Words and acts. Before this Game 1 in Boston, Josh Hart assured that he and his teammates trust: they could win with the reigning champion when they had not beaten Boston of the regular season. THE Knicks However, had reasons to doubt when they counted twenty points behind in this first round …
“We thought we were going to continue to believe it, to fight, to be together”says Jalen Brunson. “We could not return from a gap of twenty points with a single shot, it was necessary to nibble on possession after possession, it was necessary to find a way to make stops and to put baskets in attack. »»
Over the last 18 minutes of regulation time, the Knicks will spend a 48-28 to return to equality. Unfortunately for them, the playmaker is missing the match ball.
“We had the dynamics for us at that time. It was not the result we wanted ”launches, frustrated, Jalen Brunson, excellent after the break, clumsy in overtime. “But we had five more minutes to fight. Thank you to my teammates because I was not at my best level in this extension, but my teammates ensured my rear. »»
Can this game 1 serve as a model?
new York ended up winning and killing a stone, two strokes. Already, Tom Thibodeau’s troops regain the advantage of the field. In addition, they reverse the trend observed in the regular season – and how! – And finally prove that they can beat a big team.
Maybe, maybe, already a turning point? “I don’t see it as a model in itself. If we are welded, everything is possible “says Jalen Brunson on this first success. “The most important thing is to understand that it is only a victory. We have to start from scratch and be ready for Game 2 »insists the coach.
No need to ignite, but we must still highlight the performance of the Knicks. “This team fought throughout the season, being good outside. We were injured and, in the long term, it helps. It allows you to be harder mentally ”estimates Tom Thibodeau. “The main thing is that we have remained united, we fought for each other on each possession”, Jalen Brunson analysis. “No matter the face of the match, we stay together. Faced with everything, in good or bad times, we are welded. »»
The mental strength of the Knicks will again be tested in the second round since the reaction of the Celtics, very, very clumsy at 3-PTS (15/60), promises to be fierce.
“This Tuesday is a new day. During Game 2, there will be 0-0. We will have to do it again, that’s our state of mind. We must forget this match as quickly as possible ”estimates the New York All-Star playmaker.
