Betrayer

Well put, balanced take and I totally agree. For what it's worth, I re-watched the game last night. I was going to do that anyway, but since we were talking about it I paid particular attention to KAT and Tobias. Harris actual did a phenomenal job of not leaving KAT to the point where he gave some open looks to other guys when maybe he should have switched. He was always between KAT and the ball, denying the pass and not letting him get any catch and shoot opportunities. That's the assignment against someone as soft as KAT. As far as KAT taking the ball into the paint. Three of his makes in the first half were against Cade (missed switch), Duren (prayer that went in), and Reed. He had a couple of nice post ups on Tobias, but Tobias also stopped him a couple of times in the paint. In the second half KAT had 3 opportunities in the paint. Tobias stopped him in the post on the first one in the 3rd quarter. Then, in the fourth quarter KAT had 2 chances. One was a post up and one was a drive. On both of them he was smothered by Tobias (and some help) so he had to pass out of them and couldn't even get a shot up. As you said, KAT could have been less of a punk and kept going to the paint to demand the ball, but we all know that ain't KAT. The few opportunities he did try in the second half were shut down by really good defense. We already agree on all this, but I just figured I'd post some details here since I re-watched it with this in mind.

It's correct. I re-watched the game last night. I just needed to see a Detroit playoff win again after nearly 20 years. Call me crazy. The only time Duren guarded him was on a fast break where KAT collided with Duren and threw up a prayer that went in, then complained for a call.

It's like in '04 when the media acted like the Lakers beat themselves because apparently the Pistons had nothing to do with it. I get it, it's hard to give credit to the guy after how strongly everyone came out against him in the pre-season. He's no All-Star but he's been just what this team needed and a big part of why they're here. We shouldn't be able to compare his numbers and impact to the All-NBA player he's matched up against in this series, but that's actually what we're able to do and it says a lot about both players.

Class act.

People are talking about KAT being ineffective, but few on here are giving any credit to Tobias. Nationally they are, as they should be. Even though KAT's bigger, Tobias has been battling him non-stop and doing a nice job making him feel it. You do that enough and KAT wilts because he doesn't want to go the post and fight for position all game. He wants to shoot from outside and Tobias is quick enough to guard him out there. I'll also point out that in 2 games Tobias has 19 rebounds while shooting 14-24 and 5-9 from three. Everyone knocked this signing because he's not an All-Star, but he's been one of our most important high level role players on and off the court. However, as Del said earlier, you have to look at your starting Center when you're required to hide him on Hart since he can't guard in space. How much do you want to pay that guy? If Tibbs wasn't so stubborn he'd play McBride instead and then what? In fact, I'd be surprised if that isn't the main adjustment (along with more Cade traps) we'll see from the next game. Hopefully Stew will be back to provide the answer to that adjustment.

I love that they showed the Paul Pierce clip wheelchair incident afterwards.

Wow. That LAC vs Denver game was nuts.

Kawhi is insane right now. Torching the Nuggets.

Playoff drought snapped! Winning this game on the road when the three ball completely abandoned you is huge. Also wonder if JB discovered something here. Nobody is stopping Brunson’s flopping, but maybe more minutes with Schroeder harassing him so Ausar can work his off-ball roaming, stealing, and disruptive help defense without fouling out. Worth trying.

Brunson was so open. KAT tripped Schroeder on the screen but Tobias has to switch and cover Brunson. Survived though, so I’ll take it.

I foul here.

This game is costing me years.

Please just make 1 free throw.

OG holding Cade the whole time.

You’re kidding me right? That’s an offensive foul.

Holy hell that posession was trash. Of course Brunson gets to hang on Cade.

How many free throws will the Knicks shoot from here to the end?

Another wide open three missed. A Knick fell down so must be a foul. Give them free throws.

Uphill battle against the knicks plus the refs but if you make some threes it won’t be an issue. Time to step up.

Here come the refs. You’re not getting a call for the rest of the game.

Wow. KAT and Brunson manhandling Duren and Ausar on that play and no calls.

How is that a foul when Hart falls? That’s why you don’t give up your challenge so early. Refs are about to step in and tighten this up.

He’s putting in some solid minutes for sure. He’s quick on the help defense and is good with deflections.

That’s not a foul.

Brunson hooks and then gets the foul call.