Typically, there’s not much you can predict into the playoffs from individual matchups in the regular season. Last season, for example, the Knicks beat the Heat three of four times, but lost four of six when it really mattered.
That’s especially true when one of the teams, the Knicks, is missing three difference-makers due to injuries. So while it was disappointing to see the Knicks once again get bombed by the Celtics 116-102 on Saturday, the question of how they will fare against OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson on the court is negligible. It wasn’t even an answer.
Maybe we’ll find out in May. The Knicks probably won’t even reach that month. This is all in flux, as is Randle’s recovery schedule.
In any case, there comes a point in the construction process where the state of competition becomes important. That’s where the Celtics come in. Boston is still recruiting with a core of players in their 20s, most notably 25-year-old Jayson Tatum. Leon Rose’s candidacy for construction will inevitably end up in Boston at some point, if not this season.
The Knicks can thank the Nets for trading Danny Ainge for the draft picks they spent on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Knicks forward Josh Hart said beforehand, “I’m going to win our roster and our team more than anyone else in the league.” “That’s the mentality you have to have. Once we’re healthy and back in full swing, and everyone gets used to playing each other, I think we can beat any team.”
We love that confidence, but is it true? Can the Knicks emerge from the East, or at least make it to the Conference Finals? Although his goal is still far away, he should first achieve 50 wins. But still, let’s take a look at the three biggest obstacles that stand in the way.
competition
As mentioned above, the Celtics are the biggest problem, but they are far from invincible. Tatum and Brown still have a lot to prove in the postseason, as they disappear in big moments or have poor decision-making. Holiday gives a big boost heading into the playoffs (he’s been clutch) and is the East’s best answer to stopping Jalen Brunson. It’s a questionable matchup for the Knicks, as was repeated Saturday night as the Celtics improved to 4-0 against their division rival. If there’s anything to criticize about Leon Rose last summer, it’s that he wasn’t making a huge push to acquire Holiday. he’s a winner
Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team will also be at a disadvantage against the Bucks. The Bucks have top talent, but are reeling under new manager Doc Rivers. The situation there was really bad. Rumor has it that they were going to hire a former player to coach after firing Adrian Griffin, but Rivers says that was the wrong decision.
After these two teams, the Knicks will be the Cavaliers (who they beat in last year’s playoffs), the Heat (who will never leave out Erik Spoelstra/Jimmy Butler), and the 76ers (who need Joel Embiid back no matter what). He is a member of the nomination battle. Chance) and the Pacers (young and courageous).
health
We’ve completely defeated this topic, but I’ll add something else here.
Especially with Randle, it’s not just about being available, it’s about being healthy. We know he is committed to playing through the pain and is working furiously on his rehabilitation. On Saturday, he was lathering up on the garden court a few hours before tipoff. He is preparing to play even though he risks surgery if he suffers a setback. However, there will come a time when forcing Randle to participate, like his failure in the playoffs last year, will be detrimental.
When he gets frustrated or struggles offensively, he doesn’t play well. That’s Randle’s history, and a weakened Randle, working his butt off and battling pain, hasn’t kept the Knicks over the top.
Branson mortality rate
It’s important to note that the rest of the roster is in a better position to succeed in the playoffs than last season. Rookies Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo and Bojan Bogdanovic all have a wealth of experience. The remaining members are one year older. They will know what will happen.
But the Knicks will go as far as Brunson can go. They need something megastar. He had a great performance last year, but he will carry a greater burden as defenses adjust to his brilliance. Underestimating Brunson is a mistake, but he no longer catches teams off guard. Defenders are catching him all 94 feet, and there’s only so much the 6-foot-1 point guard can do without a lot of help. Like Saturday. Brunson scored 34 points, but his teammates did not provide any help.
