The New York Knicks are just two wins away from a 2-0 win over the Indiana Pacers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The bad news is that as New York continues to be ravaged by injuries, those wins have become more difficult to come by. Last to go down is OG Anunoby, who exited late in Game 2 with a hamstring strain that will keep him out of at least Game 3. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson, who has become a full-fledged New York legend, is listed as such. Doubtful for Game 3, but he will officially suit up.
Brunson was hot before Game 3 and the Knicks coach on Friday night « We'll see, » Tom Thibodeau said. How Brunson's foot responds before deciding if he'll play. Brunson's foot responded well enough for him not only to play, but to assume his usual starting duties.
Brunson returned to put on an incredible (and still incredible) performance in the second half. 54th anniversary of the day Willis Reed walked 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 should try to keep playing. This is not a one-time condition. The Knicks need Brunson badly, not only if they plan to finish off the Pacers, but if they want to have a chance at a matchup with Boston in the conference finals.
Remember, the Knicks have already traded Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic for the remainder of the playoffs. They play seven boys Including Anunoby and Branson. Take out Anunoby and you're down to six. Take out Brunson and you do the math. Forget the Knicks losing production; It's about having warm enough bodies. Prepare to eat about 44 minutes of Deuce McBride sprinkled with lots of Alec Burks.
What a crazy difference these bummer injuries have made to a team as electric as we've seen NBA In a little while.
The Knicks' riding power feels like it should at least be enough to get past Indiana, but it's now mostly up to Brunson. If he can't go, it's danger time. Tom Thibodeau can't clone four more Josh Harts if he gets on his lab coat.
