The New York Knicks have so many injuries it’s like meeting Bruce Wayne on a bad night.
However, even though their injury report has rarely been empty this season, the Knicks have relied on the usual resilience of a team led by head coach Tom Thibodeau. This led the Knicks to adopt the “the next man‘ mentality. This also comes with a call to sacrifice.
The Knicks’ new formula bodes well for the playoffs
As Thibodeau says: “He who does it, this is where we are going”, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
“Some nights it’s not your night, it’s someone else’s night and then you put the team first. Everyone sacrifices themselves. And that’s really what we’ve been doing all year.
This season, such sacrifices have led to players like Precious Achiuwa be removed from the starting lineup. Start at the place of the injured OG AnunobyAchiuwa’s physical profile and skills bring him closer to Julius Randle than their 3-and-D star wing. Having said this, Achiuwa began instead of their All-Star forward after coming out with a dislocated shoulder in late January.
Supplanted in the starting XI by Anunoby, Achiuwa never regained his place when his long-time teammate went out with elbow pain. Third year guard Miles McBride I received the call instead. The change seemed strategic.
Tom Thibodeau explains the programming change
Addressing his decision to bring Achiuwa back to the second unit, Thibodeau said: “I have a lot of confidence in Precious. »
“He did a great job for us. I like the fact that he can play two positions. I think he can guard several positions. This allows you to make a lot of changes.
“So it was more like the match…” explains Thibodeau.
“…OK, who are we watching in the Golden State game? We look [Stephen Curry] (requiring McBride to be in the lineup to chase him). And then with [the Brooklyn Nets]you look Cam Thomas which rolled.
McBride has put in some surprisingly impressive performances in his last few starts. Playing every 48 minutes against the Nets, he scored 26 points on 6-12 shooting from 3 and had no turnovers. It was McBride’s third consecutive start. It was his second game in three outings with at least 25 points and his third straight game playing at least 40 minutes.
Trust builder
The Knicks don’t sacrifice their egos and bodies in vain. Because of their willpower and sense of purpose, this results in victories. In their last 10 games, the Knicks are 7-3 and fourth in the standings. Eastern Conference standings at 42-28.
With a mentally strong and selfless team identity, they build a winning culture. At this point, they are in a better position to overcome adversity than last season. In what is déjà vu for the Knicks, Randle and Brunson are dealing with injuries heading into the playoffs. However, New York is better equipped to deal with key injuries than it was last postseason.
