, 2015
Location: Asheville
     

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#58 » by robillionaire » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:05 pm

3toheadmelo wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
3toheadmelo wrote:So you finally admit that KAT should be at the 4 after all the arguments we had
Image



Brother, you lost on September 27th, 2024, you're going through your Ye tweeting era right now. The option to play KAT at the 4 or 5 is what makes him so great, unlike players we had in the past. Playing him next to some unskilled oaf is pointless.


The end of Walt's chapter, fitting gif you used, I will pray for you.
Image

Nah you can’t back pedal out of this. Our arguments about KAT was about him holding back our team defensively at the 5. Not about the 4. You just admitted it we need another C after being in denial about it for months. I won.
Image


You said he was Bargnani and he was an all star starter and then you said the team would suck and it’s the best team we’ve had since the y2k virus :lol:

Also he’s a +326 which is the highest plus minus on the team
User avatar
Guano
RealGM
Posts: 40,522
And1: 68,404
Joined: Dec 16, 2010
Location: any port

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#59 » by Guano » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:07 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:



Offseason should be about trying to get another C that can play with KAT that can also make the three. Forget the rim runners, pair two bigs together that can hit the three.


This was some of our biggest concerns with playing 5out with kat. I'll freely admit that I vastly underestimated his ability to get buckets. But the biggest concern some of us skeptics(critics) had are looking real. He is absolutely terrible as a rim protector.

I still question if we used him better on offense and switched more than playing him drop if we could be more successful. And that we would run teams out of the gym. So it would make up for his poor defense.

Idk it also doesn't help that he is out there shuffling like he is walking around a retirement home.





He could be used a lot better on both sides of the ball, the way we use him is basically just leaving it up to his talent on offense, and they hang him out to dry on defense.

Playing two bigs where 1 is offensive and the other is defensive is no different from what the Cavs do, and ultimately that will be their downfall because 1 of them is going to be a liability on offense. The Thunder have two bigs, but they use them together on a team by team basis. Unfortunately, the only team in the NBA that has two bigs that can defend and shoot are the Celtics with Horford. If you're going to commit to 2 bigs it has to be unique, they both have to be ableo stretch the floor, otherwise a team with big wings will eventually be able to keep one of them in check.

We need the option, and a coach that would do it on a game to game basis, the Raptors did that in 2019. Sometimes Gasol and Ibaka would start together, other times it was Siakam next to Gasol, and in other instances against mobile teams they went with Siakam and Ibaka with Marc off the bench.


I completely agree with your first point. He isn't being used correctly. He has to work really hard for his buckets. He should be set up more often. To that it's disappointing that him and Brunson don't have better chemistry on the offensive end. They basically just take turns cooking. Was actually nice seeing em run a lil 2 man action last night. Set up kat for some easy buckets.

As for defense seems like getting a 2nd big who could pop and and provide rim protection would be ideal but we're broke af and those are rare expensive breeds.
Chanel Bomber wrote:This board really is full of bad people.
User avatar
NoDopeOnSundays
RealGM
Posts: 27,527
And1: 57,319
Joined: Nov 22, 2005
         

Re: Game Thread: New York KNICKS at Cleveland Cavaliers Fri, Feb 21, 2025 7:00pm ESPN 

Post#60 » by NoDopeOnSundays » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:07 pm

3toheadmelo wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
3toheadmelo wrote:So you finally admit that KAT should be at the 4 after all the arguments we had
Image



Brother, you lost on September 27th, 2024, you're going through your Ye tweeting era right now. The option to play KAT at the 4 or 5 is what makes him so great, unlike players we had in the past. Playing him next to some unskilled oaf is pointless.


The end of Walt's chapter, fitting gif you used, I will pray for you.
Image

Nah you can’t back pedal out of this. Our arguments about KAT was about him holding back our team defensively at the 5. Not about the 4. You just admitted it we need another C after being in denial about it for months. I won.
Image




Brother, you're on a 5 month long bender crashout that resulted in a whole new thread being created just for crashing out. September 27th, 2024 was Pearl Harbor in Melozakhistan and the reverberations are still being felt. The severe extent of your loss is you trying to claim victory when we're 35-15 with KAT starting at center. Mashallah brother, I didn't know it was this bad. I will continue to pray for you.


Image


Lord, please help my brother find your light, he is walking through a dark path and refuses to come out of it.

Return to New York Knicks