Ok I can be somewhat positive although I’m NGL, that loss hurts me.
Thoughts:
- We are way past the point of moral victories, even against a team like PHX. That’s a good thing.
- Randle and RJ had bad games. 13-31. And we were still within 3 with less than a minute left.

That shows the depth and strength of this team. And no, I don’t think Phoenix unlocked a way to shut them down. Bad nights happen even to stars, but good teams still give themselves a chance to win. We did that.
- Ayton is the kind of big who can give the Knicks issues.

I thought Noel and Taj held up well, and while he had some backbreaking offensive rebounds left, he was mostly a non-factor in the post. He’s not Bam or Joel (yet, I think he mad massive potential), but that’s encouraging if we have to face those teams

- Obi had yet another very active and impactful game. Besides one missed putback that I bet he wishes he had back, his touch around the rim and body control was extremely impressive and he runs the floor like a deer at 6’9.

- IQ had some bad possessions, but overall the growth as a passer and ball handler (in addition to some absurd shots) was great.
- Without Elfrid Payton, this is not as close of a game. Best ball he’s played all season and it wasn’t just making shots. He pushed the pace, made

Smart passes, and played some tough D on CP3 (one egregious case of going under a screen notwithstanding).
- Rough game for Reggie. Whole lotta bullshit from Book, but rough matchup. Still, as much of a Frank fan as I am, he struggles with fouls too and Booker was baiting

- When Julius gets a step on defenders, he’s gotta be thinking rim. Lots of Carmelo parallels have been drawn, but one frustrating one is how Melo used to get to the rim a TON early in his career, but not as much late. Julius too. Part of it is scheme/spacing...

But the moments when he blows by a guy like Cam Johnson only to settle for a middy are very frustrating given how good a finisher he can be. I understand the Ayton threat but...we can get a better shot out of that.

- Randle and other Knicks seem to be thinking too much against double teams to make the home run pass instead of the easy one. Numerous times there was an open shooter one pass away and held. Often, because of Randle’s superlative vision he could still find a cutter but...

Take the easy pass and trust the ball movement! Not a hard fix and Randle (and Rose) have shown that ability but tonight there were a few possessions I’m sure they’d love to have back.
- The Knicks should be favored in their next two games (CHI and HOU) and then...it’s hard

- MEM, DEN, PHX, both LA teams (all on the road) then come home to face SAS (who always seems to have our number), CHA, BOS. None of those are gimmes, so it’s imperative to win the next two to take some of the pressure off. Have to imagine Thibs will have them ready to face

His old team at home after a day of rest. #nykforever let’s close this out strong