Oftentimes, when playing this particular game we know as basketball, sheer will dominates everything else.
If Kobe Bryant were still with us, he’d most likely find my location and drive all night to pop me in the face for what I’m about to say: Michael Jordan wasn’t the most talented player in basketball history. He just wanted it that much more than everybody else.
ECF Game 6: Matchup
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LeBron James, for instance, is more talented than Jordan. The extensive and versatile skill set he brings to the hardwood is something Jordan could never dare dream of replicating.
Fortunately for the G.O.A.T., this game isn’t about talent alone.
“Why have we witnessed so many dynasties?” NBA fans often ask. “Why do superstars dominate the sport?” Again, look no further than an individual’s burning desire to out-compete the opponent.
In the New York Knicks’ dominant Game 5 victory over the Indiana Pacers Thursday night, fans finally witnessed their team put forth an intensity level deserving of the Eastern Conference Finals. Better yet, the man of the night, thanks in large part to his 32 points and subsequent highlight packages showcasing that production, Jalen Brunson, answered the call.
For Tom Thibodeau and these Knickerbockers, Brunson answered the genuine call—the only challenge that gives this team a puncher’s chance to overcome a 3-1 series deficit …
His game began on the defensive end of the floor.
From there, his hot shooting sparked, and simultaneously, New York’s defense forced Indy to miss shots, relegating Tyrese Haliburton’s offense to a much slower pace.
That’s exactly where it starts in Game 6
Brunson’s defensive effort looms large
Knicks fans and media heads who fume over the slightest Jalen Brunson criticism just don’t get it.
Folks, everybody understands the New York Knicks aren’t here without No. 11. Not only is he their offensive leader and crunchtime soldier, but he’s the heart and soul of the squad.
That’s the point.
Holding down that heart-and-soul role means his attitude and effort trickle down the rotation. Make no mistake about that certainty.
When Brunson is lackadaisical defensively, constantly involved in miscommunications (e.g., Obi Toppin’s nail-in-the-coffin three in Game 4), and frustratingly hunting fouls, his troops follow suit.
Nobody expects the Knicks’ captain to suddenly turn into Bruce Bowen. Then again, there’s a significant distinction between his Game 5 effort and the previous four.
On the other end of the floor, we know how brilliant Brunson is when drawing the foul. The problem comes when we realize that the playoffs, particularly this deep in the playoffs, don’t play out the same way as any of the 82 regular-season games.
In Game 5, Brunson rarely hunted the foul and came out with youthful energy along the defensive perimeter. That remains the first key of Game 5.
That’s the first part of the Knicks’ “wanting it more” than the opposition.
Early shotmaking
Look, if you believe Thibodeau and the Knicks “figured out” the Pacers in Game 5, I’m befuddled. While I’m a staunch Thibs defender, firmly believing that the criticism he takes is well beyond reasonable, not one Game 5 adjustment propelled the Knicks to victory.
Sure, adjustments help. Taking Brunson off the ball when Aaron Nesmith was off the floor allowed him more offensive freedom, and picking Haliburton up full court forced Indiana to start its offensive sequence later in the shot clock.
But I’m sorry … the Packers simply did not show up.
It was sort of pathetic, actually. For the first time in the series, New York’s intensity and effort were off the charts, whereas the Pacers looked disinterested.
Rick Carlisle will have his team beyond ready for Game 6, and the Knicks better be ready to put out every fire. They cannot allow this fast-moving Pacers team to jump on them.
Just as important, however, is the Knicks ensuring that Carlisle’s original philosophy, coupled with extra wrinkles, doesn’t smother the early shotmaking ability.
A third Knicks player must show face in this game; it cannot be just Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns alone, and it begins with early shotmaking.
OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and even Josh Hart must confidently attempt and drill first-quarter threes. They got away without doing that in the previous game, but it was due to Brunson’s excellence, the overall defensive effort, and the Pacers playing horribly.
If that happens, there’s one man whose opportunity has finally arrived.
This is a Mikal Bridges game
The Knicks will not win this game if Brunson and Towns are the only dudes. They need a third dude.
For Thibodeau’s squad to break through Carlisle’s defensive mastery, one of the wings has to produce offensively. I’m talking about 25+ points on efficient shooting.
Mikal Bridges is certainly capable, and yes, they rely on his defense heavily, but New York’s offense must also threaten Indiana from the elbow/baseline.
If I’m Thibodeau and Brunson, I’m doing everything possible to get Bridges going early on the offensive end of the floor. The Pacers’ effort and overall attack will be extraordinarily overwhelming from the jump ball.
Bridges, and/or another offensive hero, must step up to be that third dude.
Before that, however, the will to win must match or exceed the opponent’s. We know the Knicks are capable, but can they string those efforts consecutively?
On Saturday night, we should have a great idea from the start.
If the New York Knicks want this more than the Indiana Pacers, we’ll see everybody Monday night at the Mecca.
