Doc Rivers sums up Knicks’ struggles: ‘Chemistry is a very fickle thing’

Doc Rivers, the very best quote amongst NBA coaches, summed up in a single press convention the Knicks’ troubles higher than Tom Thibodeau may in 40 classes. 

Requested by The Put up how the Knicks may’ve gone from 10 video games over .500 final season to now 11 video games underneath, the Sixers coach acknowledged offseason roster additions Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier didn’t mesh. 

“While you make modifications, typically that goes properly for you and typically it doesn’t,’’ Rivers stated earlier than the Knicks loss to the Sixers. “Chemistry is a really fickle factor, as everyone knows. When you could have it, you need it. Generally you don’t even know why you could have it, however you recognize you wish to attempt to defend it. And whenever you lose it, you don’t know why you’re dropping it typically. However there’s nonetheless time.’’ 

Not likely. The Knicks have 21 video games left and begin a seven-game street journey that begins in Philly on Wednesday and heads to Phoenix, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Dallas, Memphis and Brooklyn. They're 4 ½ video games out of the tenth seed wanted for the play-in occasion. 

Doc Rivers was requested why Tom Thibodeau’s (high proper) Knicks have regressed from final yr.
AP, Robert Sabo

Thibodeau wouldn’t decide to Knicks level guard Derrick Rose returning in March. The Knicks revealed Rose’s “minor process” Friday concerned cleansing up a pores and skin an infection that developed the place he underwent surgical procedure in mid-December to take away a bone spur. Therefore, it’s unclear how invasive a process it was amid a report which said he might be again in two weeks. Nevertheless, Thibodeau stated there’s no identified timetable. 

Requested if he thinks he’ll see Rose again in March, Thibodeau stated, “Yeah, I want I may reply that, however I can’t. Clearly, he wants a while proper at times when he’s re-evaluated, as quickly as we get extra data, we’ll ensure you guys get up to date, as properly. You simply must type of let him undergo it and be affected person with it.” Rose’s return is likely to be thought to be pointless anyway if the Knicks go younger. 


There’s additionally no timetable for Quentin Grimes. In line with one supply, the rookie taking pictures guard nonetheless would possibly want a month to get better, and by then, the season might be all however over. “As time goes on, we’ll replace as we get extra data as properly,” Thibodeau stated. “However we really feel like the truth that there’s no surgical procedure is sweet.” 


Thibodeau stored his youth motion going by enjoying rookie middle Jericho Sims one other 18 minutes whereas veterans Taj Gibson and Nerlens Noel sat. Sims didn’t rating however had 10 rebounds. Even when Sims and Mitchell Robinson fouled out after going scoreless, Thibodeau inserted Obi Toppin as an alternative. Noel was listed after the All-Star break with a sore foot and was questionable Friday getting into the Miami sport. However he has dressed for each video games. Thibodeau stated he’s “obtainable’’ to play however doesn’t wish to use him till he has practices underneath his belt. Thibodeau says Noel’s plantar fasciitis is properly sufficient for him to play if wanted however gave him a second straight DNP-CD. Noel was not made obtainable for remark. 

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post