The New York Knicks are doing nice with a 27-15 document, however let’s not act like all the pieces is ideal.
Karl-Anthony Cities is caught on the bench along with his thumb wrapped like a forged, and Josh Hart is on the market grabbing rebounds like his shoulder is not hurting with each transfer.
It is spectacular, no doubt. These guys give all the pieces they’ve to maneuver the crew ahead. However how for much longer can they get by means of all this ache earlier than it catches up with them?
With the Hawks arriving on MLK Day and the Knicks roster held collectively by effort and can, it is arduous to not surprise if this crew can proceed.
For now, it is all about toughness and dedication, however Knicks followers are questioning: How lengthy earlier than it takes its toll?
Key takeaways
- Cities suffers a thumb damage that features a bone chip and swelling. Whereas no surgical procedure is required, his return relies on how rapidly the swelling goes down, leaving the Knicks shorthanded within the frontcourt.
- Regardless of coping with a painful shoulder and neck damage, Hart has been a drive on the court docket, grabbing 17 rebounds in a latest sport. His efforts are inspiring, however the Knicks are placing a whole lot of stress on him to hold the load.
- With Mitchell Robinson nonetheless out and Cities sidelined, gamers like Treasured Achiuwa and Jericho Sims are stepping up. Whereas they’ve helped, the Knicks’ frontcourt depth stays a serious concern because the season progresses.
Knicks stars wrestle with ache, however is it lasting?
Seeing Karl-Anthony Cities on the bench along with his thumb wrapped in a hardcover is not precisely comforting for Knicks followers.
Watching Josh Hart shrug off a shoulder damage and dive for rebounds may encourage some, however how for much longer can this crew depend on the toughness of its gamers to make up for his or her issues?
Cities, formally questionable for the MLK Day sport towards the Hawks, has been out for 2 video games with a thumb damage.
Sadly, it is not only a sprain; exams revealed a bone chip.
Though no surgical procedure is important and he plans to return as quickly because the swelling goes down, it is arduous to not fear.
Cities has been phenomenal this season, averaging 25.3 factors and 13.9 rebounds (second within the NBA).
However how assured can the crew be that he’ll keep wholesome sufficient to see it by means of the season?
Then there’s Hart, who was mugged throughout a loss to the Timberwolves.
His accidents – neck compression and shoulder ache – didn’t cease him from taking part in.
In actual fact, he grabbed 17 rebounds within the win towards the 76ers.
When requested about it, he joked: “There isn’t any one to steal my rebounds now.”
It is basic Hart humor, however the reality is the Knicks are leaning closely on him, and it is dangerous.
One other tough fall, so what?
Overworked heroes?
Jalen Brunson praised his teammates after Sunday’s follow, jokingly calling them “good-looking males» earlier than getting critical.
“They appeared implausible,» he stated. “Taking part in with ache is precisely what they’re.»
However ought to or not it’s?
The thought of “resisting” sounds nice in idea, nevertheless it’s not a film.
That is the NBA, a protracted and grueling season the place accidents typically result in larger issues.
Coach Tom Thibodeau appears resigned to this actuality.
“Nobody is 100% this time of yr.» he stated. “However I respect these guys. They present up day by day, even when they’re in ache.»
Respect is one factor, however the Knicks cannot survive on respect alone.
If Cities or Hart worsen their accidents, the crew’s already skinny frontcourt will wrestle much more.
Step Up When It Counts
The Knicks confirmed they will adapt of their extra time win over the 76ers, nevertheless it hasn’t been straightforward.
With Cities out, Jericho Sims began at heart however solely managed 23 minutes due to again spasms.
That left Treasured Achiuwa to step in, and he delivered.
Achiuwa had 10 factors, six rebounds and three important blocks within the remaining minutes.
Thibodeau praised his efficiency, saying: “[Achiuwa’s] the blocks had been large. It provides us extra flexibility in protection.»
However Achiuwa, who stands simply 6-foot-8, is not the long-term reply.
Sims, who had eight factors and 7 rebounds, is reportedly a sufferer of commerce talks.
Rookie Ariel Hukporti didn’t even play.
Hart additionally stepped up, closing the rebounding hole left by Cities.
However counting on Hart, who’s already taking part in by means of ache, to do extra is just not sustainable.
As he stated: “With Cities averaging 13 rebounds, it’s essential hit the glass tougher.”
What’s subsequent for the Knicks?
The MLK Day sport brings a particular type of stress.
For Jalen Brunson, taking part in that day means one thing larger.
“It is a privilege to play on days like this,» he stated.
“Dr. King stood for a lot and we should honor him.”
However feelings apart, the Knicks face a tricky scenario.
Atlanta has its personal damage issues — Zacharie Risacher and Larry Nance Jr. are out, whereas Trae Younger and Jalen Johnson are listed as possible — however the Knicks’ roster is skinny.
Mitchell Robinson, nonetheless recovering, may return to coaching later this month, however that will not remedy the quick drawback.
The Knicks have had an amazing season up to now, going 27-15, however with out Cities and Hart at full energy, how lengthy can they maintain this up?
For now, the Knicks are holding on, buoyed by gamers like Cities and Hart, able to push by means of the ache.
However at what price?
It is spectacular to observe, little doubt, but when this continues, the Knicks could possibly be searching for bother.
