Knicks Fall to Sixers in Game 5
date
May 1, 2024
Files & media
slug
Knicks-Game-5
status
Published
tags
Knicks
Basketball
summary
In the wake of a game four victory in Philadelphia the Knicks have dropped the fifth game of the series in MSG. The series is now 3-2 and has taken on a new complexion.
type
Post
It can never be easy.
In the wake of a game four victory in Philadelphia the Knicks have dropped the fifth game of the series in MSG. The series is now 3-2 and has taken on a new complexion.
The gentleman’s sweep was in order and almost became a foregone conclusion for Knicks fans.
The Knicks all but had the win secured being up six late in the game, however, Tyrese Maxey had his Reggie Miller moment in The Garden draining two late three pointers in succession, one for a four point play, and the city of New York collectively gasped in horror.
Jalen Brunson was uncharacteristically reckless in overtime where he took almost every shot attempt for New York. Countless free throw opportunities that were wasted, turnovers in untimely spots, mindless fouls, the entire team was out of sorts. As horrible a loss as a team can have in the playoffs.
There is clear uncertainty now regarding the headspace and physical state of the the team after such a hard fought bout where three players logged over 50 minutes.
The Knicks only had seven players who got minutes in this game due to the injury to Bojan Bogdonovic but I was curious why, Precious Achiuwa, who has been very impactful on defense in this series, did not play a single minute all game. Considering the way the end of the game unfolded, the presence of Achiuwa could’ve altered the defensive collapse in the final minutes of regulation.
Not only did the defense experience a lapse in judgement, the Knicks ran out of offensive options down the stretch and that is when Brunson started forcing ill advised shots. Donte DiVincenzo was non existent shooting 3-10, 1-7 from downtown, also Josh Hart missed some key free throws that could’ve iced the game.
I’m beginning to notice a trend in this Knicks team that is very unsettling; when Jalen Brunson goes cold, the offense becomes sloppy and too reliant on offensive rebounds rather than quality shots.
The true culprit of the late game collapse is Tom Thibodeau. He mismanaged the players he had at his disposal late in the game and I believe this loss falls on his shoulders more than any of the players.
With 28.2 seconds left in the fourth, coming out of a timeout up six points, the clear play is to foul on the floor to prevent a three. The fact that no player had the intention to foul immediately, leads me to believe that Thibodeau failed to inform his players of this, and that is unacceptable. We witnessed Thibodaeu not foul in a similar situation in game 2, but it was swept under the rug because the Knicks won, now the crosshairs are placed directly over Thibs and his decision.
As a fan, I’m worried for this Knicks team. I’m skeptical of their ability to bounce back and muster up the tenacity and aggressiveness they have displayed all series once more in Philly.
I’m holding a shred of hope that this can be an opportunity to learn some valuable lessons in late game management, for Thibodeau and the players.
Move forward with humility and recognize the mental mistakes that were made, the game is over, nothing can be done to change that outcome now.
Game 6, 9:00pm EST, Tomorrow
Come correct.