Getty Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
With the start of the playoffs less than a week away, the New York Knicks will undoubtedly be working on their game plan for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Throughout the regular season, a large portion of New York’s offense came courtesy of isolation plays, and while that playstyle is often prevalent in the postseason, Tom Thibodeau and his coaching staff will likely be looking for additional scoring avenues.
According to Bleacher Reports, Mo Dakhil, the Knicks could find additional success in the playoffs by looking to score in transition more often.
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“The Knicks are 16th in frequency of transition plays, but they are going to need more of them come playoff time,” Dakhil wrote. “Opponents can more easily scheme against isolation-heavy offenses than motion sets, meaning New York’s offense is more likely to get bogged down if it can’t get out and run…If the Knicks want to advance in the playoffs, they are going to need to find a way to generate a few more easy baskets on a nightly basis.”
Fortunately for the Knicks, they boast a plethora of athletic talent, including the likes of RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Mitchell Robinson, so if they can generate turnovers or attack straight off of rebounds, transition baskets might be a good points generator for them.
Julius Randle Aiming For First-Round Return
Julius Randle NBA Ranks this season
• 7th in Points
• 6th in Rebounds
• 8th in 3-Pointers
Only player to be Top 10 in each.
According to a recent report by Sam Amico of HoopsWire, the Knicks could be buoyed by the return of Julius Randle for game one of the postseason as the All-Star forward continues to rehab from an ankle sprain he sustained when playing against the Miami Heat.
“Multiple sources have told Hoops Wire that Randle is targeting a return for Game 1. But for now, his status appears to be very much in limbo,” Amico wrote.
Randle has been outstanding for the Knicks this season, producing an impressive statline of 25.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.
Cavaliers Planning For Jalen Brunson
When the postseason begins, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell will be going head-to-head for the second straight year, albeit with new teams. Yet, according to Cleveland’s head coach, JB Bicketstaff, Brunson’s recent performances against his team have given them a chance to study his game and game plan accordingly.
“The game that Jalen Brunson had put us on high alert,” Bickerstaff said. “I think that’s a good thing for us. To have that appropriate fear of your opponent…We’ll use it, we’ll watch the film, we’ll figure it out, and we’ll be better.”