|
|
Post by trendsetta on May 17, 2021 8:01:24 GMT -5
The greatest winner in NBA history if not basketball history-- I mean of course Bill Russell-- has averred that the playoffs are about defense and matchups. I am also reminded that, short of "defense wins championships," that we can at least be comfortable with the statement "defense travels" (whereas offense may not necessarily travel). Not for nothing, but because the Knicks are a top 3 defensive team in the NBA (last I checked) this means we are built for and play like a playoff team.
So with that said, and having studied both rosters for defensive prowess and matchups, how do you feel the first round will go for the Knicks?
How many games will they play and will they win or lose the series?
Who do you fear on the opposition matchup-wise?
Who do you think the Hawks fear on our roster matchup-wise?
|
|
|
|
Post by jbnewyork162 on May 17, 2021 9:07:52 GMT -5
No disrespect for your attempt, but I'm not playing the prediction of this series like I didn't do a win total predictions at the beginning of the year.
This team, I take much like Thibs prepares, game by game.
But I will answer some of your other questions. I think if Thibs doesn't at some point put Frank on Trae Young we'd be doing ourselves a disservice.
Randle and John Collins matchup I'd like to see play out. Young MVP/MIP candidate versus younger player looking to get his first big contract in free agency this summer. This is where you prove yourself.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2021 9:36:14 GMT -5
Hawks have a bit more talent and are well coached. I would hope that Thibs plays Rose RJ and Burks down the stretch. Trae can't cover any of them. In fact all three could become Luka if defended by Trae. They will want to hide Trae on Bullock or Payton.
Collins is very tough on offense but cant defend Randle at all at the other end. i worry about center as Okongwu is now becoming a real factor and Capella is a beast.
|
|
|
|
Post by daglazer on May 17, 2021 9:39:54 GMT -5
Personally, I think that we match up reasonably well with the Hawks. They are a much-improved team that can really shoot. Yet, the only position where they have a distinct matchup advantage is at the point. Otherwise, it is even or in our favor. More importantly, they do not have a shutdown wing defender that will bother RJ, Burks, or Bullock. Their best defense is their run and gun offense. So, I think that we win in 6.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2021 9:43:12 GMT -5
Personally, I think that we match up reasonably well with the Hawks. They are a much-improved team that can really shoot. Yet, the only position where they have a distinct matchup advantage is at the point. Otherwise, it is even or in our favor. More importantly, they do not have a shutdown wing defender that will bother RJ, Burks, or Bullock. Their best defense is their run and gun offense. So, I think that we win in 6.
|
|
|
|
Post by irish2u2 on May 17, 2021 14:54:52 GMT -5
I'm going with a 7 game series because of Young, Capella and the combination of Gallo and Bogdanovic on the wings. I think the Knicks win because great defense and a good offense trumps very good offense and an average defense. But make no mistake that beating Atlanta is not going to be easy. But better them than Miami. 
Bury Elfrid on the bench. He has made more boneheaded mistakes in the last month than his whole career as a Knick. Go with Burks to add punch to the offense. Typically the Knicks use a swarm approach to defense so swarm Young on the perimeter and choke off the nearest teammates from the pass. Capella is key and Randle has to outplay Collins by a bunch. I see Randle, RJ, Rose and Burks having a big series. I'm just hoping Noel and Taj can keep Capella from going crazy on us and we need Reggie and IQ to make buckets.
Should be a fun matchup but make no mistake about it that a season series sweep of the Hawks means nothing in the playoffs and we are going up against a coach as equally experienced as our own.
|
|
|
|
Post by rxmeister on May 18, 2021 12:22:27 GMT -5
This series scares me, but any matchup would, because I’m a nervous fan! I just hope the refs let them play, otherwise it will be a Trae Young parade to the foul line. I think the games will be close and I think the Garden crowd and playoff atmosphere will rattle the young kid. But let’s not forget that this Hawks team is good and well coached. Capella is a matchup nightmare with Mitch out, but defense wins playoffs and that is us! Hard to believe this is the first playoff series for Julius Randall but I think he’ll be the difference. Knicks in seven as they take years off my life!
|
|
