1-0 on the road trip so far, grabbing the only "gimme" game of the bunch. No secret, the next 5 games are going to be very telling for us. How do you think we fair, and how important are these games actually?
Grizzlies
Nuggets
Suns
Clippers
Lakers
As recently as 2 weeks ago, I was looking at the road trip and thinking 1-5 (win in Houston) would be OK. We've had a nice stretch here to absorb some losses and still stay competitive in the standings. We've clinched a play-in game at the very least. No shame in these losses...on the road vs. 5 play off teams is tough.
But the longer I look at this stretch, the greedier I get. We've got momentum and have the monkey off our backs after Phoenix snapped the 9 game streak (hard fought as well). I want the Memphis game tonight, bad (they're going to want blood after that loss in NY). I think we can also take Lakers, who are now without Schroeder 10-14 days.
Full on Kool-Aid now - I'm going to add on one surprise win out of DEN/PHO/LAC. My call is 3-2.
I don't think these are must win games - but they will be an indication of how legit we are. Most of the teams played during this 11 out of 12 streak have been sub .500 or hobbled. Can we cope if a team takes Randle out of the game like Phoenix did last week?
1.5 ahead of Atlanta and Miami. 2.5 out of the play-in game.
Memphis may be tough without NN and fatigue from game two of a back-2-back. If they can snag tonight's game, anything else would be gravy!
nothing with this team suprises me, but that being most ANY team in the NBA would be hard pressed to go 3-2. Kind of expect 1-4 but hopefully we can steal one. I think the Lakers are vunerable and we are young and deep and will be pumped for that game. 2-3 would be good IMO
fishmike wrote:nothing with this team suprises me, but that being most ANY team in the NBA would be hard pressed to go 3-2. Kind of expect 1-4 but hopefully we can steal one. I think the Lakers are vunerable and we are young and deep and will be pumped for that game. 2-3 would be good IMO
I certainly feel that 2 - 3 is more realistic. But given our recent performances are we to confine our expectations? I’m dreaming big. Let’s get it!!
It’s brutal, I was hoping by the time this came around these teams would be resting players etc, but alas it’s not happening. A real trial by fire. Grizzlies and lakers are maybe the more vulnerable teams, but They’re still going to be tough. On the plus side, even if we lose to the Grizz and Lakers, it might help them overtake the Mavs.
Schroeder is now out for 10-14 days due to covid health and safety protocols, so won’t be playing for our game against them
I'd be happy with 1-4 if we got the full Lakers squad and sent them home with a Loss.
That said, I think walking away 2-3 would be great and anything above that makes me believe this team is a contender
Memphis - Winnable. Not an easy matchup for us though. Randle must be on.
Denver - I expect to lose this matchup, but maybe they rest a couple players.
Suns - We played them tight until the last 4 mins. I expect to lose this.
Lakers - Not sure what team we are getting here. I don't think they want to play us right now. I am calling this winnable. We probably even have the best player on the court.
Clippers - This is what I hope our team is in a year or two. We should lose this game, but I'd like to see how this team plays in this matchup.
Best part about this set of games is that the East playoff teams should look pretty easy compared to this. Couldn't think of a better gauntlet to prep these guys for the playoffs.
Eff just the road trip. We go 8-0 to end the season.
Make that 19-1 to end the season. 
jrodmc wrote:Eff just the road trip. We go 8-0 to end the season. Make that 19-1 to end the season.
Word.
Let’s get ‘em. If the Knicks finish the season on 19-1 run, well damn, Julius Randle better damn be the MVP, Thibs gets coach of the year.
fishmike wrote:nothing with this team suprises me, but that being most ANY team in the NBA would be hard pressed to go 3-2. Kind of expect 1-4 but hopefully we can steal one. I think the Lakers are vunerable and we are young and deep and will be pumped for that game. 2-3 would be good IMO
2-3 id take that right now
Jmpasq wrote:fishmike wrote:nothing with this team suprises me, but that being most ANY team in the NBA would be hard pressed to go 3-2. Kind of expect 1-4 but hopefully we can steal one. I think the Lakers are vunerable and we are young and deep and will be pumped for that game. 2-3 would be good IMO
2-3 id take that right now
Time to get greedy. 2-0 start to the 6 game road trip. We get a rest day in-between for the remainder of the trip. Then we end the season with a back-to-back pair of Charlotte and Boston.
We should be proud - look away for a few mins and I see 5 technicals?!? What the heck happened?!
We overcame what should have been a revenge game by the Grizzlies. Instead we feasted.
Next on the menu: some gold nuggets. They’re a less dynamic team obviously without Murray but they still have weapons. Hopefully we have Noel back.
3-2 so far on this road trip
Houston W
Grizz W
Nuggs L
Suns L
Clips W
Lakers ?
MaTT4281 wrote:
Grizzlies
Nuggets
Suns
Clippers
Lakers
Suns, Clips, Nugs are 2, 3, and 4 in the West. And of course the Lakers are defending champs. This trip could have destroyed us and it has not.
Coming away .500 or better on this. This Knicks team is legit. Still have to take care of business against Lakers. Far from a gimme, especially if LeBron plays.
That Phoenix game still frustrating, we hung with them in NY, hung with them through 3Q in Phoenix. Wish we had one more go at them to get over that hurdle.
martin wrote:3-2 so far on this road trip
Houston W
Grizz W
Nuggs L
Suns L
Clips W
Lakers ?
I could accept us going 2-4. I was hoping for 3-3. I would be thrilled going 4-2. In my mind the road trip is already a success.
We will be out of the play in soon. If we get this Laker game (and we certainly can), we can do the unthinkable and come out of this road trip with a winning record. Stealing one from the Nugs-Suns-Clips-lakers was a goal. If we can get 2 that's a real big deal.
