The New York Knicks, with a 2-0 win over the Indiana Pacers, are just two wins away from qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals. The bad news is that those wins have become more difficult to come by as New York continues to struggle with injuries. The latest to go down is OG Anunoby, who exited late in Game 2 with a hamstring strain that will keep him out of Game 3 at least. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson, who has turned into a complete New York legend, is also on the list. Questionable for Game 3, but he will officially suit up and play.
Brunson was warming up before Game 3 on Friday night, and the Knicks coach “We’ll see,” Tom Thibodeau said. How Bronson’s foot responds before he decides whether to play. It stands to reason that Brunson’s foot has responded well enough to not only play, but also take over his regular starting duties.
Brunson returned for a stunning second-half display of what was (and even more amazing) The 54th anniversary of the day Willis Reed limped out of the locker room for Game 7 of the Finals. Game 2 of the conference semifinals isn’t nearly the same as Game 7 of the Finals, but unlike Reed, Brunson has to try to keep the game going. This is not a one-time digestive condition. The Knicks need Brunson in the worst way, not only if they plan to take down the Pacers, but if they want to have any chance at a potential matchup with Boston in the conference finals.
Remember, the Knicks have already defeated Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic in the rest of the playoffs. They are playing with seven men Included Anunoby and Bronson. Take out Anunoby and your count will be down to six. Get rid of Bronson, then do the math. Forget about the production the Knicks are losing; This is a matter of having enough warm bodies. Get ready for about 44 minutes of Deuce McBride sprinkled with plenty of Alec Burks.
What a crazy contrast to these difficult injuries for a team with as much emotion as we saw in NBA in a moment.
It seems like the energy the Knicks are using should be enough to carry them at least past Indiana, but that depends largely on Brunson right now. If he can’t go, it’s dangerous time. Unless Tom Thibodeau can get into his lab coat and clone about four more Josh Harts.
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