The Knicks did not go the easy task to come back to Michigan for a sixth game. But the New York franchise managed to sign a small feat by winning its third match at the Little Caesers Arena and concluding the first round against the pistons with a qualification torn off 4-2. Jalen Brunson will obviously remain the hero, thanks to an exceptional new performance and his winning shot. But this time in Detroit, it was all New York who responded to the fight.
For the Knicks, this success is a little moment of history and the sign of continuity. It was necessary to go back to 2000 to see the franchise win a series of playoffs three consecutive seasons. It is now done thanks to 110 points of the holders, out of the 116 of the team on Thursday.
« Look at the contributions around Jalen Insisted Tom Thibodeau. “” Kat has taken 15 rebounds, and signed a lot of difficult actions. We needed Mikal (Bridges) and OG (Anunoby), they were phenomenal. Josh (Hart) did what he does every evening. And we needed each of them. It shows you the hardness of finding a way of winning in the end. »
Fourth match with a difference of three points or less
Hardness yes, resilience too, in a new knife match. For the fourth meeting in a row, the final difference did not exceed the three points, which had not happened https://twitter.com/OptaSTATS/status/1918134354468839672 Throughout the history of the playoffs (between the Celtics and the Sixers in the 1981 conference final). And the Knicks had to respond to pistons always as intense and catchy, authors of a 23-4 in the fourth quarter, to lead seven points less than three minutes from the end. “” We hung on, we persevered, going through difficult times »Says Tom Thibodeau at a press conference. “” Playoffs, it all depends on your hardness and discipline. There will necessarily be ups and downs. You have to go through all that, stay focused on what you have to do and do the job. »
« We are a group that plays hard Has repeated Josh Hart several times. “” Everyone likes to portray us as if we were not, but we are a group that plays hard, physical. It was a physical, exhausting series. And I think that in the end, we showed our physical hardness, but also mental, in the way we managed adversity. We united. »
-Coincidence or not, the Knicks had all decided to wear black shoes for the occasion. “” It was randomly »Ensures with a hint of sarcasm Jalen Brunson while Mikal Bridges could not hold a smile. “” Josh (Hart) did not have all black shoes either, there was a touch of purple. This funeral paraphernalia finally smiled at them, bringing a new heartbreak to the boiling public in the pistons.
« They played hard, their supporters responded Reacted Josh Hart to the media in the locker room. “” It’s a great feeling. We are obviously disappointed not to have managed to do it at home in front of our fans. But it remains one of the best feelings in sport, playing in a hostile atmosphere and silenced it. »
And now the Celtics
After intense basketball, almost martial by sequences, from Detroit, the Knicks will now attack another challenge. The Celtics await them, after having largely dominated the oppositions between the two teams during the regular season. “” We know that it will be a test » avance Josh Hart. « They play at a very high level, but we have confidence in us, in whom we are. I think we are growing up, so it’s going to be a hell of a battle. It’s a great team with great coaches, so it should be a great series. »
“I’m proud of the team, but the path is still long »Consumes Tom Thibodeau. “” When you are a competitor and you like challenges, that’s what you expect. These are the reigning champions, so we know that we will have to be at our best. “First match on Monday, outside, for the Knicks.
