PORT JEFF, NY — At the risk of sounding like a broken record, New York sports delivered another week of emotional whiplash: the Knicks are surging, the Mets are self-destructing in creative new ways, and the Giants are busy patching holes after a franchise-altering trade.
Let’s get right into it.
The Knicks now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, and they’ve done it the way tough playoff teams usually do — by making winning plays when the game gets tight.
Sure, the Sixers were missing superstar Joel Embiid in Game 2, and yes, his presence probably changes the complexion of the series. But at some point, excuses stop mattering. The Knicks continue to execute in crunch time while Philly continues to search for answers.
That’s been the story of this postseason.
Unfortunately, the good vibes took a hit when OG Anunoby left with a hamstring injury. He’s currently listed as day-to-day, which in playoff language usually means “everyone is pretending not to panic.” Even so, the Knicks simply look like the deeper, more disciplined team right now. If Anunoby can give them anything close to solid minutes, New York should still feel confident moving forward.
Meanwhile, out in Colorado, the Mets reminded fans that no lead is ever truly safe.
After finally showing signs of life by winning four of five games, the Mets appeared poised to complete a sweep in Denver. Christian Scott delivered another encouraging outing as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery, and for most of the game, things looked under control.
Then the bullpen happened.
Again.
At this point, it’s genuinely baffling that Craig Kimbrel continues to find himself in high-leverage situations. This isn’t 2017. Every Mets fan watching can feel the incoming disaster before the first pitch leaves his hand. Blame belongs everywhere here — the manager for using him and the front office for constructing a bullpen where a 39-year-old reliever is somehow still Plan A in must-win moments.
That’s not strategy. That’s desperation.
As for the Giants, they’ve wasted little time reshaping the defensive front following the blockbuster trade that sent Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The immediate concern was obvious: how do you replace the middle of your defensive line after moving one of the league’s premier interior defenders?
To their credit, the Giants actually addressed it.
The additions of D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris may not completely replace Lawrence’s impact, but together they give New York a sturdier, more physical front seven. On paper, the run defense should be significantly improved heading into the season.
Whether that translates into wins is another story entirely, but at least the Giants are acting like a team with a plan.
Which, in New York sports these days, already puts them ahead of the Mets.
