Tom Thibodeau typically has acknowledged not too long ago that “you aren’t eradicated till you're eradicated,” however that inevitable second has come for the Knicks, following their house loss Wednesday evening to the Hornets.
Trae Younger and the Hawks clinched the ultimate play-in berth within the Japanese Convention with a house win Thursday evening over the Cavaliers, formally eliminating the Knicks one yr after their return to the postseason for the primary time since 2013.
Atlanta, in fact, additionally knocked out the Knicks — the shock No. 4 seed within the East in Thibodeau’s first season as head coach — in 5 video games within the first spherical final spring.
Evan Fournier, one of many entrance workplace’s key acquisitions final summer season, mentioned the Knicks won't change their method with nothing left to play for over the remainder of the common season. They've 5 video games remaining, starting with a Saturday matinee in opposition to the Cavaliers.
“I don’t suppose so. I believe in life it's a must to do issues the best manner. You must maintain going after it,” mentioned Fournier, who scored a team-high 30 factors in Wednesday’s loss. “It doesn’t change how we’re going to method video games or practices or something actually.
“I’m certain Thibs goes to inform you a similar factor. He’s an important chief in that method. You must earn every little thing. And that’s the way in which it ought to be. It’s clearly disappointing to possibly to not have a profitable season and stuff however we’re nonetheless rivals, and we nonetheless wish to make the followers proud and characterize town.”
Thibodeau has resisted affording prolonged minutes to the crew’s youthful gamers whereas nonetheless alive for a postseason berth, and he nonetheless hasn’t dedicated to extra taking part in time for Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride now that the Knicks (34-43) are all however mathematically eradicated. He added Wednesday that the group will “take a look at issues in totality” as soon as the offseason arrives.
“We’ll take a look at issues we did properly, we’ll take a look at issues we did that we didn’t like,” Thibodeau mentioned. “After which we’ll attempt to make enhancements over the summer season.”
Thibodeau continues to notice that the Knicks’ general play has improved for the reason that All-Star break, however regardless of their current four-game successful streak, they've gone 9-9 since their Feb. 25 return to motion.
Main scorer Julius Randle reasserted his dedication to the group and New York after Wednesday’s recreation, amid rumblings he might search to pressure a commerce within the offseason. Randle heard some boos throughout pregame introductions, however he believes the Knicks can get again to the playoffs subsequent season following an admittedly irritating yr personally and collectively.
“Yeah, completely, every little thing is a lesson, you be taught from experiences like these and maintain shifting ahead,” Randle mentioned.
“Hey look. That is one of the best place within the league to play, and I’ve been nearly each place. So I’m talking from expertise,” Thibodeau mentioned. “This place is particular. The followers are passionate, we all know what basketball means to this metropolis.
“We’ve acquired to provide them one thing to be happy with. We’ve acquired to return out, we’ve acquired to play laborious. We’ve acquired to play for one another. We’ve acquired to play good. And if we do this, generally — you may lose a recreation and play properly. You’ve acquired to recollect; the opposite crew’s fairly good, too. Final yr was completely different, was a unique yr. … However you’ve acquired to maintain battling with it daily. And that’s the place it lies.”
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