Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons was a chance for the New York Knicks to accomplish something they hadn’t in almost 26 years. The Knicks had the opportunity to clinch a playoff series victory on the Madison Square Garden floor for the first time since their Eastern Conference Finals win over the Pacers in 1999. Up 3-1 over Detroit after stealing Game 4 in remarkable fashion, the moment felt right for this Knicks team to finally do it at home. New York is the better, more talented team that’s been through the playoff gauntlet before, while the Pistons are getting their first taste of the postseason. Unfortunately, what could’ve been a dream night at the Garden turned into a nightmare.
Knicks Playoff Chances Take Huge Hit With Game 5 Loss
Instead of coming out focused on the task at hand, the Knicks once again played with their food and paid the ultimate price. While New York defended well for most of the game, their offense was lethargic for the third time this series. There was no plan, no ball movement, and NY instead reverted to their typical stagnant, Jalen Brunson-led attack. Tom Thibodeau continuing to pound the ball with Brunson against arguably the best guard defender in the league, in Ausar Thompson, is mind-boggling, but here we are. A team with four elite offensive players relying on one player to create everything is nonsensical. Perhaps the Knicks thought they could squeak by Detroit without much effort. Well, they were wrong, and their season is now teetering on the edge.
New York Squandered a Chance for Much-Needed Rest
All year long, we’ve heard talk from everywhere about the Knicks’ lack of depth. Many questioned Thibodeau’s approach to heavy minutes for his starters instead of using bench players. The trades New York has made over the past year have consolidated the roster into a top-heavy unit. While these criticisms have been at least somewhat justified, Leon Rose should be able to bolster the squad’s depth this offseason.
Unfortunately, this year, this team has to walk a very thin line to make a deep playoff run. Their starters have been the healthiest group in the league this year, which contradicts the Thibodeau minutes critiques. However, while having a healthy squad for most of the season can only be considered a good thing, it also results in these guys playing the most minutes in the sport. There are times when the starting five is visibly exhausted.
With all this said, it was paramount that New York beat the Pistons in five games or fewer. Boston took care of business and closed out Orlando in their Game 5, meaning they will have a rest advantage over the Knicks in the second round (if NY gets there). The Celtics are also banged up and tired, and Thibs’ group has now allowed them to get extra time off while the Knicks have to keep playing a brutal series against Detroit. It’s going to be extremely difficult for a team that basically plays seven guys to get through four playoff rounds on short rest.
They Also Sustained Two Injuries to Key Players
With the game tied at 95, New York had two players go down on the same play. Josh Hart injured his wrist, while Brunson re-injured his right ankle once again. Brunson’s ankle collapsed on him after taking a step on what appeared to be a faulty floor panel. Sure, a floor malfunction is bad luck, but this is why you finish less talented teams as fast as possible. NY let the Pistons hang around in this series, and are paying the price.
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To literally add insult to injury, Detroit went on an 11-8 run after NY’s two stars left the floor. They stole Game 5 at MSG, and now the banged-up Knicks return to the Motor City. Even if they escape that game with no further injuries, they’ll be at a health/rest disadvantage against Boston. New York needed to win this series in short order to give itself the best shot at beating Boston. They failed to do so. While they’ll still have a chance to take this series and move on, things look bleak in New York.
Photo credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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