Somebody create a prediction thread that isn't me.
I'll be hoping for some kind of turnaround storyline. Like OG averaging 30+. Josh shooting 40% from three. KAT playing bully ball and living at the free throw line. Deuce playing like sixth man of the year.
But based on the evidence so far... Boston in 4. 
NYKBocker wrote:Philc1 wrote:Knicks in 6
Hear hear
Just get one win in Boston and go from there.
gradyandrew wrote:EwingsGlass wrote:I’d consider going big versus Boston for longer stretches. Our last game vs Boston should be more indicative of the series. And we are in a better spot now than we were then. Yeah, we lost, but not by much in OT after a heck of a game. I’d be prepared to muscle them hard. Those boys don’t want to bang. They want to stand back and shoot threes. I want to put a big body like Mitch on KP and make him work when he is near the basket. I want OG to attach himself to Tatum’s hip and just use ball denial.
I want Mikal to make Brown go left.
Brunson has to play two ways. He’s gotta stop Derrick White and keep him from getting open 3s.
I want Hart to lock up Holiday. Make Holiday beat us. He doesn’t really have the head for it.
I’d expand the second unit to include Precious. Cam, Deuce, Robinson, Precious gotta come in and just bang with their second unit. I think we are bigger and stronger and can just beat them up. Pritchard is a handful. A ball of energy. But gotta trust Cam and Deuce to lock him up.
I’d just get as physical as possible with this team.
No better defensive strategy for Boston than fouling Mitchell every possession. Detroit showed the way to keep Robinson out of getting into a groove. The best counter might be to start Robinson and bring Hart off the bench.
I agree with being physical and playing it slow. Orlando was able to muck it up and keep the games close despite the huge disparity in talent. Knicks need to win ugly because I don't think they are out shooting Boston ij a 3 point contest.
Starting Mitch would prevent hack -a-Mitch. At least in the beginning of each quarter. They would not want to be in the penalty early.Once Boston has 4 team fouls you take him out...
We have to figure out a way to get Shamet some consistent mins....Not only is he one of our best 3 point shooters, but he is one of the best at getting them up. We are not going to match the Celts in 3 point attempts, but we need to shoot at least 30 per if not more. I love Duece but he has been damen near unplayable against the pistons....
The roster, as presently constructed, can't get it done. Hart lack of three points shooting will lead to the Boston bugs loading up on Brunson? Give more minutes to the KAT/Mitch frontcourt? We're forced to watch Tatum destroy KAT on the perimeter.
No more Deuce. Please.
Either give Mitch more minutes and/or sub in Shamet into the rotation. Cam is the backup pg
I'm thrilled they got past the Pistons, but let's be honest here. This is not going to be close. Hope I'm wrong!
Philc1 wrote:No more Deuce. Please. Either give Mitch more minutes and/or sub in Shamet into the rotation. Cam is the backup pg
Deuce is the 2 filling in for Josh.
So glad you told us Cam is the back up PG, not like anyone noticed.
I just don't see it with Shamet and haven't seen it all year. Despite his active feet he's just too small to meaningfully impede anyone when defending, especially Boston's bigger, stronger wings. His shooting has been spotty all year. And he looked horrible last series.
I feel like there should be opportunities for Precious to get some minutes along with Deuce, Payne and Mitch. That's it as far as I see.
Thibs and staff has to scheme to get KAT more involved and easier looks, more consistently. The lack of this in the 1st round is my biggest criticism of Thibs.
nychamp wrote:I just don't see it with Shamet and haven't seen it all year. Despite his active feet he's just too small to meaningfully impede anyone when defending, especially Boston's bigger, stronger wings. His shooting has been spotty all year. And he looked horrible last series.
I feel like there should be opportunities for Precious to get some minutes along with Deuce, Payne and Mitch. That's it as far as I see.
Thibs and staff has to scheme to get KAT more involved and easier looks, more consistently. The lack of this in the 1st round is my biggest criticism of Thibs.
Outside of KAT, Shamet had the best 3pt % (.397). Thibs has to be ready to quickly pivot to Shamet and/or Precious if Deuce or the small ball lineup doesn't work. He needs to find the hot hands.
nychamp wrote:I just don't see it with Shamet and haven't seen it all year. Despite his active feet he's just too small to meaningfully impede anyone when defending, especially Boston's bigger, stronger wings. His shooting has been spotty all year. And he looked horrible last series.
I feel like there should be opportunities for Precious to get some minutes along with Deuce, Payne and Mitch. That's it as far as I see.
Thibs and staff has to scheme to get KAT more involved and easier looks, more consistently. The lack of this in the 1st round is my biggest criticism of Thibs.
Tall order if Hart is on the floor. KAT loses his advantage against centers because teams are now just sticking their centers on Hart. Hart has to hit threes. Teams are giving the three to Hart and are taking them away from KAT. Hart has to make them pay.
Philc1 wrote:Knicks in 6
Word.
As I said in the game thread, bench players play better at home. Hopefully Shamet will get another chance. And Precious gets another shot at shaking off the rust. Boston was caught off guard, maybe the bench can help keep em off balance.
