The Knicks get three more chances in April and are more competitive against the two teams mentioned above in Eastern Conference rankings.
They won't win five tries this season with the Cavaliers and Celtics following a back-to-back road defeat over the weekend. And add two more losses to Western leader Thunder, which is 0-7.
With an average margin of loss in these games at 20.1 points, we hope that the gap between Knicks teams, who want to go deeper into the playoffs following the second consecutive two rounds elimination, will be closed. Is it realistic?
“The first thing I say is we all have to realize that these three teams are making this for everyone,” said longtime ESPN analyst Tim Legler, posting. He spoke to. “But the Knicks are expected from last season, so you'll make a deal. [Karl-Anthony] Town, it's now a measuring stick.
“How do you stack up to the Celtics? How do you stack up to the Cavs? And even OKC? It's clearly not working for them, and for me, it's offensive that they're toe with those teams But the difference is that these three teams have a level of defensive going with pressure and team speed, and only commitment that the Knicks can't match on the edge of the floor. It's about being.”
TNT analyst and former Knicks guard Greg Anthony also admitted that the third-seeded Knicks were not at the league's elite level.
“I didn't think this was the Knicks' Championship or Bust season. I think in the long run I put myself in a better position to compete for the title,” Anthony told the Post. Ta. “If this season ends earlier, [Knicks president] Leon Rose and the front office need to know why and what else is.
“Especially by looking at these games, they need to improve defensively, they need to improve their depth, they still need some athleticism. I think so. That's obvious.”
After seeing 37 points on the torch on Friday night in Cleveland, the Legolers said Tom Thibodeau's team “it was enough” and “they'll come out and draw a line into the sand” with the Celtics He said he hopes to show it.
“And they fell at age 20 in the first quarter,” added Legoler, who served as an analyst for ABC's Sunday game. “We know they were easily turned into a game in the second half, but what we're seeing is that these three teams are very difficult to defend and the Knicks aren't an elite defensive team. is.
“So, when you throw an average defensive team while playing for Sharp Focus on any of these three teams, I don't know if Boston was doing it earlier this year, but definitely not now. With these margins where these buzz saw games are played, you can't slow it down.
“And the question is, what do you do about it?” continued Legler. “Well, that's difficult because a lot of people think it's HR-based.”
Both analysts believe the Knicks will be saved by a pending return from injuries at Mitchell Robinson's center since undergoing ankle surgery last May, but Legler said, “They're getting hurt.” He emphasized that the 7-footers, which are prone to wake up, are “unrealistic.” It will have a huge impact right away. ”
Still, Legler also noted that the town is “fully chosen” by teams that are opposed in ball-screen action away from the basket.
“These teams in particular, they just destroy you with their actions. It's all Boston's execution,” Legoler said. “The difference is that they can do it at a high level, and all of them can really shoot.
“So they spin the other Knicks defenders and rely on the fact that it's overwhelming for them. In these matches, that's what it is.”
The Knicks (37-20) faced a 76ers engagement in the yard on Wednesday night, then play seven of the next eight games on the road.
They will visit Cleveland once more on April 2nd and will also play both Cavs and Celtics on MSG before the playoffs begin.
“Listen, you'll definitely be judged by how you'll pay for the best team in the end. And obviously, to succeed in the postseason, you'll have to go ahead and do them. You have to play and beat it,” Anthony said. “They didn't do well at all, but even after saying that, I think they're better than they've ever shown in those moments.
“From a defensive perspective, I don't think they're playing the way Tom Thibodeau's team historically has. Obviously, from a defensive and depth perspective, they're still where they need it. Not that. I really like their lineup on the top. [Jalen] Branson and Cat are on the offensive edge, but they still have a lot to do to fill the gap. ”
Josh Hart was fined $2,000 by the NBA for floping in the third quarter of Sunday's game.
