Briefing: April 25
Should we be worried about the Clippers?
Good Morning,
A light news day, but let’s catch you up.
If you are in the New York City area, make a trip to the NBA Store in Manhattan to see Mitchell Robinson. The rookie stand-out will be signing autographs between 4:30-5:30 PM. Fans who purchase $30+ in merchandise will receive an autograph pass.
One Western Conference executive thinks Boogie Cousins could be the Lakers’ or Knicks’ consolation prize. As reported by Ken Berger, “even if he’s unable to secure a multiyear deal, Cousins could still stand to get a one-year payday between $10 million and $15 million from a team itching to spend.”
Jared Dudley had some interesting comments about the Knicks’ place in New York. “I don’t care, Dolan could burn down Manhattan and they’re going to talk about the Knicks, let’s be honest.”
MUST READ: Knicks’ offseason to-do list: It’s more than signing Kevin Durant, New York has tough decisions to make by Mike Vorkunov
Should we be worried about the Clippers?
In case you missed it Wednesday night, the Clippers messed around and beat the Warriors despite 45 points from Kevin Durant.
That makes two wins for LA in this series. Looking back through NBA history, there are definitely times when a spunky eighth seed gives a top dog more of an issue than it probably should (including one in particular from 20 years ago), so this isn't a complete anomaly.
The 31-point comeback was a classic "let your guard down" game, and for as amazing as it was, it almost makes more sense than what happened Wednesday. Golden State wasn't caught off guard. They weren't sleeping on what the Clips were capable of. They just got beat.
Tonight, the Warriors will try to do what they couldn't do at home: finish off a team whose best player (Gallo? Sweet Lou? Trez?) probably wouldn't start for Steve Kerr's outfit. As a Knicks fan, I'll be watching closely. I just don't know what outcome I'll be rooting for.
On one hand, if the Warriors lose and this thing goes to a Game 7, it's a sign that maybe the Golden State thing has run it's course. Maybe there's an expiration date on, if not the greatest collection of talent ever assembled, the most well-fitting group for how the game is being played at the moment it came together. Maybe guys are just getting antsy and it's spilling out onto the court.
On the other hand, I've never really had any question that KD was leaving. There's too much smoke for that. I've thought he was gone for a while now.
Where I've changed my thinking, and what I'm really, really starting to worry about, is that the Clippers might be the greatest threat to steal him away.
If his place in the history of the game matters to him - if attaining "legend" status is really his M.O. - then none of this makes a difference. He'll be a Knick in a few months.
But if that's only one consideration amongst many, what the Clippers are doing to the Warriors without a real star on their roster is as good a selling point as any they could make in some July meeting. Seems to me, if the bigger priority for Durant is to be The Man while also being on a legit contender that happens to play in the NBA's other major market, LA might be the pick. If the Clippers force a Game 7, that only increases their chances.
Now, if the Clips ever got real cute and upset Golden State in the first round, could KD bring himself to sign with the opposing team that ousted his own squad from the playoffs for the second time in three years? Doubtful. So maybe I should be rooting for LA after all.
Or maybe I should go back to analyzing Mitchell Robinson's pick and roll defense. It sure is a lot less stressful.
~ Jonathan Macri
Remember when…
April 25, 1999: Knicks rebound from a 20-point third quarter-deficit to shock arch-rival Miami 82-80 at Miami Arena on national television. Larry Johnson leads the way with 23 points.
April 25, 1996: Knicks open the First Round of the playoffs with a 106-83 victory in Cleveland. A 20-0 fourth quarter run climaxes a record breaking 17-for-22 (.773) night from downtown. (Vivek Dadhania with more)
April 25, 1993: Knicks close out the regular season with an 89-84 win over Chicago at MSG, giving them a franchise record tying 60 victories.
April 25, 1952: Knicks fall 82-65 to the Lakers in Minneapolis in Game Seven of the NBA Finals.
NBA Buzz
Clippers fight off Warriors to force Game 6. [Read more]
Rockets eliminate Jazz. [Read more]
Blake Griffin undergoes arthroscopic procedure on his left knee. [Read more]
Thanks for reading, talk to you tomorrow!