Categories
Game Thread

2023-24 Game Thread: Knicks vs. Thunder, Easter Opener, which is kind of a thing

Sorry, folks, this one is not my fault, honest! My phone wasn’t working.

The Knicks currently lead, let’s hope it stands!

Let’s go, Knicks!

198 replies on “2023-24 Game Thread: Knicks vs. Thunder, Easter Opener, which is kind of a thing”

OKC might be playing their worst 1st half of the season yet they just took the lead…

OKC might be playing their worst 1st half of the season yet they just took the lead…

Well, we’re not playing great either. So both teams will be a lot better in the 2nd half, probably.

Both teams off from 3 tonight. Whoever gets hit first might win it.

OKC hit three consecutive ones after I wrote this and went on a 10-2 run. Annoying.

Can we get through one game without any kind of injury scare? Just one?

Or at least one quarter! 😉

Niche question, is iHart the best player we’ve had in the last few decades who could reasonably be defined as a “role player?”

I like this question.

Maybe Trevor Ariza?

Donte 1-8 from 3, where are the Detroit Pistons when you need them?

Awful game, a zone defense is enough to silence us for loooong stretches, it’s a bit sad…

Let’s Go Knicks!

Deuce has been pumpkin-izing the last few games

Looks like a guy who was taken with the 36th pick

If Thibs puts Brunson back in, he should be boiled in oil. For Christ’s sake, he tweaked his ankle! You got to play it safe here and have Brunson ready for the playoffs. He was LIMPING!!!

Did everyone miss the part where Brunson hurt his knee? I didn’t see anyone except me comment on it

Everything just keeps getting worse lol. I can’t even be pessimistic enough to keep up

How much money can us Knickerbloggers cobble together on top of the $72M the Knicks can give iHart? He’s so good

Brunson should not be in the game! He’s hurt! What is Thibs doing?!

Does Brunson not have a voice?

How much money can us Knickerbloggers cobble together on top of the $72M the Knicks can give iHart? He’s so good

Not sure, but I think we could bring the total up to $72M after rounding

Both teams off from 3 tonight. Whoever gets hot first might win it.

Let’s hope!

Clyde calling SGA Gilbert must mean Doogie has been ascended to a different plane of existence by the Wembayama game

If we get the guys back healthy, the opportunity the injury morass gave Deuce may turn out to be a net benefit in the end.

I’ve been giving shit to Deuce lately for his defense but he’s been phenomenal tonight.

What happened to JB? I stepped away and next thing I see, he was going to the locker room.

There’s no way in hell that Burks is a better option than Milton … i just wanted to say that. Layup or not …

Considering the opponent and importance of this game probably the best 3rd quarter of the season for the Knicks.

After his -30 game vs the Spurs, Precious has bounced back with a good effort tonight

Anyone remembers the times when we used to lose games in the 3rd quarters? Not anymore! 🙂

Dang looks like Jalen hasn’t re-emerged from the locker room since he walked off the court. Looks like it’s not just a bathroom break…

Knicks will never have a competent back up PG

At least we are no longer saying that they will never have a competent PG.

Oh, Brunson is hurt. Season over instead, i guess. Our ability to collapse in literally seconds is truly special

Knicks will never have a competent back up PG

They did have one , now he is playing in Toronto

Oh, Brunson is hurt. Season over instead, i guess. Our ability to collapse in literally seconds is truly special

Jesus, go for a walk. You should probably be doing something different if a game makes you feel this way.

Jesus, go for a walk. You should probably be doing something different if a game makes you feel this way.

Game threads used to be funny, now we have some dark clouds over us.

This has by far been the worst defensive quarter of the season. Couldn’t have come at a worst possible time.

OKC announcers’ ridiculous homerism is almost as annoying as our sure loss in this game

It really is embarrassing being behind by 4 to the team with the best record in the West

It really is embarrassing losing by 4 to the team with the best record in the West

Completely embarrassing. Especially given that they have 3 of their best players injured and we are running out full unit. We should just end the season tonight.

Allowing 24 pts in the first 6 mins of the 4th quarter when holding a 10 pt lead is embarrassing no matter who the opponent is.

Missing 3 key players is kinda normal when two of them have the durability of Brandon Roy and Greg Oden’s love child. Being durable is also a benefit of being the most asset rich team in NBA history

Missing 3 key players is kinda normal… bla, bla, bla…

Just shut up! Go to the Thunderblogger.net!

Why was it OKC ball after the call was turned over?

Yeah, exactly what i thought.

Missing 3 key players is kinda normal when two of them have the durability of Brandon Roy and Greg Oden’s love child. Being durable is also a benefit of being the most asset rich team in NBA history

Shouldn’t you be out for a walk?

I guess on replay they determined it was out of bounds off Hart?

Yeah, but it didn’t look like it

Not much poise being shown by the Knicks this quarter.

We have now collapsed during the endgame against the two youngest teams in the NBA, both of whom will be dominating the league for the next 15 years. Our team built to win now has looked like scared rookies.

We have now collapsed during the endgame against the two youngest teams in the NBA, both of whom will be dominating the league for the next 15 years. Our team built to win now has looked like scared rookies.

Those two teams play in the westm so they have nothing to do with the Knicks in the coming years unless the Knicks make the Finals and play

Hard to win games against elite competition while shooting 30% from 3 and under 70% on FTs.

Those two teams play in the west so it has nothing to do with the Knicks unless the Knicks make the Finals.

We have literally conceded our shot at a deep playoff run this year with these terrible back to back losses against those two very teams ..

Whether we win or lose this game it has been a complete and utter disaster

Smh……

We have literally conceded our shot at a deep playoff run this year with these terrible back to back losses against those two very teams

No they haven’t and if OG and Randle are not back on the court and playing well they aren’t going far anyways ..

I will take that non call as long as they swallow the whistle for the next 4.1 seconds

If we get bamboozled off this no-call then we deserve compensation from the league

This is why that missed call hurts. It gave them too many options on offense. Ridiculous.

how the FUCK was that not an and-one on Brunson? Seriously, this is fucking ridiculous.

Never in doubt. We sure give up game winners a lot. When was the last time we made one?

This is just some manifestly unfair shit

Welp that sucked. Feels like the Whistle has consistently fucked us. Have to hit the foul shots but the Thunder got away with one.

Premise: these last two games would have been two wins with OG and/or Julius.

Instead they’re both stupid losses, two games we threw away over and over with a nice help from the refs.

Frustrating as hell.

It’s getting ridiculous now. Knicks have been robbed at least 5 wins by the refs…and now back to back.

Can’t wait to see the 2-min report that says Brunson was fouled on the drive.

My only solace is that this trash ass OKC team will get exposed in the playoffs (yes, I am irrationally angry)

Brunson not getting the same calls of late… there is a definitely a memo out there. Two games in a row that just rip your heart out…

Look at the bright side, at least OG and Randle are resting for the playoffs.

Threw my phone. Luckily, it hit the couch.

Next time aim at Pagliacci, please. What a clown!

At least we’re showing we’re elite in the Brunson minutes. If we’re healthy I believe this team could take anyone. If we have to go against Boston earlier than we should it sucks but we’re gonna bring the fight.

I’m actually surprised I’ve never been tempted to throw my phone, the remote control however is a different story.

Yeah listen it’s awesome that this team never quits and it really is a pleasure to watch and root for them but it’s honestly gotten to a point where it’s not that much fun anymore watching a shorthanded team try it’s best.

Does anyone think it’s time to find a new home for Mitch … or his is salary low enough where it’s ok having a guy that likely will play half a season tops as a backup…

Does anyone think it’s time to find a new home for Mitch … or his is salary low enough where it’s ok having a guy that likely will play half a season tops as a backup…

I’m not sure how much value he actually has, he is always hurt and has no offensive skill to talk about.

Also is 1.8 seconds enough for 1 quick pump fake and jumper… if so SGA is fouling Brunson 100%

I’m not sure how much value he actually has, he is always hurt and have no offensive skills to talk about.

Makes sense… he’s not worth much…

1.8 secs was enough time for Kukoc to hit the game winner vs the Knicks in Game 3.

Brunson deserves respect. Knicks are a physical team and deserve respect. They aren’t the kind of team or players that hunt or flail for fouls like other teams. And yet we are getting nothing lately.

Refs have been terrible all year and it’s so clear how a few missed calls can influence the outcome.

At least we’re showing we’re elite in the Brunson minutes. If we’re healthy I believe this team could take anyone. If we have to go against Boston earlier than we should it sucks but we’re gonna bring the fight.

We are good in the Brunson + iHart minutes. iHart is gone this offseason. That’s why I’m so disappointed with these losses and the way the season has played out – it won’t be apparent for awhile but our window was actually now.

The players have to play very long minutes because of the injuries, the bench is depleted, and the new additions have not helped. While they give it all the have, the long minutes take a visible tall in execution, shooting, and decision making. They missed key shots and free throws, and allowed OKC to score 38 points in the fourth quarter, when they are supposed to play lock down defense and get stops. It’s sad but it is what it is.

I’m gonna stare at the wall for a coupla hours

music on?

if so, what type?

I watch a bunch of that HDR nature stuff – dolby vision, whatever that might be…

with a good soundbar and a nice size screen you can create a pretty decent setting for sort of “forcing” your body and mind to stabilize…

do that and your emotions will feel a whole lot better…

I’m working now on trying to keep my mind clear…no conscious thinking about anything…

the high dynamic range nature vid stuff, coupled with either environmental or “soothing” music can really be super helpful in trying to stay calm…

shoot, throw some tangerine in some of the oil diffusers…

clear the mind…

our window was actually now.

Nobody’s window is 1 year

And I’m not sure which team is going to offer I- Hart this monster contact. OKC likes to play 5 out and other teams have a center

I agree with the sentiment that it’s gotten old watching a depleted team grind it out. Kudos to Brunson. The guy is awesome and has a huge heart. But the prospects for a deep playoff run are dim. Randle still isn’t taking contact and neither is OG. 8 games left. Writing seems to be on the wall.

I have hope for OG because I believe he can return in Game 1 of the playoffs and still provide a huge impact, he showed in his brief return even playing with 1 arm he can still make a positive impact. I just don’t see Randle being able to give them much if anything especially considering the injury he’s trying to rehab.

Randle still isn’t taking contact and neither is OG.

If he won’t be back, why did Randle avoid surgery?

I don’t think he’s avoiding it I think he’s just putting it off. Randle wants to play in the playoffs, if he doesn’t return by then I assume he’ll have surgery in May or June.

I think Randle tried to avoid surgery because he know there was no chance of playing again this season if he had surgery. If he doesn’t end up playing, my suspicion is surgery in the off season.

Edit: BBA said it before I did.

I feel like taking it easy on the guys for the lousy 4Q defense. Their height advantage was huge. I love the effort from Deuce but he might as well have been a chair on that last shot.

We shouldn’t blame the players tonight. They gave it absolutely all they have but they are also absolutely exhausted. Bogey and Burks are not playable, and there is nobody else on the bench who could have a positive impact. Literally! It’s been a surprise we are still fourth. Thibs kept pulling rabbits out of his had that made the difference next to Brunson in several games, be that DDV, Deuce and so on, but there is so much this team can do like this.

The worst of all is that Randle and OG are still not taking contact and Robinson got injured again. Things don’t look good for the Knicks tonight, unfortunately.

Fred Katz
@FredKatz
·
41m
The Knicks outscored the Thunder by 17 in the 35 minutes Jalen Brunson was on the court.

In the 13 minutes he was on the bench, the Thunder outscored the Knicks by 18.

There’s your difference. Similar story to the San Antonio game

I see a trend here, why didn’t Leon make a play for a Point Guard?

OG would’ve been the difference in this game. I hope he comes back soon.

…but how long before Deuce takes DiVo’s starting spot?

Jaylen Williams made 14 of 18 shots and I don’t think one of them was uncontested.

Sometimes you just have to tip your hat.

Jaylen Williams made 14 of 18 shots and I don’t think one of them was uncontested.

Sometimes you just have to tip your hat.

OKC is already a very dangerous team and they will only improve with time. The ease they can score with is impressive. We played good but inconsistent defense against them. A lot of defensive breakdowns.

Looks like Josh Hart is tired of the Randle/OG stuff via Ian Begley

We traded away three rotation players in IQ, RJ, and Grimes, and at this moment we only get a few minutes of playing time by Precious Achiuwa in return. This is incredible! I am not saying we shouldn’t have made those trades, but we have been unbelievably unlucky with the outcome so far. On top of that, we don’t have Randle and Robinson. It’s like a bad spell on this team. Very sad.

Grimes is out for the season so he wouldn’t serve any purpose for this team right now. He should’ve been traded for more useful player/players though.

March 31, 2024 at 23:01
We traded away three rotation players in IQ, RJ, and Grimes, and at this moment we only get a few minutes of playing time by Precious Achiuwa in return. This is incredible! I am not saying we shouldn’t have made those trades, but we have been unbelievably unlucky with the outcome so far. On top of that, we don’t have Randle and Robinson. It’s like a bad spell on this team. Very sad.

You seem surprised by our consistently having the worst luck in the league. New here?

I saw Dune 2 this weekend. The giant sandworms reminded me of Dolan’s Razor. Unstoppable. Inexorable. A force of nature that can only be worshipped, never tamed.

Even trades universally lauded by the NBA commentariat are nothing against its grandeur.

We also traded away the pick that could have been Jalen Williams for the 27th pick in the 2023 draft and three future second round picks from Washington & Detroit. How’s it goink?

We also traded away the pick that could have been Jalen Williams for the 27th pick in the 2023 draft and three second rounders.

No guarantee they would pick Williams

Pfft, they never would have been smart enough to take Williams. That’s why I called it “the pick that could have been…” The most they could have done is gotten good value for it, but they failed at that, too.

https://twitter.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1774613943446811110 clear foul on Dort

Who cares? This happens over and over again, so it’s pretty clear the league does not want Brunson getting calls like SGA, Luka, and other designated superstars.

At this point, we need to just bake it in to our expectations that Brunson’s efficiency will be capped around league average because it’s basically legal to foul him in high leverage situations.

Nobody’s window is 1 year

And I’m not sure which team is going to offer I- Hart this monster contact. OKC likes to play 5 out and other teams have a center

Lots of teams have had 1-year windows, they just tend not to know it in real time. Our last good team, the Melo/Chandler/Kidd group that won 54, was a perfect example. We didn’t all realize we’d fall off a cliff the next season — we traded draft equity for Bargnani as a win-now move!

We have a capped out team with no internal improvement upside, mediocre draft assets, and multiple key players who rarely play more than half a season. We have no way to fill the hole left by IQ and predictably fall off a cliff every time Brunson sits. When we lose iHart, we’ll have no way to fill that hole either — expect to see a lot more Precious and Sims, likely playing together when Randle misses a chunk of next season to shoulder surgery and Mitch/OG have their annual 35+ game absences.

Because we will lose iHart. Many teams have a role for a durable 3 BPM all-Defense caliber big who can pass, rebound, and finish consistently. The market value of that package is simply more than we can possibly pay. If it isn’t OKC it’ll be someone else — players like this just don’t slip through the cracks.

Jason Kidd was way past his prime, that team isn’t comparable at all to this team. I knew that team was a one hit wonder. This team to me isn’t going to plummet into the abyss next season if they stay on the floor. This teams main core is younger and fit very well so the leash seems longer

This team also specifically has Leon hoarding first round picks to acquire another star. So I don’t think it tracks at all that this would be their peak.

Also, with that in mind, a close loss to a really good OKC team playing without OG? Come on, how can we even give a shit about that? It sucks, but it doesn’t mean anything really.

You might say, “Well, OG might not play in the playoffs,” and, okay, that’d suck, too, but, again, this is not a team built just for this season. The East is wider open now than it likely will be next season, that’s fair (except the Celtics are extremely good, so it’s more like “The #2-8 seeds are wide open this season”), but a full season of this team with OG and whoever Leon finally uses those picks for? This will be a very good team for a few more years still. Hell, they might still win 50 games this season!

By Post Author

Brian, it’s hard not to give a shot. None of us can watch the Knicks play and not care about losing. But for what’s it’s worth, I’m more upset about losing to the Spurs, but I don’t like either loss.

Brian, it’s hard not to give a shot. None of us can watch the Knicks play and not care about losing. But for what’s it’s worth, I’m more upset about losing to the Spurs, but I don’t like either loss.

Oh, sure, it sucks in the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t mean anything.

What does matter is OG’s elbow. That could sink this season. And even there, hey, there will be more seasons with him and Brunson!

By Post Author

Now Randle is getting surgery according to Begley.

Where did he say that?

By Post Author

Comments are closed.