Let's probe deeper, beyond the obvious matchups. Anyone can do match ups and project an opinion whether, "this guy is better than that guy."

or "That guy is better than this guy"

While match ups are fun, the playoffs are much more than individual match ups. The playoffs are about one factor that jumps off the page while everyone else is looking at match ups. The thing that made a difference at a pivotal moment that changed momentum. The less celebrated individual or the team personality that appeared out of nowhere and changed a moment in a game... a reverse spin move that conjures up images of Earl The Pearl. A technical foul at the wrong time. A scuffle that enrages the home crowd. Something, or someone will be a difference maker, and it won't be a match up that created it. Or will it?

For example, Landry Fields had 16 and 7 last night.

If our beloved Modell's employee can duplicate that level of production through the series, the Knicks win.

What is that ONE thing that will make a difference?

Marv wrote:chauncey. amear and melo will get theirs, but if chauncey plays at the killer level that he's still capable of, then our big 3 outplays their big 3.

Marv - what are the chances that all six of the big three for both teams show up every night?

Fun Fact

The combined age of the Celtics big three is 102. The Knicks big three are 89 years old, combined.

Jermaine O’Neal, Nenad Krstic, Glen Davis and quite possibly, Shaq.

versus

Ronny Turiaf, Jared Jeffries and Shelden Williams.

1. Hitting their open shots (duh!)
2. Move the effing rock (i.e., don't ISO except in obvious situations)
3. Boxing out on both ends of the court, but especially on defense
4. Fighting through screens, playing tight M-2-M defense (e.g., keep Rondo from getting into the paint)
5. Getting to the line and hitting the free throws

What will make us lose?

If Melo decides he will ISO on every play instead of keeping the ball moving and the team flowing, we lose.
If TD launches ridiculous threes all game, even when he's not "on", we lose.
If Stat stands around on defense while his man grabs the boards, we lose.
If Billups/TD make stupid passes and continually turn over the ball, we lose.

Chances are we will not win the series, but if we play smart, we certainly can beat the Celtics, who are old and lame.

Moonangie wrote:The Knicks MUST accomplish all of these things to win:

1. Hitting their open shots (duh!)
2. Move the effing rock (i.e., don't ISO except in obvious situations)
3. Boxing out on both ends of the court, but especially on defense
4. Fighting through screens, playing tight M-2-M defense (e.g., keep Rondo from getting into the paint)
5. Getting to the line and hitting the free throws

What will make us lose?

If Melo decides he will ISO on every play instead of keeping the ball moving and the team flowing, we lose.
If TD launches ridiculous threes all game, even when he's not "on", we lose.
If Stat stands around on defense while his man grabs the boards, we lose.
If Billups/TD make stupid passes and continually turn over the ball, we lose.

Chances are we will not win the series, but if we play smart, we certainly can beat the Celtics, who are old and lame.

Winning is good.

Moonangie - if you had to pick the single most important task the Knicks must handle effectively, what would it be?

Just one.

We've seen our group play defense when they try. They need to have that kind of effort sustained for as long as they want to continue playing.

GustavBahler wrote:Adjustments by the coach, substitutions.

This. When, not if, Boston shuts down option one two, what does D'Antoni have to keep the Knicks successful on the offensive end. We better see some sets and plays and plans B, C & D. If they play devolves into purely isos and the Knicks jacking up 3's, it will be very disappointing.

And Jefferies needs to sit.