After a Jalen Brunson injury scare left them without their starting PG, the Knicks emerged from Cleveland with a win behind the do-everything wing who refuses to lose.
I’m very proud. It was so unfair to ask the Knicks to win this game, but in terms of the standings, it was really imperative. Just a gutty performance. I want this team to stick together - particularly our “role players” Donte, Deuce and Hart. It’s really been a triage situation ever since the Heat game. It’s really not fun to watch basketball this way.
For that reason, whatever happens this season, I just want to run it back next year. I can’t shake the Nuggets out of my head. They got a glimpse of what they could be before the Murray injury, and just waited it out.
How can you not be optimistic? How can you not be reminded where we were and where we are? How can you not embrace this culture? How can you not see the growth in Donte? It’s all inspiring!!
As someone you have been struggling lately with life and a sick son, this team has made me cry so many times. Jon’s opening monologues have touch every emotion possible. Maybe this is not our year, but this team is coming and the foundation is built!
This win encapsulates why the expectations/ceiling is so high for the fully healthy version of this team. We have a team full of winners and competitors who will give it their all regardless of the situation and context. It is a championship caliber team. Now let’s just hope that Brunson is okay and everyone else gets healthy.
Last but not least: I am speechless about Deuce, and, all of the Hart haters cannot leave the premises fast enough.
Full disclaimer that I realize that NBA players are not normal human beings and could squash each of us like bugs BUT - holy crap are Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley soft as hell. We had almost no size last night with iHart still not being 100% and we flat out bully balled them. Not sure how anyone can trust that team in a physical playoff series - even with Donovan back.
Last night was a reminder of why I love this team, an embodiment of Knicks culture. We never have it easy. We're always pushing through. I wouldn't have it any other way**. Let's Go Knicks!!
**I could do without an injury every other game though
1. What Strus did is a flagrant foul. Unnatural follow through with both hands to the face. “Incidental contact” is a horrible ruling.
2. Deuce is already too good for the role he will inhabit when we’re fully healthy (whether that’s DNP or 10-12 minutes).
3. Bogey is clearly still rusty, having been in and out of lineups all year with injuries, but during those stretches when he’s on, it’s exactly why he was worth the deal.
4. I was surprised Burks didn’t get more time. Not gonna minutes’ police this thing, but I thought he did enough good during his late stint to warrant a longer one. Obviously the win is more important so I have no issue with Thibs doing what he thought was required.
5. My favorite game to watch all year. Hate the circumstances surrounding the lineup, but loved watching a group of underdogs find a way.
47 minutes for Deuce…man this team is really doing whatever it takes. Feels like each and every one of these wins will matter. 🙏🏼 stay out of the play-in.
Side notes ! Impressed that in 47 minutes, Deuce had ZERO turnovers. And KnIcks epically won without injured Brunson due to inspiration of Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby traveling to Cleveland and cheering on their teammates. Imagine the energies as OG meets MR for first time ! and the three recovering Knicks front court players watching their gritty teammates with the “winning is priority” culture battle the Cleveland Cavaliers 🔥🔥🔥
And the great Casual Friday crew were the Watch-A-Long crew, fiercely roasting Cleveland for losing to the Knicks ~ I’m looking for the replay to enjoy their refreshingly blunt words!
This typeof play and Knick team is what I have been waiting decades* to WITNESS. Without Mitch, Ju, OG - losing JB - the Orange and Blue Crew prevailed! Thanks and praise.
Let's reflect how we got here. Fans have complained about:
Sleepy Leon's front office work,
Tiresome Thibs workaholic brutality,
the Fine German Import's ineffectiveness,
the Eagle Scout's merits,
the Cincinnati Kid's bag,
the Blue Hen's payout,
dissed Our Precious as a dollar store, grab bag throw in,
intimated that the Detroit Duo (Bogie Man & Don't Call me Alex Burks) were stale basketball products.
Yeah...
Hoping Brunson's alright. Players regaining their health and fitness is KEY. A full team! It's gonna be like the regiment of elves arriving at Helm's Deep. Glorious.
This last bit of the season is going to be fun (whatever the outcome). Victory is never assured, but with this TEAM, we can expect fight. That's all I ask.
Thanks KFS.
*With some wonderful exceptions to the lackluster rule
The perfect timing of this incredible win is bigger than meets the eye with four tough homes games up next and then a week long road trip to the west coast. With Milton coming to give Deuce an occasional rest and hopefully JB back against Philly we may be able to hang on to the four spot heading out on the road. When we get back we should start to get some starters back, he says hopefully. This is best case but after last night seems very doable. We have a shot here to weather a vicious turn of fate with injuries and come through essentially intact and no worse off in the standings than before. Excelsior!
It’s amazing how one playoff series can completely change how you feel about a team. I hate the Cavs just like 2021 made me hate the Hawks. I *really* wanted this one and I’m so proud of the team.
Also - Deuce is becoming the player we thought Grimes was going to be
While I applaud JM’s optimistic view on the Brunson injury, I’ll hold off celebrating until I see Brunson running up and down the court. I’ve seen too many situations where “x-rays” are negative right after the game, but the next day’s MRI carries a devastating diagnosis.
I know Thibs is extremely popular on this board but the number of injuries this year (and past years although not with this frequency) are stunning. How much does Thibs heavy use of his key players wear down muscles, tendons, ligaments? How much do the heavy minutes impact the players and their ability to practice?
Thibs had the same reputation in Chicago so this issue in New York is new.
I will tip my cap though to the culture that Thibs brought to NY: tough as nails, never give up, never give in, never say die attitudes.
However, these injuries could shorten players careers; and have the team limping to the finish line each year.
Holding my breath until we see how Jalen responds today to treatment and how many games he will miss during the closing weeks of the season.
I’m very proud. It was so unfair to ask the Knicks to win this game, but in terms of the standings, it was really imperative. Just a gutty performance. I want this team to stick together - particularly our “role players” Donte, Deuce and Hart. It’s really been a triage situation ever since the Heat game. It’s really not fun to watch basketball this way.
For that reason, whatever happens this season, I just want to run it back next year. I can’t shake the Nuggets out of my head. They got a glimpse of what they could be before the Murray injury, and just waited it out.
How can you not be optimistic? How can you not be reminded where we were and where we are? How can you not embrace this culture? How can you not see the growth in Donte? It’s all inspiring!!
As someone you have been struggling lately with life and a sick son, this team has made me cry so many times. Jon’s opening monologues have touch every emotion possible. Maybe this is not our year, but this team is coming and the foundation is built!
Get well soon JB you are the cornerstone!
This win encapsulates why the expectations/ceiling is so high for the fully healthy version of this team. We have a team full of winners and competitors who will give it their all regardless of the situation and context. It is a championship caliber team. Now let’s just hope that Brunson is okay and everyone else gets healthy.
Last but not least: I am speechless about Deuce, and, all of the Hart haters cannot leave the premises fast enough.
Full disclaimer that I realize that NBA players are not normal human beings and could squash each of us like bugs BUT - holy crap are Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley soft as hell. We had almost no size last night with iHart still not being 100% and we flat out bully balled them. Not sure how anyone can trust that team in a physical playoff series - even with Donovan back.
Last night was a reminder of why I love this team, an embodiment of Knicks culture. We never have it easy. We're always pushing through. I wouldn't have it any other way**. Let's Go Knicks!!
**I could do without an injury every other game though
Some quick thoughts:
1. What Strus did is a flagrant foul. Unnatural follow through with both hands to the face. “Incidental contact” is a horrible ruling.
2. Deuce is already too good for the role he will inhabit when we’re fully healthy (whether that’s DNP or 10-12 minutes).
3. Bogey is clearly still rusty, having been in and out of lineups all year with injuries, but during those stretches when he’s on, it’s exactly why he was worth the deal.
4. I was surprised Burks didn’t get more time. Not gonna minutes’ police this thing, but I thought he did enough good during his late stint to warrant a longer one. Obviously the win is more important so I have no issue with Thibs doing what he thought was required.
5. My favorite game to watch all year. Hate the circumstances surrounding the lineup, but loved watching a group of underdogs find a way.
47 minutes for Deuce…man this team is really doing whatever it takes. Feels like each and every one of these wins will matter. 🙏🏼 stay out of the play-in.
Side notes ! Impressed that in 47 minutes, Deuce had ZERO turnovers. And KnIcks epically won without injured Brunson due to inspiration of Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby traveling to Cleveland and cheering on their teammates. Imagine the energies as OG meets MR for first time ! and the three recovering Knicks front court players watching their gritty teammates with the “winning is priority” culture battle the Cleveland Cavaliers 🔥🔥🔥
And the great Casual Friday crew were the Watch-A-Long crew, fiercely roasting Cleveland for losing to the Knicks ~ I’m looking for the replay to enjoy their refreshingly blunt words!
https://nypost.com/2024/03/04/sports/julius-randle-og-anunoby-make-progress-in-road-trip-with-knicks/
This typeof play and Knick team is what I have been waiting decades* to WITNESS. Without Mitch, Ju, OG - losing JB - the Orange and Blue Crew prevailed! Thanks and praise.
Let's reflect how we got here. Fans have complained about:
Sleepy Leon's front office work,
Tiresome Thibs workaholic brutality,
the Fine German Import's ineffectiveness,
the Eagle Scout's merits,
the Cincinnati Kid's bag,
the Blue Hen's payout,
dissed Our Precious as a dollar store, grab bag throw in,
intimated that the Detroit Duo (Bogie Man & Don't Call me Alex Burks) were stale basketball products.
Yeah...
Hoping Brunson's alright. Players regaining their health and fitness is KEY. A full team! It's gonna be like the regiment of elves arriving at Helm's Deep. Glorious.
This last bit of the season is going to be fun (whatever the outcome). Victory is never assured, but with this TEAM, we can expect fight. That's all I ask.
Thanks KFS.
*With some wonderful exceptions to the lackluster rule
The perfect timing of this incredible win is bigger than meets the eye with four tough homes games up next and then a week long road trip to the west coast. With Milton coming to give Deuce an occasional rest and hopefully JB back against Philly we may be able to hang on to the four spot heading out on the road. When we get back we should start to get some starters back, he says hopefully. This is best case but after last night seems very doable. We have a shot here to weather a vicious turn of fate with injuries and come through essentially intact and no worse off in the standings than before. Excelsior!
It’s amazing how one playoff series can completely change how you feel about a team. I hate the Cavs just like 2021 made me hate the Hawks. I *really* wanted this one and I’m so proud of the team.
Also - Deuce is becoming the player we thought Grimes was going to be
While I applaud JM’s optimistic view on the Brunson injury, I’ll hold off celebrating until I see Brunson running up and down the court. I’ve seen too many situations where “x-rays” are negative right after the game, but the next day’s MRI carries a devastating diagnosis.
I know Thibs is extremely popular on this board but the number of injuries this year (and past years although not with this frequency) are stunning. How much does Thibs heavy use of his key players wear down muscles, tendons, ligaments? How much do the heavy minutes impact the players and their ability to practice?
Thibs had the same reputation in Chicago so this issue in New York is new.
I will tip my cap though to the culture that Thibs brought to NY: tough as nails, never give up, never give in, never say die attitudes.
However, these injuries could shorten players careers; and have the team limping to the finish line each year.
Holding my breath until we see how Jalen responds today to treatment and how many games he will miss during the closing weeks of the season.