Knicks Morning News (2023.11.14)

In KFS pregame pod, there was ample discussion about how the Celts’ ability to go 5 out is sort of kryptonite for lots of teams in general and the Knicks in particular. By pulling Mitch away from the basket, it opens up driving lanes for Tatum and Brown where Mitch’s and iHart’s rim protection and defensive rebounding are much less of a factor.

That issue is magnified by our lack of long wings who can both score from different levels and defend near the rim. That issue was exacerbated with RJ being out…not that he’s the prototype anyway.

And that’s the problem with the Celtics. They have a rotation in which every single player is a legitimate threat from the three point line, except maybe DPoY candidate Jrue Holiday, and he can’t be just left open (Or can he? Maybe that’s the way to go…put Mitch on him next time? Did we try that?). They bring Horford, Prichard, Hauser, and Kornet off the bench. That’s sort of a souped-up 7SoL lineup in that they can actually protect the rim and defend size, unlike the D’Antoni versions in Phoenix and Houston.

The had some trouble with Philly and Minny, due to their size so they are not invulnerable, but it will be very hard to beat them in a seven-game series unless one of their key players (i.e. any of their starters) gets injured.

Meanwhile, it should be disturbing to Cavs fans that their vaunted defense got utterly embarrassed by the Kings. It would definitely bug me that the Kings scored 132 points while Spida and Garland had 1 foul between them.

“The Kings—who had the best offense of all-time last year—scoring a lot of points isn’t a condemnation of your defense.”

The Cavs are 4-6. In addition to this game, they’ve given up 125, 121, and 128 points. They start Spida, Garland, and Strus…none of whom are known to be exactly lockdown defenders…especially Strus as a 3.

For all the talk about how the moneyball Knicks got exposed in the playoffs, I think the Cavs’ D being #1 last year was the real regular season charade from last year. It also underscores why I was never in favor of a Brunson-Spida backcourt. I can’t see the Cavs getting past the first round of the playoffs with the Spida-Garland combo unless they draw a very soft opponent.

The Celts gambled big on four things:

1) KP’s health come playoff time
2) KP’s WAS numbers not being a mirage
3) Horford having another 2000 minute year left in his 37yo body
4) Mazzulla being a better coach than he showed last year

Beyond that, maybe they make a slick move before the deadline. But as things stand, those 4 things are the pivots I see. I still think they are vulnerable to teams with both elite size even if those 4 things go well. But if, if, if they stay healthy, they will be very tough to beat in a 7-game series.

Cyber, the answer is probably Brunson.

We’ve been talking about the Celts’ offense but in Jrue and DW the have one of the best defensive guard tandems in the NBA, and one that might rank historically. Both are all-defense candidates that have both size and quickness, and both can score pretty well.

Brunson and Spida is not the answer to that.

“I hope we don’t make a LaVine trade. It would mean, at the very least, giving up Quickley, iHart, Fournier, and draft picks. Probably Grimes too (I assume Leon wants to keep RJ.)”

Serious question: is LaVine a better all-around player than IQ? My answer is NO.

So no, I wouldn’t trade IQ straight up for LaVine, let alone with other good young players and draft picks.

“So you’re giving the answer before I ask the question, is that it? Let me think… Oh, ok, i got it. Here it goes:
Between Brunson, RJ and Randle, who do you think will be an all star this season? 😀”

LOL who taught you that trick, my wife, my daughters or my assistant principal?

Obi Toppin breakout alert!

Sure wish this Sixers-Pacers game was on national TV. Alas, Wemby….

“hali definitely just became the only player ever to get more than 50 pts and 30 assists without a turnover in a two game span…”

The whiff that keeps on giving…