MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NY – Man, these Knicks are fun. They are going to have their hands full with the young and dynamic Pacers, but they found a way again with another thrilling Game 1 win. It doesn’t seem like the Knicks can keep this up with a short bench, but they keep doing it.
Bench Troubles
The Pacers’ bench outscored the Knicks’ 46 to 3. Damn. The Knicks had a dunk from Robinson and an Achiuwa free throw. That’s it. The Pacers got big contributions from all four of their bench guys, including old friend Obi Toppin ,and TJ McConnell, who was inexplicably on the bench down the stretch. All four players were on the plus side when on the court, for a combined plus 31.
The Knicks basically went with seven again, not counting Achiuwa’s four minute sip of coffee. One of the those bench guys, Miles McBride, did not even score. It was left mainly to the starting five, who got it done.
While it seems unsustainable, you can’t blame Thibs for the short bench. The three bench players were a combined minus 27 in a mere 25 minutes combined. Sure, he could go deeper into the bench. And they could be on the golf course a few weeks earlier.
Getting it Done
Another 43 points from the great Jalen Brunson, including big bucket after big bucket. Another inspiring effort with zero rest from the indefatigable Josh Hart. Five threes and some big shots from DiVincenzo. And some strong D from OG, with Hartenstein and Robinson doing their thing.
The Knicks need something from the bench. They’ve have to tighten it up on D, this is a very different challenge than the Sixers. They benefited from the youth of their opponent and some questionable personnel decisions by Carlisle. McConnell was crushing the Knicks but stated glued to the bench in the fourth. They went with Haliburton, who was not playing well. And the refs might have helped with a few late calls that went the Knicks’ way.
It feels like the Knicks stole one on home court. They need to find a way to get three more wins then deal with Boston. Find a way. That was fun. Time for the Rangers to hold serve tonight.
Come back tomorrow for the sheriff of the fun police, Angry Ward.
