Brown Looks To Get Knicks To NBA Finals
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Madison Square Garden
By Andrew Rosario
Bridges Big In First 2 Rounds
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Madison Square Garden
When the New York Knicks fell behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the noise and negative comments were swift and biting. Every member of the organization was aware of the team’s plight. Whispers of a major overhaul would happen if they failed to get out of the first round. First year head coach would get fired. The team would be broken up with the only safe player being guard and captain Jalen Brunson. There were no players only team meeting. They all knew what was at stake.
The Knicks pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and winning the next three games eliminating the Hawks. In the 140-89, on Atlanta’s floor, the Knicks embarrassed Atlanta scoring 83 points in the first half. 40 in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics were in a dog fight. Boston took a commanding 3-1 lead and then watched as the Sixers righted themselves winning the last 3 games coming away with series, clinching the series in front of a stunned and shocked Boston fans.
It set up series between Philadelphia and New York with Knicks having home court advantage. Said Sixers center Joel Embiid, dealing injuries, pleaded with his fans prior to game 3.“I just have a message for our fans: Last time we played the Knicks it felt like this was Madison Square Garden East. So, we’re gonna need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you; we need you guys.”
New York held serve in the first 2 games at the World’s Most Famous arena dominating game 1 by 39 points (137-98) as Brunson led all scorers with 35 points, 19 in the first quarter. 3 of the other 5 Knicks starters scored in double figures. Game 2 had all of feelings of a trap game for New York as Embiid did not suit up with ankle and hip soreness. Sixers guard picked up the slack scoring 26 points but Brunson matched him scoring 26 as well coming up with big baskets down the stretch in the 108-102. Unfortunately, Knicks forward OG Anunoby had to leave the game with a right hamstring strain. When the series moved down I-95 south, Anunoby would not dress. It didn’t matter as the Knicks were fueled by the New York fans who found a way to get tickets and have their voices heard.
Game 3 saw them come away with a 108-94 with back-up guard Landry Shamet coming off the bench to score 15 points, nailing 5 of 6, 3-pointers. Game 4 saw the Knicks put the 76ers out of their misery with a 144-114 rout. In the end, New York connected on 25, 3-pointers on 44 attempts. Philadelphia never knew what hit them.
The sweep now gives New York time to rest and heal as the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers battle to see who would face New York. Both teams have won at home with Cleveland winning Monday night to even the series at 2 games each. Game 5 took place Wednesday in Detroit.
The Philadelphia 76ers were burnt out having to play the previous series against Boston. The Knicks caught a second wind after trailing Atlanta 2-1 before sweeping Embiid and company.
Rust or rest will be discussed when the Knicks play in the Eastern Conference Finals. If Cleveland wins, New York would have home court advantage. If Detroit wins, they will host the first 2 games. The New York Knicks are looking to return to NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 when lost in 5 games to the San Antonio Spurs. They have not won a NBA Championship since 1973, 53 years ago.
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