Knicks · GameThread: 2nd round Game #3 Knicks visit Philly, 5/8 7pm Prime (page 9)
ToddTT wrote:We’re cooked. Game over.
After making the first adjustment of taking Deuce off Playoff P, Brown completely outcoached Nick Nurse. I have to confess I'm shocked at Philly's lack of adjustments.
For the first time in three decades I feel like our coaching staff gives us an edge which shouldn't be underestimated. It's why I sometimes dreaded having to face Miami. Spo would run circles around Thibs.
This was an unusual game. All four quarters were distinctly different, but from late in the first until the end of the game our guys countered every attempt to catch up by Philly.
Regarding Deuce, I've said for a while now that Shamet is a better player. His size on D is superior. Deuce gets swallowed up by bigger players and they shoot over him. And I find Shamet makes more high quality hustle plays and is more intelligently opportunistic overall. He is our most important guard off the bench.
We started off the first unsteady and Philly flexed early. Brunson was very shaky at the outset and turned over the ball repeatedly in the first 8 minutes. Then the adjustments started to kick in, we started sharing the ball more, alleviating some of the pressure being thrown at Brunson.
The 2nd quarter was fascinating. KAT sat with fouls and we ran this lineup most of the quarter: Brunson, Hart, Shamet, Bridges and Mitch.
It was a small ball lineup other than Mitch that ran a spread offense with Mitch coming up to set screens. This scheme was perfect to unlock Mikal and Brunson was excellent at picking his spots. Mitch dominated the paint which allowed Brown to run this lineup longer than usual. This was a solid coaching move that really paid off and turned around the game. And we imposed ourselves on D even without size.
This was the most impressive game of the playoffs so far to my eyes. We dictated the outcome of the game and imposed our will on Philly. They gave up down the stretch again showing they know we're better than them.
This game stole the Sixers soul.
Philly has talent, but not enough grit. They are soft in the paint and you can break them down with aggression without requiring a size advantage. Philly should rebuild around Maxey and Edgecomb. PG and Embiid are losers. Oubre is good, but more of a role player.
Go for a sweep now. Don't waste any time. Rest and get healthy for the EC Finals.
BlueKnickers wrote:ToddTT wrote:We’re cooked. Game over.
I posted that so Mike Brown could use it in the huddle.
You're welcome.