Chandler wrote:kenny Atkinson exposed. That is all
Folded like a cheap suit.
Last year against Indy, the Knicks were down Randle, Mitch, and OG realistically only played 2 games. Mostly a 7 man rotation with starters Brunson DDV Hart OG iHart. Knicks bench was Burks, Deuce, Precious and they very very much outdid what the injured 64 win Cleveland team accomplished. Knicks went 7 games.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/pla...
Thibs runs circles around Atkins and whomever his associate head coach is.
The Cavs came in beat up to start the series and the Pacers helped their injury woes a bit in game 1. In spite of their reinforcements, they (like most playoff teams) will and die with their starters, even though maybe you'll get more defensive effort out of a full strength bench player.
It's hard to blame Mitchell when he puts up big numbers, but I think merely having him as your 6' SG alongside a normal sized PG creates some height mismatches for this team. The Cavs will need to think about whether the Mitchell/Garland pairing can work as a playoff tandem. Both of these guys get beat up a lot... and like to chuck a lot. They unintentionally freeze out Mobley.
For the Pacers, I think their biggest X Factors are Nembhard and Nesmith. Nembhard looks like a real legit player when he's hitting his 3s (which he has been). He only shot 29% from deep in the regular season, but has been hitting at a 50% clip in the playoffs and is making teams pay big time. Nesmith is a bit like a polished version of Detroit's Thompson - super athletic and aggressive, but less prone to risky plays/TOs and can also hit from deep. Both of these guys play relatively few minutes (often under 30mpg), so they're always ready to give 100% effort when they're on the floor because a break is just around the corner.
Cavs lost their discipline when adversity hit. They were walking about just chucking 3's as they fell and they went ice cold. Mobley was playing well, but he can't get his own shot, so he hardly got touches at the end. They left Jerome on the bench all game and were already down 11 or so when he came in and gave them a spark. Some teams crumble and some teams stay steady and patient. There is a difference.
Garland had a broken toe. I'm not saying that's not a pain injury, but you just compare him to Brunson who has played through multitudes of foot injuries and the way he powered through. We all experience pain differently, but there is a difference.
Its an an interesting situation. Atkinson was +17 or whatever on wins vs. Bickerstaff. End results were the same. Would you say Bickerstaff's team wound up exceeding expectations where the Cavs dissapointed.
I definitely thought Atkinson's ability to be a change of voice and change their offensive scheme was something to consider as a compelling reason to really evaluate Thibs and whether he could unlock this team. But I'll fully admit watching it turn back around and watching the Knicks doing what they have done has turned me back around on this thought.
I value resilience, mentality and culture over scheme creativity as far as coaching goes. The former qualities carry through every year while the latter has an early expiration date.
How long had Thibs been a head coach, and how long has Atkison? Different points in their careers. Comparing them head to head is one thing. But careerwise they're in different places
Happy for Julius! Would be weird if we met them in the finals
This is horseshit. Kerr trying to drive up Julius’ asking price.
ToddTT wrote:
ToddTT wrote:This is horseshit. Kerr trying to drive up Julius’ asking price.ToddTT wrote:
These public displays of affection may make JB and Mikal jealous
ToddTT wrote:Duh.
Beyond happy for Randle! If we can't win it, I honestly hope he does.
SergioNYK wrote:ToddTT wrote:Duh.
Beyond happy for Randle! If we can't win it, I honestly hope he does.
Wonder how Dolan would feel about that? Especially if we dont make it past Boston. Which I believe we will.
Wont want to take anything away from Randle and Minny but GSW rolled with a lineup of:
Jimmy Bulter
Buddy Hield
Podziemski
Dray Green
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Kuminga
Gui Santos
Moses Moody
Quinten Post
That is not formidable and I literally can't tell you who 2 of the GS guys are. Gui Santos as your 7th man? Did they even play with a PG?
Minny vs Knicks predictions?
Minny in 6.
ToddTT wrote:Minny vs Knicks predictions?Minny in 6.
I would be thrilled to watch a Knicks/Minny finals. Would be SO entertaining!
Panos wrote:ToddTT wrote:Minny vs Knicks predictions?Minny in 6.
I would be thrilled to watch a Knicks/Minny finals. Would be SO entertaining!
Only if we can stream these convos
martin wrote:
Kinda unfair.
He seemed to be the most athletic and productive Warrior in the last two games.
martin wrote:Wont want to take anything away from Randle and Minny but GSW rolled with a lineup of:Jimmy Bulter
Buddy Hield
Podziemski
Dray Green
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Kuminga
Gui Santos
Moses Moody
Quinten Post
That is not formidable and I literally can't tell you who 2 of the GS guys are. Gui Santos as your 7th man? Did they even play with a PG?
Depth was definitely an issue.
Not having a guy that can go for 50 at any time hurt as well.
But Randle had an incredible series.
Panos wrote:ToddTT wrote:Minny vs Knicks predictions?Minny in 6.
I would be thrilled to watch a Knicks/Minny finals. Would be SO entertaining!
The dream ends when OKC comes into picture.
