NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The New York Knicks are not out to prove a point to Stephen A. Smith or anyone that they made the right decision and not pulled the trigger on a trade that would have landed them Donavon Mitchell last offseason. This is about the Knicks taking a step toward an NBA Championship and not saying “I told you so.” But in order to do that, they must remain focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers and not one player.
This has to be one of the most complete rosters the New York Knicks have had in a decade. Led by Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett, the Knicks finished the regular season with a record of 47-35, good for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. While the season was a great stepping stone for them, it was still full of hiccups as well.
What has hurt the New York Knicks most this season was their inability to put together great stretches where their big 3 were dominant. Heading into this series, the Knicks cannot afford to let just one player be their focal point on the offensive end of the court. Randle averaged 25.1 points and 10 rebounds per game and Brunson followed that up with 24.0 points and 6.4 assists. And closing out their Big 3 was Barrett with 19.6 points and 5 rebounds. But it will take more than them to get past this tough Cavs team.
It’s Not New York Knicks vs Mitchell
There have been stretches where everything is clicking for the Knicks. Case in point. Look at the production for Quentin Grimes (11.3 points) and Immanuel Quickley with 14.9 points. Tom Thibodeau will need everyone on their A-game. During the season, the Knicks did with the season matchup with the Cavaliers (3-1) but this is a different atmosphere.
After missing the playoffs last season, they made great moves during the offseason by adding Brunson and then making a deal for Josh Hart at the trade deadline. While they did see a 10-game improvement in wins, it’s what happens during the playoffs that will measure their success. The Cavs will have much to prove on their end as well after making a deal that landed them Mitchell.
On paper, this looks like the Knicks series to lose. But can they keep it together? Can Randle control his temper? Can he play within the system and not hoist up shots and look for the open teammate? Will Brunson look to do too much to appease the Knicks faithful? But most of all, which Barrett will show up?
The storyline heading into this matchup is Knicks vs Mitchell and that’s due to the media still believing the New York Knicks dropped the ball during free agency. The best way to look at it is this. If they traded for Mitchell they would have given up pieces that made the Knicks a fun group to watch this year. Nevertheless, the Knicks must block out the outside voices and focus on the Cavs as a team and not the player they should have given up their 2022-23 success for.
