Another thing that gives me optimism is that the Knicks super power, especially when Robinson plays, is rebounding. There's a 1.5% drop in FG% over the past 5 seasons between the regular season and playoffs for teams that make the playoffs. Sounds small but it was the difference between the third place Pistons and 14th place Bulls in terms of FG% (more or less the same for EFG%). More missed shots means more rebounds, advantage NY.
Those last few games of regular season we finally saw some incredible, unstoppable PnR and give-n- go action from Brunson and Towns. This can carry us in games by providing easy points and enabling Brunson to have energy late to do his thing.
The two man game might actually be more reliable than Brunson ISO's. That's what I am keeping an eye for these playoffs
gradyandrew wrote:I'm going to take Brown at his word that the regular season was for experimentation and learning and now that it's the playoffs, the games actually count.It seemed weird that until the last week or so the Knicks really shied away from running Brunson/ KAT PnR, yet they were able to show that when they do it almost always results in a clean shot. Knicks can run that play throughout the playoffs and teams will have to adjust on the fly.
We all remember the GSW death lineup of Iggy with the starters. Kerr held that lineup in reserve to spring on opponents, knowing that the more opponents saw them, the more comfort they would get defending it. I think the same holds true with Brown. Once the playoffs start, I expect to see Brown be a lot more aggressive with his lineup choices.
Finally, I just hope that age and experience matter. Unless Miami gets in, Brown should be the most experienced coach in the East, hopefully he can Jedi mind trick a few wins.
And don't forget, Mitchell Robinson won't be sitting out games in the playoffs. Knicks were 40-20 with Robinson and 13-9 without (.667 vs. .590%). Also on average the games Robinson played in were vs. tougher opponents (.512 vs. .488 opponents win %). These aren't huge differences but at least we can say the Knicks won more vs. stronger opponents whenever Robinson played.
Good summary.
To expand: I think the Knicks have multiple types of death lineups to choose from. Spread with Deuce. Double Bigs, and you know I know that we all love the Double Bigs. All defense.
It's good to have options!
gradyandrew wrote:I'm going to take Brown at his word that the regular season was for experimentation and learning and now that it's the playoffs, the games actually count.It seemed weird that until the last week or so the Knicks really shied away from running Brunson/ KAT PnR, yet they were able to show that when they do it almost always results in a clean shot. Knicks can run that play throughout the playoffs and teams will have to adjust on the fly.
We all remember the GSW death lineup of Iggy with the starters. Kerr held that lineup in reserve to spring on opponents, knowing that the more opponents saw them, the more comfort they would get defending it. I think the same holds true with Brown. Once the playoffs start, I expect to see Brown be a lot more aggressive with his lineup choices.
Finally, I just hope that age and experience matter. Unless Miami gets in, Brown should be the most experienced coach in the East, hopefully he can Jedi mind trick a few wins.
And don't forget, Mitchell Robinson won't be sitting out games in the playoffs. Knicks were 40-20 with Robinson and 13-9 without (.667 vs. .590%). Also on average the games Robinson played in were vs. tougher opponents (.512 vs. .488 opponents win %). These aren't huge differences but at least we can say the Knicks won more vs. stronger opponents whenever Robinson played.
good post and great point on Mitch. Not to mention Mitch has been a playoff riser.
gradyandrew wrote:I'm going to take Brown at his word that the regular season was for experimentation and learning and now that it's the playoffs, the games actually count.It seemed weird that until the last week or so the Knicks really shied away from running Brunson/ KAT PnR, yet they were able to show that when they do it almost always results in a clean shot. Knicks can run that play throughout the playoffs and teams will have to adjust on the fly.
We all remember the GSW death lineup of Iggy with the starters. Kerr held that lineup in reserve to spring on opponents, knowing that the more opponents saw them, the more comfort they would get defending it. I think the same holds true with Brown. Once the playoffs start, I expect to see Brown be a lot more aggressive with his lineup choices.
Finally, I just hope that age and experience matter. Unless Miami gets in, Brown should be the most experienced coach in the East, hopefully he can Jedi mind trick a few wins.
And don't forget, Mitchell Robinson won't be sitting out games in the playoffs. Knicks were 40-20 with Robinson and 13-9 without (.667 vs. .590%). Also on average the games Robinson played in were vs. tougher opponents (.512 vs. .488 opponents win %). These aren't huge differences but at least we can say the Knicks won more vs. stronger opponents whenever Robinson played.
Mitch about to go full Wilt Chamberlain on the Hawks
