Knicks Ugly, Ugly Win in Philly
A win is a win is a win. There was a brilliant spot, the play of Cam Redish on the defensive end. Much as Isaac Okoro took Jalen Brunson out of the Cavs game, Cam’s tough D did the same to Tyrese Maxey in the 4th quarter. This was the difference in the game. Okoro was a +24 in 22 mins, Reddish was a team leading +19 in 15 min. What makes these +/- numbers so meaningful is that they were achieved in crunch time minutes.
If Cam Reddish would allow the game come to him on offense, he would be better than Barrett and Randle, who too often force their scoring. Reddish has a very nice stroke on open 3s and can Euro step either right por left going to the hole. Unfortunately, he seems to think that he must score whenever he touches the ball and is a larger black hole than the other wings. A starting lineup of Mich, an unselfish Cam, and Grimes would be a huge improvement on D. With Brunson’s penetration and greater ball movement, more open catch and shoot threes would be available.
Who would be the fifth starter in this hypothetical turn of events? Julius Randle would probably remain in the starting line up for two reasons. First, his attitude is the worst of the four remaining players, including Toppin, Barrett and Fournier. Second, it is obvious Toppin is ready to start and Randle will bring a better return as a starter. But Cam Reddish has a lot to prove before he can push his way into the starting lineup.
Now let’s examine the ugly. The Knicks had 21 TOs to go with 24 dimes. Randle had 6 and Barrett was saved from having 4 or 5 rather than 2 give aways because a Knick recovered his fumble of tjr ball went out of a Sixer. They were 9 for 33 from deep. Obi Toppin looked confident (6 -10, 3-6), but had 3 TOs. IQ, 1 – 7, didn’t shoot well and had 4 give aways. DRose had 4TOs in 7 min. It was that kind of night for New York.
If the Knicks played poorly due to over confidence they should put up a few more mirrors at home. Yes, the Sixers were missing Joel Embiid, the league’s runner up for MVP and their two time MVP. James Harden. He isn’t the team’s primary scorer, but he flirts with a triple double every night averaging 22 pts. 10 assists and 7 boards. Philly still had Tyrese Maxey, their second leading scorer, Tobial Harris, a very good all around player, and P.J. Tucker. Danuel House, a strong defender, was also out.
It was a very unevenly played game in which the score remained close throughout. Philadelphia had 98 attempts compared to New York ‘s 80, both shot 27% from beyond the arc, with the Sixers 13 – 47. It was a very difficult game to watch, all bricks, brick heads and Tos. With his two all-star teammates out, Tyrese Maxey put his offense on full display. Not a true PG, Maxey missed opportunities to get others open shots with his assault on the rim. Tyrese shot 10 – 29 overall, 4 – 13 from three. The much more effective Tobias Harris was 9 – 15, 3 – 7 beyond the arc. While Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 31 points, the Sixers lost a very winnable ugly game.