The Knicks really won enough this time! In the Eastern Conference semifinals, although the Pacers reversed the score 130-121 and the score came to 2-0, which seemed to be beautiful, this victory was actually bitter. Why? Because the Knicks not only injured the four main players, but the coach's employment strategy was also complained about by the fans, which can be said to be a "tragedy of victory".
First of all, let's talk about these four main forces. Brunson, Hart, Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson are all pillars of the Knicks. Especially Brunson, the brother only played this game for a long time, and left the field because of a sore right foot, although he gritted his teeth and insisted on coming back, but do you think it is good for his injury recovery? Hart fought to the extreme in this game, did not play for 48 minutes, and scored 19 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists in the all-round data, but averaged more than 48 minutes of playing time per game, which is even crazier than overtime!
Then there was Anunoby, who left the game early due to a hamstring problem and contributed 28 points in this game, which can be described as giving his best. As for Mitchell Robinson, he will be out for 6 to 8 weeks because of an ankle problem, which is undoubtedly a major blow to the Knicks.
Let's talk about our coach Thibodeau. This coach's coaching strategy is truly love-hated and hated. His preferred seven-man rotation tactic undoubtedly puts great pressure and challenge on the main players. While this strategy may seem effective in the short term, it is a huge physical test for the players in the long run. Many fans are asking, is this kind of employment strategy really suitable for the Knicks who are pursuing championships?
Looking at the trend of this game, although the Knicks' victory was good, the price behind it is also obvious. Brunson's injury and Hart's long playing time are a direct reflection of the Knicks' current predicament. Of course, Thibodeau's coaching ability is undoubted, but at this critical moment, should the playing time of each player be more scientifically and rationally allocated, so that the players can maintain their best condition while also effectively avoiding injuries?
Looking ahead, the Knicks still have a long way to go. Facing the next possible opponent, the Celtics, the Knicks must not only adjust their tactics, but also ensure the health of their players. Otherwise, no matter how much 2-0 advantage there is, it will only be a flower in the mirror, a moon in the water.
In short, although the Knicks won this time, it was a scary win. Fans can't help but ask, is such a victory worth it? Is the coach's strategy really the best choice? Only time may be able to answer these questions. However, hopefully the Knicks can learn from these predicaments and find a more reasonable tactic and employment strategy, so let's wait and see how they perform in the future.
If you want to peel back the cocoon from this game, to be honest, the Knicks really have to reflect on it. On the one hand, the health of the players is the cornerstone of a long-term plan, and this premise cannot be overlooked for the sake of a momentary victory. On the other hand, fans have also raised a lot of doubts about the appointment of coaches, after all, fans' eyes are bright, and they prefer to see a team that can win and stay healthy.
And for the players, the game was undoubtedly a bitter experience. Hart's persistence, Anunoby's efforts, and Brunson's return all show the relentlessness of the Knicks players. But at the same time, it also reflects the team's shortcomings in management and adjustment.
At the end of the day, although the Knicks' victory this time is exciting, the underlying problems cannot be ignored. From coaches to players, from tactics to management, every link needs to be carefully polished and adjusted. Only in this way can we really move towards success, not just a short-term joy in the score.
In the next game, the challenge for the Knicks will be even tougher. In the face of injuries and fatigue, how to adjust the lineup and strategy to keep the team competitive will be a big problem for the Knicks coaching staff. Fans are also looking forward to seeing if the Knicks can bring more surprises in the next games, while also protecting the health of each player.
Finally, as a long-time Knicks fan, I personally very much hope that the Knicks will find a more effective solution. After all, healthy players and the right tactics are the keys to the final. I hope that the Knicks can show a more mature and stable side in future games, and bring more joy and hope to all fans.