Making conclusions about our path in the PO from the Knicks series is silly

[Drucci]

I've read a lot of messages lately saying "well we are up 2-0 but even if we win this series we're going to get crushed by Miami", "we are lucky but it won't last, we're going to lose in the next round", etc.

Obviously the poor overall play of the team is a concern and the fact that we had to make heroic plays to "basically" defend homecourt is not something to be happy about (although it's exciting when you manage to get the wins in the end).

However I think it's silly to make assumption about our path in the playoffs based only on the Knicks series. Having to play a tough series against a supposedly lesser opponent is something very common in the playoffs and it doesn't mean anything about the next round. Because we play poorly or struggle against NY doesn't mean we will struggle against Miami too or Chicago. Actually it's something very common in the playoffs : look at the Lakers last year, they were one Gasol tip away from playing a game 7 against the supposedly "weak" Thunder. This series was tough on both courts, I'm sure the fans complained about the poor play of the team. Didn't prevent the Lakers from going to the Finals and sweeping Utah in the following round.

I could go on and on because the list is long (the Cleveland series in '08 was tough yet we managed to win and then win our next rounds with "ease") but my point is that a couple of games or a series for that matter needs to be taken for what they are : it's just that, a series, it has no correlation with the next one or the following. It's all about matchups, focus and execution. Stoudemire is a big matchup advantage for NY against us, Bosh is Miami's weak link against us, the Heat centers are worse than the Knicks', etc, etc. I'm sure a lot of people where saying "well we're winning against Miami but if we don't play better we're going to get crushed by Cleveland in the next round" last year.

So yeah obviously I hope we improve sooner rather than later but the "beauty" (could go both ways so...) of the playoffs is that you can squeeze win with heroic shots and some luck in consecutive games and then blowout your opponent or take control of the series.

So let's not jump on conclusions on the future, let's just focus on the task at hand (the Knicks) and there will be time worry about the next opponent when we advance!

[Roy H.]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

[vinnie]

This is a team of 5 1/2 players right now (baby is the half). The bench is playing terrible basketball. If that does not change, they Celts will be one series and done.

[celtics2]

I don't know if we're going to get crushed by Miami or not but the Celts are not playing well yet. No Stoudamire no Billups, and we scrape out a win doesn't allow for much confidence. 12-14 points by layups (Rondo)just aren't going to be allowed by a better team. They must have to repaint the rim and backboard from his jump shots that's how bad they are. I don't see anything to crow about this team. We could be down 0/2 so easily. The sideline Cheerleaders for this team are running out of time. Shaq could change things of course but really if he was healthy from the start I don't think he'd be in Boston.

[Drucci]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

Yes, it's fair, but my point is that in spite of that we've won and still haven't played a great game (or really simply a good game for 48 minutes). This is the playoffs, everything can happen against anyone, but in my opinion we can only improve as the series go on and the guys get accostumed with the shortened rotations that are different from last year's.

[Rondo2287]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

I will say yes to this, but remember, against the Hawks we went 7 games in the first round against what was then probably a worse team than these knicks are.  Im not saying we shouldnt be worried, just thinking that it doesnt necessarily mean we won't win it all.

[the_Bird]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

I will say yes to this, but remember, against the Hawks we went 7 games in the first round against what was then probably a worse team than these knicks are.  Im not saying we shouldnt be worried, just thinking that it doesnt necessarily mean we won't win it all.

Sorry, but to call that Hawks team worse than this Knicks team without Amare and Chauncey...   that's just wishful, revisionist thinking.  They weren't a great team, but:

Bibby ('08 model) > Tony Douglas
Al Horford > Turiaf
Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress > Billy Walker or Jared Jeffries or Shawne Williams

Obviously, Carmelo > Joe Johnson, but without Amare and Chauncey, the Knicks are basically one superstar and a bunch of guys that would be lucky to crack any other playoff teams' rotation.

Atlanta wasn't a great or even a really good squad that year, but they were far better than this Knick squad that's missing two of its three best players.

[Assassin70]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

Agree with both points.  From what Roy said here, and what the OP is getting at.

Point A.  If we play like this...meaning let teams get back in to games.  Not executing on offense or defense for long stretches.  Wait until the last 2 minutes of games to start executing.  We are "going fishing".

Point B.  Heat and Knicks are different teams just because we struggle against this team doesn't mean this carries over.  like they say in boxing "styles make fights" just because boxer x lost to or had trouble with a lesser opponent doesn't mean when they face boxer y who is tougher on paper he wont knock him out.  

I for one think Miami has a glass chin we just have to hit them square and they will go down.

But lets not even talk about that for now it is obvious we have more pressing issues in front of us before we start looking ahead.

[LB3533]

We need to take care of the Knicks before we think about any other team right now.

[ram]

To me it's all about the bench. The starters were all + last night. The bench players were all minus.

In addition, it is psychologically draining to the starters to watch their lead(s) vanish quickly once they are out of the game.

Pierce spoke the truth (pun): We can't have a ten-point lead [then the] bench comes in and squanders it right away.

[Rondo2287]

Is it fair to say that if we don't play better than we have been (not only in Games 1 & 2 but in the last two months of the season, as well), then we won't be champions?

That's what BBD said, as linked on the front page.

I will say yes to this, but remember, against the Hawks we went 7 games in the first round against what was then probably a worse team than these knicks are.  Im not saying we shouldnt be worried, just thinking that it doesnt necessarily mean we won't win it all.

Sorry, but to call that Hawks team worse than this Knicks team without Amare and Chauncey...   that's just wishful, revisionist thinking.  They weren't a great team, but:

Bibby ('08 model) > Tony Douglas
Al Horford > Turiaf
Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress > Billy Walker or Jared Jeffries or Shawne Williams

Obviously, Carmelo > Joe Johnson, but without Amare and Chauncey, the Knicks are basically one superstar and a bunch of guys that would be lucky to crack any other playoff teams' rotation.

Atlanta wasn't a great or even a really good squad that year, but they were far better than this Knick squad that's missing two of its three best players.

I Was referring to both games so i was including Chauncey, Amare and Melo game 1

[angryguy77]

We also have to remember that KG had an awful night. He missed a ton of shots that the usually makes.

Doc imo, made a mistake by leaving Davis in the game over JO.
We know this team can play better, we know they *should* play better. Winning despite playing poorly is what a championship team can do from time to time.

Our title hopes still depends on Shaq. Sure there is decent chance that we could snag #18, but it would be much easier if we have on the floor and not on the sideline.

IF he can return, I have no doubt we get redemption.

[Rondo2287]

We also have to remember that KG had an awful night. He missed a ton of shots that the usually makes.

Doc imo, made a mistake by leaving Davis in the game over JO.
We know this team can play better, we know they *should* play better. Winning despite playing poorly is what a championship team can do from time to time.

Our title hopes still depends on Shaq. Sure there is decent chance that we could snag #18, but it would be much easier if we have on the floor and not on the sideline.

IF he can return, I have no doubt we get redemption.

I completely agree about JO, I was at the game so i just assumed he was hurt or something.  When Doc plays Green and Baby together we have no interrior D and thats when we get into trouble