With Randle out of the picture for at least the rest of the regular season, the Knicks may look to implement some new things. While Tom Thibodeau is no offensive genius, he has been more inclined to switching things up offensively and being a bit more creative. What might be kind of exciting and fun to watch, though, is the way the Knicks play. And even a guy like Jericho Sims, who saw some minutes at power forward earlier this season, could be relied on to provide sparks in some short spurts. He’ll be guarding multiple positions, asked to continue being an elite rebounder, and be a key playmaker whenever he sets screens and ends up as the short roll man. Josh Hart, who could see extended minutes at the power forward position, will have plenty of opportunities to showcase everything he does well. A strong showing by Toppin, which would entail a lot of rim running, knocking down open shots, and playing improved defense, could even lead to some more minutes in the playoffs. Obi Toppin, who should see the biggest increase in minutes and expectations, finally has the opportunity to turn this season around. RJ Barrett has to be more consistent overall and take a step in being the shooter and the playmaker that the team so badly needs. Immanuel Quickley, who has been very good as of late, must continue being a masterful orchestrator of the pick and roll, a capable shooter, both off the catch and off the dribble, and a threat to drive and get to the lane. In other words, everybody else will have to pick up the slack. But hopefully, we see just slight upticks in his overall responsibilities as the Knicks will need Brunson, who has been dealing with a few minor injuries lately, to be as close to 100% as possible for the playoffs.
RJ BARRETT STATS WITHOUT RANDLE SERIES
With the offense running through Brunson more, he may be in for some really big nights a kin to his playoff series against the Jazz in which he averaged 27.8 PPG on 21F GA/game. We should expect a couple more isolation opportunities, a couple more pick and rolls, and should see his 17.3 FGA/game and his usage rate increase as well. However, Randle carried a lot of the offensive burden, and with him out, Brunson will have to do more for the Knicks to finish strong. The point guard is currently averaging 23.6 PPG and 6.1 APG on 48.8% shooting amidst an incredible season. The Knicks will obviously rely heavily on Brunson. Who will step up and lead the Knicks into the playoffs? The logical first name that comes to mind is Jalen Brunson. Realistically speaking, the Knicks should go 3-2. That being said, this is also a team that has lost games to a Timberwolves team without Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, and a Hornets team without LaMelo Ball, both within the last month. The Cavaliers game may be difficult to pull off, but all the other games are incredibly winnable, especially for a Knicks team that has often done the unexpected. It’s not even impossible for the Knicks to win out. 500, while the Pelicans are just one game over. And the both the Wizards and the Pacers are under. They aren’t playing any of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference, and they aren’t playing any of the top six teams in the west either. That may not be a cake walk but it’s also not too bad of a schedule. New York took a temporary lead during his absence, with the same trio of Randle, Brunson and Barrett remaining aggressive, but there was no separation heading into winning time in the fourth quarter.Knicks say Julius Randle will be re-evaluated in two weeks due to ankle sprain.- Ian Begley March 30, 2023įirst off, how will the Knicks compete with Randle out? New York closes out it’s regular season with games against the Cavaliers, Wizards, Pacers, Pelicans, then the Pacers again. Miami's injury problems weren't done even with Butler, Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo, as Max Strus went to the locker room in the third quarter. The outside shooting of Barrett and Randle provided a bright spot, but it was easy to pick up on the apprehension coming from the crowd in the Garden. There was far less balance on the home team's side, as Knicks not named Barrett, Randle and Brunson had a grand total of seven points at the half.
Caleb Martin was the only one in double figures at that point, and the balanced approach proved to be a problem for the Knicks for extended stretches. Yet they went basket-for-basket with New York throughout the first half and took a three-point lead into intermission.
After all, they already stole home-court advantage regardless of the Game 2 outcome and were still on the road against a team desperate for a win. It would have been easy for the Heat to fold up and look ahead to Game 3 with Butler out. BrunsonMuse point guards with 30+ PTS in the Conference semi-finals: Jalen BrunsonWalt Frazier It's been 50 years.
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