Knickoftime wrote:nyknickzingis wrote:And this game just got that much tougher
2nd night of a back to back and no Melo on the road
Only positive is that its not a typical road game.
And it's the Nets.
You were saying?
I've been watching basketball and following the league religiously for decades.
This was a real trap game, in that Melo was out, and the way Melo was playing he was organizing the offense and doing a lot of the work so role players would be able to focus on defense. Without Melo the role players have to work harder for shots. Doesn't leave as much effort for defense. Factor in that they were going to be a 2nd night of a back to back, I am not at all surprised. The Nets were also playing under a new coach with a new level of freedom.
I get that the Nets aren't a good basketball team, and I hated watching this one, but I saw it coming. Too many guys were patting themselves on the back and without Melo our rotation is real wack. We didn't have the legs (look at the 3 ball shooting). Porzingis looked a bit flat, as did Thomas and a number of other guys.
This is part of the reason I think the Knicks are going to be competitive this year but will struggle to be a playoff team. Too much reliance on one player. We're 0-3 without Melo, now, I believe.
Under normal circumstances - even without Melo I can see us win this game. Those weren't there today. Team looked tired and was coming of a gut wrenching win.
