The Knicks are set to play the Pistons within the first spherical of the playoffs and Stan Van Gundy has spoken truthfully about their possibilities.
He thinks NY might discover themselves on the top of a tricky battle and a seven-game sequence in opposition to a bodily Pistons outfit.
“They’re actually, actually good on the defensive finish,” Van Gundy mentioned, through New York Publish. “They rebound the heck out of the ball. Look, that workforce can match up with New York. I feel that might be a tricky sequence. I’m not an excellent predictor, however I feel the video games in that sequence can be hard-fought. … I’d most likely take the Knicks in seven.”
Van Gundy continued, “I don’t suppose there’s that a lot separating these two groups. Truly, so far as the Knicks at full power, I feel that Detroit would scare me extra if I have been a Knick fan than Milwaukee or Indiana. Despite the fact that Indiana beat ’em final 12 months, the Knicks weren’t at full power. Now if [Damian] Lillard is there, complete completely different ballgame. I’d nonetheless take the Knicks, however now I feel it will be a aggressive sequence.”
In contrast to Van Gundy, others suppose New York received’t progress any additional than they have already got.
“I don’t suppose they’re ok to advance to the second spherical,” O’Neal mentioned. “That’s simply me personally.”
James Edwards III of The Athletic tends to agree.
“It’s onerous to beat a great workforce twice, not to mention three and 4 instances just like the Celtics have New York,” Edwards wrote. “The Knicks are hoping the chances even out when basketball issues most, assuming they will get previous the Detroit Pistons or Milwaukee Bucks within the first spherical of the playoffs and get one other crack at Boston. However for now, all New York has is hope….Hope that enjoying Boston carefully as soon as unlocks one thing psychologically, like believing they will hold with the defending champs in the event that they get another shot.”
The Knicks have been 0-10 in opposition to the High 3 groups within the NBA:
vs. Celtics (0-4)
vs. Cavaliers (0-4)
vs. Thunder (0-2)
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