Knicks Morning News (2023.11.04)

New York @ Milwaukee L 105-110 Record 2-4 (Dumb Cup 0-1)

Welcome to Adam Silver’s NBA, where you can lose one game and worsen you’re record in 2 different standings.

The simple fact this game wasn’t over until Dame Time made me feel like an LSD multiverse traveller for most of it, the end helped me find some reassuring grip with the reality once again.

Short edition, it’s the weekend and family rules.

Have a nice weekend folks and remember: no hot takes here (until game-20).

Thoughts:

– This team never quit* and to me that’s their best trait.
It’s a Thibs’ trademark, maybe even more than defense, and it’s a shining medal to pin on his chest.
Would I like to talk about his offensive schemes? Or rotation flexibility? No, thank you.

* Yes, I know some players sometimes do (ahem), but as a team? Very rarely.

– We’ve gone to the wire, and lost, in a couple of close games with real contenders.
I don’t see it as an harbinger of great things to come.
We’re going to be better (we can’t shoot like this all season long, right?) but they made radical changes in the offseason and need time to gel, while our only meaningful novelty is our 8th man who plays less than 20 minutes a game.
We are expected to take advantage of roster continuity and players familiarity, so there’s not much progress to do for us there, while the Celtics and the Bucks…

– On the subject: the Bucks were horrible, but it’s “inctellectually honest” to give them some time, Dame and Giannis must learn to play together and they have a new (and for now let’s say “not impressive”) coach.
And yes, Adrian Griffin is the reason Terry Stotts reached “a friendly agreement” to leave the Bucks after an heated argument (not the first, said the rumors) in front of the players. Newcomer’s insecurity or veteran’s arrogance?

– I’ll repeat myself: Brunson didn’t deserve to lose this game.

– For the second consecutive game I missed RJ a lot. Bitter sweet feeling of the season so far.

– I’m already seasick thinking about monday and James Harden.
I hate his playing style and antics like I hate flies in the soup.

Play(s) Of The Game:

4th 1:10 Jalen Brunson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Julius Randle assists) NY 103 MILW 101
4th 1:10 Bucks Full timeout
4th 1:03 Damian Lillard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists) NY 103 MILW 104
4th 48.1 Jalen Brunson misses 10-foot two point shot
4th 45.0 Khris Middleton defensive rebound
4th 37.2 Damian Lillard makes layup (Khris Middleton assists) NY 103 MILW 106
4th 37.2 Quentin Grimes shooting foul
4th 37.2 Damian Lillard makes free throw 1 of 1 NY 103 MILW 107
4th 29.2 Brook Lopez blocks Julius Randle ‘s 4-foot driving layup
4th 28.0 Knicks offensive team rebound
4th 18.0 Brook Lopez blocks Julius Randle ‘s 7-foot two point shot
4th 17.1 Bucks defensive team rebound

Knicks take the lead! Knicks take the lead!
For 7 seconds (excluding timeouts).
Dame Time, Grimes’ rookie mistake (wait, it’s been a while since he was a rookie) and Lopez volleyball defense did the rest.

Stats Of The Game:

38-96 (39.6%). Knicks’ FG%.
JB’s barrage did help a lot.

56-41 (tot)/16-7(off). Knicks’ domination under the boards.
My new mantra:
if you shoot 100% you’ll have zero offensive rebound, but you’ll be happier.

Grades:

Brunson A
42 minutes for the Little General so I forgive him for his 4 TOs.

Randle D-
A slightly better game than the last one, so a slightly better grade.
Is he the main reason we’re struggling? Yes.
Will he get better? He better be!

Grimes B-
11 Shots! OMG 11 shots! Good game, he loses half a grade for Dame’s final and-1.

Robinson B-
0-4? Wassup Mitch? 15 Rebounds, “only” 6 offensive. A rock.

Quickley B+
Cold start (3 pts, 1-5 1st half) hot reaction (11 pts, 4-5 2nd half).

Hart C+
I can’t be too harsh with him, he’s not here to score: 10 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL.

Hartenstein C
Not his best version but still useful.

DDV D
Our summer crown jewel had a bad day.

McBride NA
2 minutes cameo, just enough to miss a shot.

Thibs D
Start IQ you old stubborn mule!
The Bucks are big, but 39 minutes of “this” Randle are depressing.
8 men rotation plus Deuce’s cameo?
Also, I’m wondering who’s the target of Evan’s new shirt: “va te faire foutre”.