Would you believe the Knicks beat the Bulls at MSG?
Easy peasy victory, as New York reached FIFTY wins for the third consecutive season.
S/o Thomas Joseph Thibodeau.
On a fast start against Chicago:
“Tonight we started the right way, and when we do, we might jump on somebody. It’s about making our opponents feel us executing our defense the right way every possession, not giving up any easy baskets in transition and finishing it with the defense rebound.”
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On the first-quarter defense on Friday:
“A lot of it has been our defense. In the first quarter, we’re 19th [in the league] right now, and fourth quarter, we’re first by a mile. So for us to bring that same sense of urgency to start the games defensively, it’s going to be big for us.”
On using Jeremy Sochan at backup center with KAT out:
“It allowed us to do a lot of things like switch pick and rolls. It brought a different element to our game. Not just offensively with the speed, but defensively with switching a lot of things and just keeping the ball in front of us.”
On Jose Alvarado’s future role with Deuce and Shamet back:
“We think Jose has done a fantastic job for us. … Deuce is getting healthier and Landry’s getting healthy and trying to find minutes for those guys – both of those guys are capable of playing that (backup guard) spot – is going to be a priority because they’ve proven themselves this year for us.”
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On OG Anunoby’s lone All-Defensive nod:
“It’s bulls–t, and I can say that with a straight face ‘cause he’s a great defender and he does a lot of different things that people don’t see on that end of the floor for us and for other teams he played for. But more importantly, his versatility is just off the charts and you can do a lot of things with your defense because of him. In my opinion, he deserves First Team All-Defense this year – and hopefully the powers that be will see it that way, too.”
On the Knicks’ form heading into the playoffs:
“You always want your team to be playing at the highest of high cylinders. Do I think we’re there right now? No. Do I have belief in this team? Yes, I do. I’ve seen us play really good basketball throughout the course of the year. Even in games where there’s quote-unquote manufactured pressure (such as the NBA Cup). We’ve played really good basketball. I like what we have in that locker room and I like the things that we’ve done this year, but I expect more from myself first and everybody else second.”
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On performing in big environments:
“All games you want to win, but when you go into Boston, it’s different than maybe going into another arena. Or if you go into OKC, it’s different than going into another arena. Those types of games, there’s a lot of manufactured pressure just because they’re good teams and it’s on national TV and all that good stuff. So to get that (environment) and to be able to perform at a pretty good level – you embrace that opportunity. You want to win all games, but to win those games – our guys have done (well) in those situations over the course of the year. So my belief is, (with) this group going into the playoffs when it’s real, that our guys will rise to the occasion.”
On the need for winning games without regard for the opponent:
“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, at the end of the day it’s about us. I thought the guys were really good with that. … I thought we played the right way, playing with a sense of urgency and then on top of that, sharing the basketball offensively and spacing the floor the right way. It was a lot of fun to watch.”
On the need to start games strong:
“Being able to lock in and be ready to go from the jump is key. It starts with our preparation. I think there’s still things we can do better defensively. Obviously, getting out to a lead helped us play comfortably for the rest of the game.”
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On not having a clue about the Knicks’ slow-start issues:
“We’ve been getting off to slow starts for two years now. If I had the answers, we would be better.”
On deserving more All-Defensive recognition:
“I think I should’ve gotten it more, for sure. I think I should’ve gotten it last year. I think I should get it this year. That’s definitely a goal of mine, coming into the season, especially defensively, being on the first team or second team – hopefully first.”
On the true value of defense:
“It’s half the game. Fifty percent offense. Fifty percent defense. I just take pride in it. It’s very important, especially for winning games and winning championships – it’s very important.”
On the increased energy against Chicago:
“Tonight, we just came out with a different energy. The first five really set a tone, and the bench follows.”
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On his groin tweak against the OKC Thunder:
“It’s just kind of like a tweak; it’s a painful tweak. (It’s) like someone stabbing your groin, hip and ab at the same time. It’s not fun. I’ll get back right. All glory to God.”
On OG Anunoby’s defensive value:
“I think that speaks to his motor, his work ethic. He super important for us.”