The Knicks faced quite a tough challenge vs Miami on the road. There was some exceptional play by the Heat + the refs (very loose whistle whenever Butler sniffed the ball). Though, to be honest, I thought the Knicks were playing well and were executing our plays as the lead crumbled - It's not like we had extended blips where we were making bad plays or TOs. We weren't rattled. And Randle was the ultimate Mr. Cool - getting the ball knocked away twice on the same possession with the clock ticking down, then draining that 3? Wow.
It's worth noting that the Celtics have a much better record without Robert Williams III in the lineup: Celtics with RW3: 18-10 Celtics without RW3: 27-9
I think 1) RW3 is not 100% after his meniscus problem late last season that caused him to miss the first few months of this year. He may never as quick on D and as explosive a shot blocker ever again. 2) The Celtics play a faster pace without him. Coupled with the return of Brown for this game, they'll look very different tomorrow.
SergioNYK wrote:I'm not in favor of load management at all but if resting Brunson tonight is best for the long term, I'm fine with it.
This game will be tough. I'd honestly be content if we kept it close.
It’s not load management- it’s a guy that is super banged up.
franco12@ 3/5/2023 6:16 PM
martin wrote:
nyvector16 wrote:
franco12 wrote:They should sit Brunson.
I agree, as much as I would like to see him out there. All that really matters is being Healthy for the playoffs.
It’s no problem! IQ can give the Knicks a solid 46 minutes with Deuce giving him enough of a breather for the rest.
The last game, Thibs went with Josh as the PG for a stretch, ala Burks.
blkexec@ 3/5/2023 6:42 PM
I’ve been rooting for IQ to start and deuce as backup. I can’t wait. I think IQ has the ability to take this team to another level. I’m starting to see there aren’t too many players in the league that can contain IQ, especially when his jumpers floaters are on? It’s over.
But what about the deuce and hart pair off the bench? That’s 2 LOCK DOWN guards getting major mins. Still deuce is a little small, but stronger than IQ and perfect match if he gets to guard marcus smart. Smart bully balled Brunson so what you think he will do to IQ in the post? He could get IQ into foul trouble. And deuce or rose are strong enough to guard smart in the post. Especially with Hortford pulling Mitch out the paint? Smart will have barbecue chicken in that post today. Thibs will need deuce or rose. Hart will be on brown or Tatum.
Damn this is going to be a good game. They hungry right now. We will get their best effort, similar to playoff intensity.
But deuce/EF/Rose should get some type of playing time. Will be interesting to see who thibs goes with between them three or a combination.
martin@ 3/5/2023 6:45 PM
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