THE Knicks got a deserved day off Monday after their win over Cleveland on Sunday, even though they were missing (virtually) four starters in that game.
With no practice scheduled yesterday as Tom Thibodeau (believe it or not) prioritizes rest for his available players while those who are banged up lick their wounds, there weren’t many quotes to be found in the wild.
However, as always, we did our best and still found a few hidden gems to share with Knicks fans everywhere. Here they are!
Tom Thibodeau
In rotation, players mobilize to compensate for injured and missing starters…
“I thought that altruism [stood out]guys make plays for each other. [32] assists are a big number. … I thought the guys did a really good job with it.
On what allows these Knicks to continue to win games even with a depleted squad…
“[Toughness] of our players. This is the composition of the players. So I think it’s important.
“I think Leon [Rose, the team president] and his team did a good job identifying these guys. I love our team. I love how hard they work. I love the way they care about winning, the way they are willing to sacrifice for each other. This thing goes a long way.
Donte DiVincenzo
After rebounding from his recent shooting slump against the Cavaliers, scoring a game-high 28 points…
“Everyone in the offensive flow was just moving the ball and just being aggressive. Honestly, (I was) just my normal, aggressive self.
On how the cast continues to win games for New York, including Sunday’s game in Cleveland…
“We are collectively together and everyone wants each other to succeed. I don’t think there’s a single guy who wants to go out and outshine anyone. Tonight was a perfect match to see that. It was very balanced, everyone was vaccinated.
Josh Hart
By pulling off the surprise against the Cavs even with a very small squad…
“Thibs says it all the time: next man up mentality. When someone falls, you have to try to find a way.
“Obviously, [Cleveland] played very well. They have guys out, so we can’t use that excuse. We just have to go out there and play hard. We had a great game plan, and we have to go out there, play our game and execute it.
On having an underdog mentality in the NBA…
“I think you see guys on every team wanting to compete – no matter what team it is, you see guys as competitors. As Hoopers, we always want to play a bigger role. We always want to go out there and show what we can do. And then when the guys come out, it’s an opportunity for us to take on those kinds of roles.
“Sometimes when you have six, seven guys (available on game day) and you’re able to play really freely, without conscience, because at the end of the day, (the coach) can’t really replace you. So you have to go out there and play with confidence and I think we did that today as a team.
Isaiah Hartenstein
On Max Strus who caught his eye…
“I just went up, he just hit me right in the eye. I had the blockage, it kind of fell [with his arm], it first got in my eye, then I kind of scratched it. That’s kind of what happened.
Mitchell Robinson
On his rehabilitation and what inspired him these days…
“If Jackie Robinson can keep his faith in God and stay true to himself when he faced his toughest battles every day, I don’t see why I can’t. I’m currently reading Jackie Robinson’s book. The first chapter gave me inspiration and motivation, comfort and strength, wisdom and direction to stay true to myself and not fail. I have been fighting battles for a while and I have lost most of them, but in this battle that I am fighting now, I will definitely prevail. A strong mind, strong faith and continued trust in God make my feelings unstoppable.
Kendrick Perkins: “Their culture. Their grit. Their tenacity. Their mentality…The only thing you can’t replace is heart…The Knicks continue to compete…Think about this: no Randle, no OG , no Brunson, and they walk into Cleveland and get the W”
Bob Myers: “It can’t happen if you’re… pic.twitter.com/bP49Z26Myk
– New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 4, 2024
Bob Myers (former NBA general manager)
On the Knicks’ victory against the Cavs on Sunday…
“It can’t happen if you’re Cleveland, it’s not possible. I know you didn’t have Donovan Mitchell but Brunson goes down after a minute, that means he didn’t play. McBride comes in and plays – Thibodeau checked it and never checked it… 47 minutes! Which is a Thibodeau classic, and he delivered on his promises.
On what makes the New York Knicks a great organization…
“There is an identity. We talk about identity, and people watching us say, “What is identity? You discover your culture. The Knicks have built an identity of toughness. And that comes from Thibodeau and Brunson, because Jalen Brunson embodies that identity as well.
Kendrick Perkins (former NBA player)
On the Knicks’ season and their prospects…
“Their culture. Their courage. Their tenacity. Their mentality: It’s the next man up when it comes to Tom Thibodeau, and the one thing you can’t replace is heart.
“The Knicks continue to compete and that comes from the leadership, your coach and your franchise manager (Jalen Brunson).”
“Think about this: no Julius Randle, no OG Anunoby, no Jalen Brunson…and they go to Cleveland and get the win.”
Stephen A. Smith (television personality)
On the Knicks’ true talent level this season…
“Léon Rose did a remarkable job. Tom Thibodeau has done an exceptional job coaching this franchise.
“When you saw OG Anunoby come to New York in the month of January 12-2, best record in the NBA, they were playing ball…and then all the injuries happened: OB goes down, Julius Randle goes down. , Mitchell Robinson was out for most of the season, etc…”
“When you look at it that way, and you think about (Bojan) Bogdanovic’s recovery, (Alec) Burks’ recovery, with the way Jalen Brunson is playing… if those three guys were in the healthy roster, I think the Knicks would be here right now as the number one. 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference.
“What can you say? I would definitely crucify the Knicks under normal circumstances – they don’t deserve this here. They’re just hurt.
