The New York Knicks are going strong in the round 2 of playoffs. They have a 2-1 record for the moment against the Indiana Pacers. Nonetheless, despite being the favorites to sweep this round, NBA veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett believe that the Knicks might face problems due to their unsustainable strategy and can also end on the wrong side of this round, losing their dominance, if things go astray. Fans were stunned to hear it from Pierce.
Pierce was present in an interview with NBA legend Kevin Garnett in his podcast “KG Certified” when the former spoke at length about the Knicks’ strategy that can bring down the team. For fans, it was an insight into the workings of the game on the big stage.
Paul Pierce warns New York Knicks
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Garnett asked Pierce if he was worried about the durability of the Knicks since their starting five take a lot of time before being rotated. Pierce agreed with Garnett, stating, “I dont think they can sustain this for 7 games in this series. So I feeling like if the Pacers can push this to atleast 6 games, I think they gotta chance to win. I think the Knicks best chance to winning this series is the way it’s going to end this series fast. They gotta sweep. They gotta sweep or win in five. If they wanna at least pace this out and get some rest… some kind of rest because… the way Boston looking. They looking like they trying’ to end this series fast. So if the Knicks wanna get some rest, and move forward because to adjust to this pace is just too much. These guys are playing heavy minutes, games just every other day.”
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Knicks though on the top cannot be denied are suffering from exertion. A recent example was when their power forward OG Anunoboy was limping while grabbing his hamstring in Game 2 against the Pacers. Another player Josh Hart played for the entire contest during game 1 against the Pacers. This also serves as an example that the Knicks need to slow it down and need some rest.
Similarly, Jalen Brunson also has a sore foot and in spite of the injury had to start with Game 3. Therefore, much like Pierce, a lot of balling enthusiasts believe that the Knicks’ best way to win this series is to end it as soon as possible. Lest their main players suffer an injury or tire away, at the highest level, due to the extreme pressure forced on them by asking them to participate for long durations. Hopefully, they will resolve their issues before their fourth game.
What’s next for New York Knicks?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Knicks will play their fourth game on Sunday, May 12. The game will be an away one for the Knicks and can be streamed on ABC. Fans will be hoping that they find a solution for their players’ exhaustion and keep them in good health so that they can go for the conference finals. If the Knicks want, they can wrap up the series by winning the next two games.
Perhaps it is this warning from Pierce that the Knicks need to keep themselves fit and ready to qualify for the conference finals hereafter.