Game Thread | Game #78 | Knicks @ Cavs | March 31, 2023

[Jscc]

You pussies don’t deserve nice things.

Neither do the pussies that were on the court the last two games.

The Knicks were missing Randle, Mitchell dropped 40, the Cavs were home, clearly considered this an important game with all the pre-game smack-talk and heavy minutes, not on a back to back, and they had a shot to clinch HCA. And this is how they respond.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

Quickly, Hart, and Hartenstein are good players, much better than Stevens, Wade, Cedi, and Rubio. The Knicks had the better bench and that was the difference, along with Brunson doubling his scoring average. That fallaway is almost unstoppable.

 

[Lil Z]

In the 4th quarter:
- DG was an embarrassment. He made a lot of dumb decisions and froze out Mitchell towards the end
- Stevens was an embarrassment. 3 layup opportunities = one fumble + 2 blocked shots
- Stevens + Mitchell defense on Brunson was an embarrassment. Terrible communication on defense, giving up 2 open 3s and a drive to a guy that was already torching them

Absolutely

 

[Comeback kid]

Quickly, Hart, and Hartenstein are good players, much better than Stevens, Wade, Cedi, and Rubio. The Knicks had the better bench and that was the difference, along with Brunson doubling his scoring average. That fallaway is almost unstoppable.

Look at how Thibs uses them. He actually gives them a chance and has confidence in them. 26,29, and 30 minutes. Bicks bench knows it’s one mistake and you’re gone. Big difference if you’ve actually played the game.

 

[dice1717]

This was really a frustrating loss that really has me questioning how easy the Knicks will be. Both teams missing guys, but they just played smarter, harder, tougher. Cavs did look tired. Give guys rest these last games and let’s get ready for the playoffs.

I don’t think anyone believes the Knicks will be easy. If anything, I would think they would be favored against us whether they are the 5 or the 4.

Plus, as I’ve said all season, this team is light years away from “playing down to the competition” or thinking any team would be easy. Not nearly good enough to think that way

I’ve come to the reality that without addressing the bench, adding a superstar will just buy us a playoff berth and 4 or 5 more games than last year. Technically improvement from last season but doesn’t leave a great feeling about the future

 

[Dr. Claw]

Koby isn't the GM anymore I'm afraid. He can't just step into Gansey's space, tell him what deals to make, and how to do his job.

Replace "Koby" with "Gansey" in that sentence. Point stands.
This is a "bench performance" and "team defense as a result of key absences" problem.

 

[Melancholy Jaques]

In the 4th quarter:
- DG was an embarrassment. He made a lot of dumb decisions and froze out Mitchell towards the end
- Stevens was an embarrassment. 3 layup opportunities = one fumble + 2 blocked shots
- Stevens + Mitchell defense on Brunson was an embarrassment. Terrible communication on defense, giving up 2 open 3s and a drive to a guy that was already torching them

The key word here is embarrassment.

 

[letgocavs]

Is it good or bad for us the Knicks keep arguing on the bench? They figuring it out or will it implode them?

 

[Green Lantern]

Not wasted. They tried to win and didn’t. Says a lot.

What needed to happen was several things
1- No defensive intensity
2-No bench play
3-No defensive change-no traps no doubles no full court press to make the Knicks rush their offense. Thats on coach.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

I don't think there better, But I do think they are tougher.

And better-coached.

 

[LeQuit]

First roun

I’m back to thinking that a first-round sweep might be the best outcome, if it motivates Koby to get a next-level coach.

Early round exit will motivates Altman to pack his suitcase

 

[jjvors]

Three Cavs make the NBA top ten play list on two plays.

 

[dice1717]

San Diego St doing their best Cav impression. 9 missed FT’s in a 1 point game

 

[Dr. Claw]

Look at how Thibs uses them. He actually gives them a chance and has confidence in them. 26,29, and 30 minutes. Bicks bench knows it’s one mistake and you’re gone. Big difference if you’ve actually played the game.

they've gotten to that point now, but Thibs is just as notorious for that himself. he would straight up not play the younger players like Grimes for much of this season unless he had to. Quickley also rode pine for a long time.