Game Thread | Knicks playoff series Game #1 | Knicks @ Cavs | April 15, 2023

[CavsFaninNJ]

Allen and Mobley accounted for 25 rebounds. The entire rest of the team got 13 combined. Most of the offensive rebounds the Knicks got either came from long rebounds that went over the heads of the interior guys, or from the knicks backcourt players crashing the boards and stealing the ball from Allen when he came down with the ball. The rebounding problem wasn't on Evan and JA. We need to do a better job of team rebounding, team boxing out, and getting to 50/50 balls.

Sounds like a job for Lamar Stevens to help with. Possibly.

 

[WorldFreeB]

It’s pretty clear at least to me anyway that Rubio just doesn’t have it, he played awful today.

 

[bleedwineandgold03]

It’s pretty clear at least to me anyway that Rubio just doesn’t have it, he played awful today.

I said it during the game neto should be playing he provides more than rubio atm

 

[Kizzle]

To the ppl saying Osman was getting good contests on Brunson, the easiest way to tell if a guy is getting good contests is if he has to angle his shots higher than usual.

Brunson was getting anything he wanted on Osman. His shots had no angle to them. He was wide open.


Osman being close enough for it to look like a hood contest on TV means nothing. Osman was almost a foot behind Brunson on every jumper.

It was poor Individual play by Osman and EXTREMELY poor decision making by JBB. Almost ANY starting PG in the league would’ve put Osman’s ass on the Barbie in that same situation. That has to be Okoro and Steven’s there.


I am a bit worried that after 82 games JBB thought Osman could do that. That’s an utter lack of bball IQ or it’s extreme narcissism on JBB part.

 

[Jscc]

Does anyone think we’ll be fine, or we just aren’t ready to win a playoff series?

I think they can be fine if they learn from this game.

One thing that concerns me is that Brunson was in foul trouble for most of the first half.. that's not going to happen frequently.

 

[mhi]

+ Rebounding
+ LeVert being ass
+ Okoro not hitting shots

Basically every flaw about this team was on full display tonight...

Let's hope that our adjustment next game isn't "PLAY BETTER AND HARDER". Although that would have worked tonight, I am sure the Knicks will find another button to push on their end.

 

[letgocavs]

I think they can be fine if they learn from this game.

One thing that concerns me is that Brunson was in foul trouble for most of the first half.. that's not going to happen frequently.

I think it’s over. They’re more physical, tougher.

 

[Boobie4Three]

All of our biggest fears about our team...............were officially confirmed.

 

[CavsFaninNJ]

I think it’s over. They’re more physical, tougher.

If the Cavs believe that’s the case they ought to play Stevens. I bet they will if they get desperate. Down 0-2, etc. question is, do they do it next game?

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

Does anyone think we’ll be fine, or we just aren’t ready to win a playoff series?

I think we are clearly in a dogfight.

I do think that if we can manage to make some good adjustments and “figure” some things about the Knicks out, and get a win in game 2 it will go a long way for the confidence of our young guys.

if we can get game 2 I think a lot of demons currently going on for this team vs the Knicks all year will be exorcised and we have a great chance coming back for game 5 with the series even at 2-2

 

[Kizzle]

+ Rebounding
+ LeVert being ass
+ Okoro not hitting shots

Basically every flaw about this team was on full display tonight...

Let's hope that our adjustment next game isn't "PLAY BETTER AND HARDER". Although that would have worked tonight, I am sure the Knicks will find another button to push on their end.

Only adjustment I’d make is to fully respect who TF Brunson is. I understand taking what Randle gives you but JBB obviously coached as if Brunson was a bitch and Brunson played well enough last year and this year to warrant having his own specialized gameplan. But at the very least if you are going to play straight up at least don’t have Garland and Osman on him

Our gameplan VS Brunson made me believe JBB didn’t watch tape

 

[redscoon]

Rubio has looked cooked all year. When it became clear that it was more than just some initial rust, it's pretty baffling that they didn't take a closer look at what Neto could do in meaningful situations.

But, I've been baffled all year by how nonchalant they have been at addressing the albatross that is the bench. They've essentially just decided to cross their fingers and pray they get good Levert and good Cedi when it matters and not look for any other answers.

 

[pinoycavsfan]

While the adjustments are fairly obvious (rebounding/boxing out), I fear that this team is too young to adapt still. DG has been a disappointment all season long with his clutch play, Mobley and Allen has been soft throughout the season and Okoro will not shoot enough to be a threat. Mitchell is leagues better than any knick but the 2-5 top players belong to new york. Our young guys needs to step up, the question is can they.

 

[Jscc]

I think it’s over. They’re more physical, tougher.

I thought Mobley was pretty physical with Randle in the second half. Looked like he took Randle's first half personally.

 

[daytripper]

Does anyone think we’ll be fine, or we just aren’t ready to win a playoff series?

I think Cavs have more talent but the coaching deficit was clear tonight. It's pretty much what alot of us already thought going back to last season. JB is great in the lockerroom but is not an X's and O's coach that is going to help them win a ton of games in the playoffs. Winning a playoff series or even two at this point is just gravy. I suspect they will find a way, even if they need to gut it out, to beat the Knicks in 6 or 7 games due to their talent. Between the coaching and roster makeup they will likely need to make changes between now and the end of the '24 offseason is my guess.

On the bright side they are back in the playoffs so enjoy the ride.