PLAYOFFS: Rnd 2, Gm 1 – Knicks @ Celtics – 7:00PM, Mon, May 5, 2025

ConstableGeneva · Post #61 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Fri May 2, 2025 4:14 pm

This notion that the Magic slowed the Celtics offense down in those five games is a false one. They had a couple of great defensive stretches and yes, they took away one of the Celtics main weapons (3-ball) and limited "the others" with their defensive strategy of staying home on shooters, but the Cs as a team were still able to score efficiently against them.

The Magic had a defensive rating of 109.9 in the regular season, per CleaningtheGlass. The Celtics put up a 120.0 offensive rating. They allowed a 54.95% true shooting % in the regular season. The Celtics scored on 59.5% TS%.

Can't do much better than that against the #2 defense in the league. Knicks don't have the same physicality, length, and defensive acumen the Magic has. There's just more soft spots on that Knicks roster to exploit. Only even more injuries could slow us down against NYK.

31to6 · Post #62 » by **31to6** » Fri May 2, 2025 4:22 pm

sToP wiTH tEh DaTa, nErD

Post #63 » by **bisme37** » Fri May 2, 2025 4:25 pm

So it's weird because the Knicks seem to have specifically created a team that matches up with the Celtics, but in actual games between the teams it's looked like the opposite. They have defensive wings who are supposed to stop Tatum, but this...

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Then the bigger issue is the Celtics are the most prolific 3 pt shooting team of all time, and the Knicks team defense is worst in the league at guarding the 3pt line. (Which, if you've created a roster to beat the Celtics, why would you then play a defense that allows them to do the thing they want to do?) And Thib's drop coverage hasn't worked at all, though I suppose they could change some of that up.

I dunno man. I think the Knicks are a better and more talented team than the Orlando squad we just beat, but I also feel like it's going to be a lot easier to score in this series. So I'm having trouble getting very worried about the whole thing.

leper-con · Post #64 » by **leper-con** » Fri May 2, 2025 5:07 pm

Celtics in 5

jmr07019 · Post #65 » by **jmr07019** » Fri May 2, 2025 5:14 pm

Light work. Celtics in 5

FlatearthZorro · Post #66 » by **FlatearthZorro** » Fri May 2, 2025 7:26 pm

Knickerbockers, 4th of July fire crackers, Celtics have the most international backers, Cs in 5

Floody100 · Post #67 » by **Floody100** » Fri May 2, 2025 8:00 pm

Stay classy Knick fans …

Quote removed. Don't bring quotes from Other Boards.
Let's keep Ours Classy.

~ Parl

Bar Fight · Post #68 » by **Bar Fight** » Fri May 2, 2025 8:25 pm

I can never be overconfident about a series again after 2023. But it would take that type of collapse and/or outlier shooting to lose this

ConstableGeneva · Post #69 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Sat May 3, 2025 4:17 am

Games 1 & 2 begin at 7 PM, per Sean Grande.

ConstableGeneva · Post #70 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Sat May 3, 2025 4:22 am

ConstableGeneva wrote:Anunoby is the most important player in this series for the Knicks. If he can stick to Tatum without getting switched/screened off, Cs would have to rely on JB and others to produce. Tatum will cook any other defender/coverage. In any case, I would be surprised if Knicks take two games if we are healthy. Praying KP steps up in this series. Knicks are less physical than the Magic and he should be able to take advantage of his matchups.

Like white on rice. OG has to live inside Tatum's jersey for them to even have a chance.

via Carson Breber (@Carsobi):

When Boston ran pick & roll involving KAT this season, they generated 1.22 pts per possession

When Boston ran pick & roll involving Brunson this season, they generated 1.29 pts per possession

They are perfectly built to rip the Knicks' defensive weak points to shreds.

exculpatory · Post #71 » by **exculpatory** » Sat May 3, 2025 4:43 am

Brunson is a defensive liability I hope we use to **** them.
On the other hand, his clutchness, footwork & shooting ability are amongst the best in the NBA.
Need Derrick & Jru to stick to him like glue.

ConstableGeneva · Post #72 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Sat May 3, 2025 5:27 am

Watch on YouTube

ConstableGeneva · Post #73 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Sat May 3, 2025 7:24 am

Watch on YouTube

HarthorneWingo · Post #74 » by **HarthorneWingo** » Sat May 3, 2025 8:45 am

Unbeknownst to me, someone organized a welcoming committee for your arrival in NYC for Game 3 :lol:

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Post #75 » by **165bows** » Sat May 3, 2025 11:13 am

ConstableGeneva wrote:Games 1 & 2 begin at 7 PM, per Sean Grande.

Ah the best possible news for this series!

phincsfan · Post #76 » by **phincsfan** » Sat May 3, 2025 1:01 pm

HarthorneWingo wrote:Unbeknownst to me, someone organized a welcoming committee for your arrival in NYC for Game 3

Watch on YouTube

Is that poster allowed in your new compost bins ?

Nix that question. They'll go in the GREEN recycling bins :lol:

Post #77 » by **Parliament10** » Sat May 3, 2025 5:33 pm

ConstableGeneva · Post #78 » by **ConstableGeneva** » Sat May 3, 2025 5:59 pm

Watch on YouTube

Jrue Holiday full go in practice is good news. No structural damage to JB's knee too.

Memokerobi · Post #79 » by **Memokerobi** » Sat May 3, 2025 6:35 pm

I’m going to go Cs in 6. Everyone’s expecting a fairly easy series but I think they have enough offensive firepower in Brunson and KAT and offensive rebounding in Robinson to steal a couple close games that go down to the wire.

Post #80 » by **Parliament10** » Sat May 3, 2025 7:38 pm

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