SPANISH HARLEM – It was big week in NYC for Yankees and Knicks fans – with me falling into those categories. With that, here are today’s topics: Yankees Win Wild Card, Knicks Questions Answered
Yankees Win Wild Card
Boston Beatdown
For the second straight game, the Yankees put a 9 spot on the board against the Broton Red Sox behind a good to great pitching performance by Max Fried. As in one game, the Yankees to the initial lead early scoring two runs in back-to-back innings before exploding in the 6th inning adding 6 more runs lead by a 3-run homer from Cody Bellinger. They played small ball and got the big fly from Belli and Luis Garcia Jr. This was a team that made at bats matter and never let up. Now it’s off to Tampa for a showdown with the Rays.
Knicks Questions Answered
With the Knicks Media Day in the rearview mirror, I have some burning questions about this team going into the preseason. These are exciting times for fans because this is the first time they will go into the season as the defending champs. Let’s now discuss some of my questions that were answered for the Knicks.
Will They Extend KAT and Hart?
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are extension eligible, and it seems they are not close with either player. We know that a preliminary offer was extended to KAT and while he is open to taking a pay cut, I don’t think the offer was to his liking. Sure, its early and they will have more talks but it’s important they get a deal done sooner rather than later.
With Josh Hart, he stated that there haven’t been talks yet on his extension, but we have to think that Hart is someone they want to keep long-term. He is the glue and what he does on the court makes him so important to offense and defense. The rebounding is elite and they will need that aspect now more than ever without Mitchel Robinson. The front office may want to get KAT done first but I think soon after they will try to lock up Hart on a new deal.
Offensive Scheme
The Knicks offense was truly unlocked once they used KAT as a passing hub, which took a lot of pressure off Jalen Brunson, and I fully expect Mike Brown to expand on that. Having options on offense can only make them more formidable, as they know how dangerous they were in the Playoffs, I can see them designing more plays for KAT. He was a great passer in the postseason, and the trust factor should be through the roof this season.
Jalen Brunson’s Health
Yes, we end with the captain. He has been fully cleared to practice after having left wrist surgery in the offseason and the is the best news we heard on Media Day. He will no restrictions though I believe they will take it very easy with Brunson. They will bring him along slowly and limit his contact in practice. We want him healthy to start the season and treating him with kid gloves should be a priority.
That’s it for now, please come back tomorrow for more great revelations from Jackson Sternberg.
