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[New York Knicks]

Save the Date: Knicks vs. Pistons tips off Saturday at the Garden

Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

Mark your calendar.

We have an official date: your New York Knicks (51-31), the third seed of the Eastern Conference, will face the upstart Detroit Pistons (44-38) in the first round. Game One will be played on Saturday, April 19, at 6pm EST at Madison Square Garden.

Game 1 of Knicks-Pistons is 6pm on Saturday, NBA announces

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 14, 2025​

Few would have predicted this matchup a year ago. The Pistons finished last season a dismal 14-68—the worst record in the NBA—and recorded a historic 28-game losing streak. But they sacked Monty Williams, and under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit has authored one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent memory. They enter the playoffs as the sixth seed and one of the league’s most improved teams.

The Knicks will be favored in the series, due to their depth and experience. New York lost the season series, however, 3-1, with the most recent—and most disappointing loss—occurring just last week.

All eyes will focus on the battle between All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham. The latter has had a career year leading Detroit’s young core and averaged 26 points and nine assists over 70 games.

Stay tuned: more coverage and a full preview of the series is on the way. Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ks-vs-pistons-tips-off-saturday-at-the-garden

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: 'I guess Thibs was okay with us being aggressive’

Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images

Would you believe the Knicks beat the Nets!? Yes, of course you would, because it's the same old Nets.

Just when you thought the Nets might go on to upset the Knicks, Brooklyn paid homage to its history in the League and flopped, losing 113-105 to New York in both teams’ season finale.

Everybody was happy with the results, as all folks in attendance, including our own Russell Richardson, had a nice and short trip back home.

Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few Knickerbockers had to say before and after yesterday’s affair.

"I think the best basketball is ahead for this team" -Wally Szczerbiak on the Knicks heading into a potentially physical first round against the Pistons.

Catch the full @NYKnicks Playoff Preview Special on The Gotham Sports App!@wallyball | @alanhahn | @BillPidto pic.twitter.com/ssNwl5yfCv

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) April 14, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On Landy Shamet’s performance on Sunday and his value:

“The way he finished the season was terrific. He just makes really good basketball plays. He knows how to space the floor, how to move without the ball, he’s good in transition, knows how to play off people. He doesn’t force things. When he’s open he shoots, and when he’s guarded he makes the right play. I think that goes a long way. He has the ability to think on his feet and he’s a great competitor.”

On resting players in the regular-season finale:

“It was really medical, the recommendation that they had. Then we thought that that was the best thing for our team. We’re always going to put that first.”

On evaluating the young players:

“The starters were out, good opportunity to give the bench guys extended minutes and to get a look at [the young guys]. I thought McCullar was fantastic in the second half. He was huge.”

"They know what it's gonna be. We know what it's gonna be. Guys gotta do what we gotta do"

–– PJ Tucker on Knicks matching Pistons physicality in 1st round pic.twitter.com/LQf4ssHSv8

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

Miles McBride​

On the bench unit’s contributions:

“I feel like we [the second unit] are playing really good basketball. I feel like we’ve given a good spark off the bench, guys like Cam, Landry, myself do whatever we can. And then obviously we have bigs: Precious, Mitch.

“So whoever’s night it is coming off the bench, we’re gonna continue to play positive and play the right way.”

On Shamet’s performance against Brooklyn and his preparation:

“It’s what he does.”

Mikal Bridges started, committed a foul, and checked out after 6 seconds just so he could keep up his streak of games played

He's currently at 556 pic.twitter.com/zBHSSg1kT9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2025​

Mikal Bridges​

On Tom Thibodeau’s strategy against Brooklyn, removing him after six seconds of play following an intentional foul:

“I guess [Thibs] was okay with us being aggressive, pressuring the ball.”

On giving his minutes to young teammates in the season finale:

“I could play a quarter, play a half. But that would take away from young guys—Pac [Pacome Dadiet] and Kev [Kevin McCullar Jr]. For their minutes to come up there, Landry [Shamet] coming out there, playing more.

“So it’s more just taking minutes away from them versus—I took a lot of minutes all 81 [games] prior, so just give them guys a chance, give them a chance to play and play the right way.”

On playing every game and what drives him:

“Just trying to be available. Just for my team – trying to win as many games as possible and be out there for my team. And I think we have a better chance [if I’m on the floor]. So just be out there as much as possible.”

On how he maintains durability:

“I think it’s just a lot of everything. The lifts and the treatment and stuff like that. Put in a lot. Just try to stick to what works.”

On returning to Barclays Center after his trade to the Knicks:

“I always love playing here, my teammates here, a lot of guys still here, the coaching staff before I got traded. I was with them in the summer before I got out of there, and they’re great people, too.

“The staff, the workers, it’s a great energy when I walk into here.”

On trying to match Chris Paul’s complete 82 starts year in his 20th NBA season:

“I don’t know. That’s why CP is one of the greatest. But I don’t think I’ll make it that long.”

Stan Van Gundy (Former NBA Coach)​

On Knicks fans and their support:

“Well, they’re passionate … love affair? I don’t know. Love affair when they’re playing well, and hate affair when they’re not playing well. The Knicks fans and the Philly fans, they are … they’re front-running fans. They’re in love with their team when things are going well, but they’ll boo their team off the floor when they’re not playing well. That’s not a crowd that’s focused on lifting you up.”

On how the Knicks will treat the series against Detroit:

“I know this: Tom [Thibodeau] and his coaching staff aren’t gonna overlook anybody. Tom never has. I think they’ll have great respect for Detroit and what they’ve done, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. And I think the Knicks have veteran guys who have been through battles, and they’re mature. They understand that you respect everybody. There’s no way you could look at that Detroit team — how well they’ve played, how hard they play, how hard they compete — and think anything’s gonna be easy. There’s just no chance of that.”

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says he has “no choice” but to contemplate a run for president.

“I would hope somebody else would step up that's more qualified than me, but if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider.” https://t.co/IdW7zXspwA pic.twitter.com/XzuYLG9HVh

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 13, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...guess-thibs-was-okay-with-us-being-aggressive

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Being veteran experienced playoff writers, you understand that’

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

It’s NBA Playoffs time!

The NBA said goodbye to the regular season and hello to the Play-In portion of the postseason on Sunday.

The New York Knicks, as is their wont, will not take part in that silly tournament and instead tip-off their playoffs run on Saturday when they take on the Detroit Pistons for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference’s first-round matchup.

Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few other Knickerbockers and Bad Boys had said about the upcoming series in the past few hours.

Game 1 Knicks-Pistons is set:
️ 4/19 SATURDAY 6PM
️ Madison Square Garden
ESPN pic.twitter.com/PMz5FdTkof

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 14, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On the possibility of trimming his playoff rotation:

“You just do what’s best for the team.

“Most teams do. I know you guys are aware of that; being veteran-experienced playoff writers, you understand that.”

On Cade Cunningham’s season and how to defend him:

“He’s had a terrific season. It’s not just [against] us, he’s done it against everybody. We understand that.

“With great players you don’t guard them individually, you guard them collectively. So we have to understand what goes into that.”

On the team’s mindset entering the playoffs:

“I just said to our team—you win 51 games, you’re the third seed, so you’ve earned the right to be in the playoffs. You’re not in the play-in, so you have a week to prepare and get ready for the next challenge.

“It’s really a new season. The regular season puts you in position, gives you the opportunity. You want to finish with the highest seed possible and then you start all over. Everyone’s record is zero and zero. You’ve got to earn everything again.

“We have to understand what goes into it. In terms of preparation, we’re big believers in how we prepare. Now it’s time to get ready and study.”

On how hard it will be to beat Detroit:

“They’ve had a fantastic season. We just played them recently so I think we have a feel for what their strengths are.

“But we have to dig a lot deeper into them to know them really well. We have respect for them, but we understand that it’s going to take 48 minutes of good basketball to win.”

"I think the best basketball is ahead for this team" -Wally Szczerbiak on the Knicks heading into a potentially physical first round against the Pistons.

Catch the full @NYKnicks Playoff Preview Special on The Gotham Sports App!@wallyball | @alanhahn | @BillPidto pic.twitter.com/ssNwl5yfCv

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) April 14, 2025​

Miles McBride​

On the team’s readiness for the playoffs:

“We’re going to bring our best. That’s all I know. That’s all I’ve got. We’re going to bring our best.”

On defending Cade Cunningham:

“Great player, obviously size, shooting ability. He’s a three-level scorer so we’ve just got to do our best to stop him as a team… whatever we can do as a team to slow him down. We’ve got to bring our best.”

OK Unc pic.twitter.com/a0Uf6C47xq

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

Jalen Brunson​

On his health and confidence post-injury:

“I feel great. I feel better. Just continuing to strive for that, just making sure I’m 100 percent myself going forward.

“I feel like I’m past [the injury] for the most part. Obviously, it’s human nature to think about things, but for the most part, I’m past it.”

Mikal Bridges plays 6 seconds on the last day of the season to extend his consecutive games played streak to 556, encompassing all of his 7 seasons pic.twitter.com/sPw1lKGHam

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

Mikal Bridges​

On Cade Cunningham’s game and development:

“Throughout the whole year, just a really good player. Just goes at his own pace, he’s calm at all times. And I think this year, even the year before, but this year [especially], more playmaking … Making more reads. Getting other guys open, knowing he has the ball in his hands more, but still getting other guys going, knowing he has more opportunities.”

On the Knicks’ growth this season:

“We’ve definitely grown. We learned a lot about each other and I think we’re in the right spot. We just have to play hard and play our way.”

On his mindset entering the playoffs:

“We’re ready to go…. Got time to get right and get ready, but we’re for sure ready. We’ve definitely grown so much from the beginning. We learned a lot about each other and are learning more about each other. I think we’re in the right spot, we’ve just got to go out there and play hard and play our way.”

"Gonna be a war"

–– Cade Cunningham on Knicks-Pistons series pic.twitter.com/qV8MEjhrz6

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons Player)​

On what making the playoffs means to Detroit:

“It is special for us. We’re super happy for the city and the fan base. [But] we’re not satisfied at all. [We’re] still hungry. We want to go win this first round. The chip that last year put on our shoulders, I think everybody understands that and wanted to come in and make a change.”

On the physicality and challenge of facing the Knicks:

“It’s going to be a war. It’s going to be highly physical games — defense, battling it out on the glass, all of those different things. I think it’s going to be a super exciting series for people at home to watch, and it’s going to be a great test for us as far as first round, first series in a long time for the organization. So it’s exciting, and I think it’s going to be a great one for us.”

On his personal ambitions in the NBA:

“I want to be the best player in the world. That’s every day, you know what I’m saying? That’s what my phone tells me every day is the best player in the world, you know what I’m saying? So that’s the only thing I’m striving for—having the best team in the world. I don’t think there’s too many players that you could argue above me. Obviously, the playoffs is going to determine a lot, and so that’s why I’m just excited and looking forward to these series and getting this thing rolling and waking people up as far as what is in Detroit and the type of respect that we deserve.”

On being viewed as one of the NBA’s next stars:

“I’m right there. I’m not trying to push my case right now. I’m not trying to knock anybody else’s case right now. I think at the end of the day, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion, and you get to watch all of us play and figure that out for yourself.”

Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons Player)​

On how the Pistons approach the playoffs:

“The regular season is the regular season. Everything is different in the playoffs. We feel confident, but at the same time, they’re a great team, so we need to play our basketball … grit-and-grind basketball. We do that, I like our matchup against any team.”

Listen to the way KG and Paul Pierce talk about Austin Reaves LLLMMFFAAOOO

“Austin Reaves out there playing with black man energy” -Kevin Garnett pic.twitter.com/tnGwyHFlLG

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) April 12, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...perienced-playoff-writers-you-understand-that

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘What kind of confidence do I have? The most’

Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

New York gears up to host the Good Boys.

The Knicks practiced for the first time ahead of their first-round matchup with the Pistons on Tuesday.

New York will tip off the series at home, hosting Game 1 on Saturday and Game 2 next week as they try to get a nice and solid 2-0 advantage over Detroit before going to Motown.

Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few other Knicks said after yesterday’s session.

"It's a small sample size, but we've had some good minutes with them" - Tom Thibodeau on the Karl-Anthony Towns / Mitchell Robinson pairing

Will the Knicks use the duo in the playoffs? "A lot of it depends on who they have on the floor, but I like it a lot" pic.twitter.com/JfQL082bPt

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 15, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On using the two-center lineup:

“It’s a small sample size. But we’ve had some good minutes with them, particularly down the stretch here as Mitch has been able to get more rhythm. It’s been good. It depends, a lot of it depends on who they have on the floor, but I like it a lot.”

On Jalen Brunson’s leadership and consistency:

“Never (surprised about it). You guys see it every night. It doesn’t surprise you. I try not to take it for granted, and I appreciate all he brings to our team and that he plays to win.

“His competitive spirit is spectacular. That’s all he wants to do and that’s all he’s ever been from when he was a little kid to where he is today. That’s what makes him who he is.”

On Brunson’s impact:

“Obviously we want Jalen out there, so that makes us a different team. And we’ve got to get re-acclimated to that, but that’s the challenge of the entire league.”

On preparing for Cade Cunningham:

“I study his game. He’s done it against everybody. We know how good he is and we have to be ready for him.

“I think you have more time to prepare for a game so we have to study and we have to be prepared. You don’t study how you get ready to play. You just have more time to prepare for the opponent.”

On potentially using Anunoby to defend Cunningham:

“Oh we could. When you have a great player like that, I don’t think you give him a steady diet of anything. You have to give him different looks, there’s going to be different matchups on him, but we understand we have to guard him with our team.

“It’s very difficult to guard guys of that stature individually. We have to do it collectively.”

On overcoming April’s schedule and adversity:

“The challenge was to get through that, and I thought our guys did. We had an unusual April. We had guys that were out for games, and we also had an unusual schedule with three back-to-backs [in the last eight games].”

On team adaptation through the season:

“I think that’s the nature of our league: how quickly can you adapt to things? So when you come into a new season, you always have some new faces, and how do you get everyone onto the same page? So you have to have everyone pulling together.

“And then, same thing, things happen during the course of a season, and you can lose a guy for 10 games, and then someone else comes in, and their strengths are different than the guy they’re replacing.”

Karl-Anthony Towns is looking forward to playing in his first playoff games at MSG:

"Being able to watch it on TV growing up, seeing the crowd...in a regular season game, they're special. It's on another level in the playoffs." pic.twitter.com/J6pS46y2w0

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 15, 2025​

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On Malik Beasley’s shooting:

“He’s always been able to shoot. I’ve seen it firsthand. When he was with us in Minnesota, I believe he broke the 3-point scoring record and Anthony [Edwards] just broke it now.

“I’ve always known he’s a tremendous shooter, one of the best shooters this league has to offer. And the way he shoots, the different types of 3s he shoots, just proves his talent level. He’s a tough guard obviously. We have someone I know well, have to definitely find a way to limit his 3s.”

On his trust in Thibodeau’s game plan for Cunningham:

“Thibs is a great coach. We know he puts the time into the craft. We trust him, he’s going to do everything in his power to put us out there with the best knowledge to move forward and have a way to win.”

On facing Cade Cunningham:

“I mean, he’s a great player. He’s had an amazing season. We know he’s special. So it’s our job to find a way to win with them having that special player.”

On what it takes to win in the playoffs:

“Just executing. We had this week to prepare, come up with a great game plan offensively and defensively. We’ve just got to execute at the end of the day. In my experience the team that executes at a higher level wins the game.”

On preparing for Game 1 at MSG:

“It’s special. Obviously for me, I’ve never had a playoff series in the Garden, so being able to watch it on TV growing up and to see the crowd, just let alone the regular season game, they’re special. So, I can only imagine it’s on another level in the playoffs.

“It’s our job to bring our best foot forward and do the best we can in front of our fans, and obviously, you want to see wins as much as we do. So, we’re all in this together with the fans. So, we’re going to go out there and do our best.”

On working on team chemistry through the week leading to Game 1:

“We’ve got days now where we can definitely get work in. Also these last couple of games have been great for [Jalen] to get that rhythm back and do what he does best.

“Just continue to work. We’ve done a lot of things this year with each other and as a team, so just building on that.”

Jalen Brunson evaluates the Pistons:

"They bring a level of physicality that is known with J.B. Bickerstaff teams...they embrace that" pic.twitter.com/QNB3Ptilqa

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 15, 2025​

Jalen Brunson​

On the ups and downs of the season:

“I think for us, it’s, like any other season, it’s a roller coaster every year, there’s gonna be ups and downs, and it’s all about how you manage it. But now that the regular season’s over, it’s all about how we can move on and be better the next day.

“I know it’s a term that people don’t like to hear, but we learn from what we did in the past, good and bad, and move on and get better. That’s the name of the game at this stage of the season. … So we’re just focused. We still got a long way to go with preparation, still got a long way to go making sure we’re ready to go for Saturday. We’ll be ready.”

On his confidence entering the playoffs:

“What kind of confidence do I have? The most.”

On embracing his leadership role:

“For me, having the title as captain is an honor. I think the more I go through, the more I learn, the more I can be better at it. To be able to go out there and help put us in position to be in the playoffs and stuff like that, obviously,

“I don’t take it for granted, but there’s a long way to go with me being the best version of that title.”

On the challenge of guarding Cade Cunningham:

“That’s a very good question, a very in-depth and strategic question that I don’t want to say with all these people here.”

On slowing Cunningham and team defense:

“It’s very important. Cade is a guy who makes a lot of decisions over there. It’s best if we don’t play him one-on-one. We have to have each other’s back regardless. Obviously, you got to guard at the point of attack but we have to have each other’s back when he’s trying to get his game in the paint. He’s been playing great. He’s been playing as everyone’s expected, and he’s showing that ability. It’s going to be a challenge, regardless, and he’s playing at a high level. And we’ve just got to be ready.”

On finding rhythm and balance:

“I think the balance is there. Obviously, we didn’t finish the season the way we wanted to as a team, but I think this week will help, going to the playoffs and knowing what’s at stake will help. We do all that work during the season to get to this point to see where we are. There’s been ups and downs. Now that we’re here, it’s: What are we going to do now?”

On Detroit’s physical style of play:

“It’s definitely a challenge. They bring a level of physicality that is known with J.B. Bickerstaff teams… I think they embrace that. They embrace him. They got a good thing going over there, and so it’s definitely going to be a challenge.”

"I asked him 'You just got here, why are you the one being the voice in the huddle?' And he said 'Because no one else is…I had to do that in Milwaukee (championship team)…Somebody had to be that guy…I relish that role'…"

–– Alan Hahn on PJ Tucker pic.twitter.com/0qdYHBhur0

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

PJ Tucker​

On what matters most in the playoffs:

“You just got to play, man.

“It’s so funny [that when] we go into a series every time people talk about strategy and what we’re going to do. When it comes down to it, players got to play. No matter what, we’ve got to match their energy as a team. It’s going to take everybody. Just everybody has to be ready.”

On matching Detroit’s physicality:

“There’s no way to match the physicality other than to match it. It is what it is. We know what it’s going to be. They know what it’s going to be. So guys got to come in and do what we got to do. Step up to the challenge.”

"Officially launching in New York…enjoy the product"

Carmelo Anthony cannabis is here pic.twitter.com/2kywVpdmOt

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 15, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...in-what-kind-of-confidence-do-i-have-the-most

 

[New York Knicks]

Delon’s Ink

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

A full breakdown of Delon Wright’s tattoos

There was a time in the 90s when there wasn’t a single Knick with a tattoo. If my memory serves me correctly, Hubert Davis and Monty Williams were the first two Knicks to display tattoos on their arms. Hubert Davis had a cross on his bicep with DAVIS serving as the horizontal bar of the cross, while Monty Williams had a small little Kung-Fu fighter on his right bicep.

Boy, have things changed since then. When the Knicks had Melo, Shumpert, JR Smith, and Tyson Chandler, they were one of the most tattooed teams in the league. This year’s roster may not be the most tattooed in the league, but the Knicks certainly have their fair share of players with unique works of art covering almost every portion of their bodies from the neck down.

This week, I wanted to focus on one of the newest Knicks, Delon Wright, and his works of art. His recent play has certainly earned him some love on this page, so rather than another article on his recent play, let’s learn a little bit more about Delon through his unique art.

Delon was born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles, and there’s no shortage of tattoos paying homage to his hometown, starting with the Dodgers “LA” logo on the inner portion of his right bicep. Above the Dodger’s logo, Delon covered his right shoulder with a depiction of the Hollywood and Highland cross streets sign, Los Angeles skyscrapers, bridges, an old school car, and palm trees in the background.

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Along the inner portion of Delon’s right forearm, Delon has the entire state of California outlined with both shadows and negative space.

In addition to representing his hometown through multiple spaces on his arms, one of Delon’s most impressive works of art is a full torso tattoo on his chest that fans rarely get to see underneath his jersey. For this piece, Delon chose to go under anesthesia for the session. The incredible work of art includes a bouncing low rider, the “Welcome to South Central” sign, the 105 East highway sign, and the year 1992 right below his neck representing the year he was born, with more palm trees and skyscrapers to fill his entire torso.

Delon’s family and his roots are two of the most important aspects of his life, and he honors his loved ones in numerous ways.

Just above the California state tattoo on his right forearm, Delon has his mother’s name, STACY, inked in a custom script. Beside it are the words FAMILY FIRST, accompanied by a pair of praying hands.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

On the opposite side of his right forearm, Wright has the word BLESSED with a dove flying above, tattooed with shadowing that outlines the word that he added years after he originally got the tattoo. This tattoo starts from the top of his elbow and goes down to his wrist.

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

On Delon’s right underarm, he has the iconic “Laugh Now, Cry Later” masks, with the phrase LAUGH NOW CRY LATER inked around the artwork.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

As many NBA fans know, Delon’s brother Dorell also played in the league. On his left shoulder, Delon honors their shared journey with a tattoo of the two brothers standing side by side as teenagers playing basketball with the words THE WRIGHT WAY. A clever play on their last name that celebrates how their path, rooted in family and hard work, led them both to the NBA. Rounding out the piece is another Smile Now Cry Later masks, this time though in the form of two balloons

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

On the top of Delon’s left wrist, he has the names of his brother, DORELL, and sister, DANAE, tattooed together beneath a full-size skull, accented by roses on the top of his forearm. Just below his ‘WRIGHT WAY’ tattoo, his left bicep features a crown and a pair of dice, along with ‘D 3’ inked vertically along the inner arm. To complete the sleeve, Delon incorporated extensive shading, including a dollar sign symbol sign, once again utilizing shadows and negative space.

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Lastly, on Delon’s left leg is a cross with the words “GOD’S SON.”

Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/16/24409807/delons-ink

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I don’t want to force up an extra 100 makes with bad habits’

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York waits anxiously for G1 against the Pistons inside Madison Square Garden.

One more day of practice, one fewer day of wait.

The New York Knicks hit the gym and the press room for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as they keep getting reps ahead of their first-round matchup against the Pistons.

Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few other Knicks said after Wednesday’s session.

Tom Thibodeau says Precious Achiuwa can give the Knicks minutes in the frontcourt in addition to the Mitchell Robinson/Karl-Anthony Towns pairing pic.twitter.com/hmz2xKrvY3

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 16, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On Detroit’s three-point shooting threats:

“[Tim] Hardaway [Jr.] is a 3-point shooter. [Malik] Beasley had a monster year from 3. [Cade] Cunningham can shoot it. You look at it, you study it, and you have to prepare for what you’re facing next.”

On Josh Hart’s all-around skillset:

“I think he’s unique because he rebounds the ball at a really elite level. He’ll go get them when it matters the most, in traffic. [It’s] his ability to push the ball and play with pace. And he can out-quick most guys that are guarding him. He’s very good in dribble handoffs, making plays off the dribble. Pick and roll, playing out of the pocket, moving without the ball. Those are all things that he brings. Then the hustle plays are huge. He plays much bigger than his size.”

On what makes Hart valuable regardless of shooting:

“He’s a basketball player. So what is he? He’s hard to quantify and describe all of the things that he does. He’s more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but he can shoot. And he’s great without the ball, great on the break. Just read the game. If you’re open, shoot. If you’re guarded, make a play. He can play extremely well even if he’s not shooting well. That’s what we need from him.”

On how to deal with Pistons forward Tobias Harris:

“Really good veteran leadership. He can shoot, he can drive, he can post — he’s a tough matchup. He makes quick decisions. When he’s open, he shoots. When he’s guarded, he makes a play. We know how good he is. We’ve got to be ready for that.”

On the rising physicality in the NBA, let alone during the playoffs:

“I think that’s where the league is right now, there’s been a lot more physicality and so I think you have to embrace that and I think most teams have. And then you step it up into a playoff [series] where you’re playing the same opponent over and over again, the intensity does get high and the physicality will be ramped up.”

"We have to not just match that physicality, but exceed it"

Josh Hart looks ahead to the Knicks' first round matchup with the Pistons: pic.twitter.com/0IbYPjz4rn

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 16, 2025​

Josh Hart​

On expecting Knicks fans to flood Detroit despite ticket restrictions:

“After [what happened in] Philly last year, I don’t blame ’em. New York, they have the best fans in the world, that’s the one thing that’s different about this fan base is how they travel. It’s cool to see the difference, I was in LA and the Lakers have one of the biggest fan bases in the world. There’s Lakers fans everywhere. So it’s tough to see how they travel, because there’s just so many fans anywhere in the country. But then seeing the Knicks fans, you see and you hear everything about everyone’s traveling and getting tickets and flights and those kind of things. So it’s really cool. it’s really cool to see that. And knowing Knicks fans, they’re gonna find a way to get those tickets. So I know they’re not really too stressed. The only way for them not to get those tickets is if the [Pistons] owner buys a couple thousand tickets.”

On Tobias Harris as a playoff threat:

“He’s always been a really good player. He can shoot the ball, he can put it on the floor and he can play in the post. So, he’s a tough matchup and he makes quick decisions. When he’s open he shoots, when he’s guarded he makes a play. We know how good he is. We have to be ready for that.”

On the Knicks’ playoff readiness:

“We all know what the playoffs takes and we’re picking up the preparation mentally and physically.”

On facing the Pistons’ physicality:

“We have to not just match that physicality, but exceed it. I think there are times when you can use that to your advantage and to be able to get to the free throw line and draw fouls and do those kind of things. We know what kind of game it’s gonna be, we know what we have to be prepared for physically and mentally and obviously that physicality for the series is gonna be, you know probably one of the more physical series in the playoffs.”

On MSG atmosphere for teammates:

“They’ll get a feel for The Garden and how electric it is in the playoffs. [I’m] excited to see how they are with that Garden, because that Garden come playoff time is one of the best arenas in the world.”

On his leadership and playmaking mindset:

“I take that onus of getting guys involved pretty seriously.”

On his shooting preparation ahead of the playoffs:

“This week is a good week to really put the work in on it. I’m working in practice, getting some shots up. After practice, my friend has a court at his house so getting shots up before practice at the house. And I’m shooting at the facility at night or back at his house at night. So I’m getting probably two or three workouts and shooting just to make sure I’m comfortable and confident with it.”

On shot selection and keeping teammates involved:

“Last playoffs I was extremely comfortable with added shots. I kind of take it upon myself to make sure the guys get put in good position for good shots and try to get them a touch. Sometimes on the outside looking in, people might see that, and I might be open. But I try to get something else and they might not like that or might hate that, but I’m going to play my game. So I know the shots are going to be there, but I also want to make sure we get those guys involved offensively because the ball has energy. And when guys are making shots, everything is better in terms of communications, in terms of defensive effort, those kind of things. So I’m obviously going to shoot the shots that I have to take and I’m comfortable taking. But [I’m] also going to make sure I help get other guys touches.”

On his shooting routine and rhythm:

“I don’t want to force up an extra hundred makes with bad habits. That doesn’t benefit me in the long run. It’s about my body feeling right, and the reps being good reps.”

On outside criticism in New York:

“The criticism—they’re gonna love you some days and hate you other days, so you’ve gotta put the criticism out at the end of the day. The only thing that matters is if you put the work in, the team knows you put the work in, and you empty the tank. So as long as you do that, a lot of time you’re gonna find success. So I don’t think anyone’s worried about the criticism at all for those guys or anyone on the team. But excited to see how they are with that Garden, because that Garden playoff time is one of the best arenas in the world.”

What is OG Anunoby looking forward to the most about playoff basketball getting underway?

"The atmosphere, the fans, it's awesome" pic.twitter.com/p2kV8VMBta

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 16, 2025​

OG Anunoby​

On how to fix the Knicks’ three-point defense:

“Improving communication. Closing out better, try to limit more 3s.”

On Detroit’s offensive weapons:

“We’re gonna try to key in on everyone. They’re a team full of great players. Malik can really shoot. Tim can really shoot. Tobias is a great player. [Jalen] Duren is a great player. They have a great team.”

On the Knicks’ physicality:

“We’re a physical team as well, I think we just have to show it.”

On Josh Hart’s playing style:

“It’s the balance of being aggressive and then also being a connector. But he does a good job of doing both.”

On guarding Cade Cunningham:

“He’s a great player. It’s gonna be a team effort. Just try to make it difficult for him every possession.”

On Cunningham’s skillset:

“[He’s] just a great all-around player. Can shoot, drive, pass, can do everything.”

On MSG in the playoffs:

“I think you don’t know until you experience it.”

Amar’e Stoudemire sporting a Zibanejad jersey on the slopes ‍

(via: @NBA_NewYorkCity) pic.twitter.com/SPdAM8AKH9

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 16, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...o-force-up-an-extra-100-makes-with-bad-habits

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘They was trying to kill me every day in there’

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

We’re so close to real basketball, folks!

One. More. Sleep.

New York is about to host the first game of the Knicks' postseason with the Pistons visiting MSG for both teams’ series-opening tip-off.

Here’s what Coach Thibs, Coach JB, and a few players from each team said on Thursday.

"The Knicks, they made a bet on Robinson at the trade deadline..."@IanBegley on how Mitchell Robinson can maximize his impact on the Knicks during the playoffs pic.twitter.com/QkIlc7UQYX

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 17, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On Towns and Robinson’s limited regular-season time together:

“It’s been limited. So it’s a small sample size. It’s been good because of the size.”

On Robinson’s rehab and return:

“The thing is: That wasn’t easy to be out the amount of time that he was out. I think he played in 17 games. So the way it unfolded, we had a heavy dose of back to backs when he came back, so that really limited the amount of time that he could play, too. I like where he is right now.”

On Precious Achiuwa’s role:

“There’s a compilation of things that go into it, but you have Precious, as well. Precious can give us minutes there.”

On facing Cade Cunningham:

“He’s had a terrific season. It’s not just us, he’s done it against everybody. We understand that. Every game that you have, a team is going to have certain strengths. You have to have the proper amount of respect. With great players you don’t guard them individually, you guard them collectively. So we have to understand what goes into that.”

On if OG Anunoby might guard Cunningham:

“Oh we could!”

On offensive decision-making:

“Just play to win. The game tells you what to do. If you’re open, shoot. If you’re guarded, make a play, and you have to do it together. That’s the most important thing. It’s not about how many points do I have. How many points does he get? That’s not how you win in this league. You have to play together.”

"It's going to be a dirty series, we're going to get out there and fight"

- Mitchell Robinson on the Knicks' first round matchup against the Pistons pic.twitter.com/tOP8LctPec

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 17, 2025​

Mitchell Robinson​

On his new rehab mindset:

“I kept trying to come back so fast, so fast, to get back to playing and stuff like that, being young and trying to just play. Now that I actually had to take the time out and make sure I’m 100 percent. It should be fine.”

On intense rehab sessions:

“They was trying to kill me every day in there [rehab]. They was killing me every day.”

On weight loss and conditioning:

“Yeah for sure. I just played a full quarter in one of the games. Only been back for a month and two weeks maybe. To go in and all the work that I put in to be able to do that, that just showed a lot. How much time I put the time into the conditioning and all that. After games, before games and all that.”

On expectations vs Pistons:

“It’s going to be a dirty series. We’re going to get out there and fight. That’s the biggest part about it. Physicality with Detroit and us. It’s something we just have to bring.”

On staying smart vs Stewart:

“Just be smart. That’s really all it is. Be physical, be smart and play basketball.”

On not knowing this version of the Pistons:

“It is weird because they don’t know me, I don’t know them. All I know is the film and the books that we get, stuff like that. Just going in there to fight and compete.”

On defending Cade Cunningham:

“Cade’s a great player. You’ve seen him throughout the year, the numbers he’s been putting up and stuff like that. Us having experience that we done played in a couple playoff games and stuff like that. We’re just going to continue to do what we do and keep on working hard.”

On preparing for the series:

“It can go both ways. At that point, just play, impose your will. I have to continue to work hard and prepare myself for this series.”

On his previous weight:

“That s–t was heavy as hell. I just played a full quarter in one of the games. Only been back for a month and two weeks maybe. To go in and all the work that I put in to be able to do that, that just showed a lot. How much time I put into the conditioning and all that. After games, before games and all that.”

Mikal Bridges feels that his mid-range game will be big for the Knicks in the playoffs:

"It's tougher to get to the rim, it's tougher to get threes off" pic.twitter.com/BdJqeZBbSe

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 17, 2025​

Mikal Bridges​

On his season with the Knicks:

“It was all right. I think I could have obviously been better, but it’s [all right], just getting ready for now and [continuing to] try to get better.”

On returning to the playoffs:

“Man, I’m really excited to go. A year off feels so long from not making the playoffs. I’m excited for the atmosphere as well. It’s gonna be a really good series.”

On defending Cade Cunningham:

“He’s really talented, man. He’s one of those guys that’s an All-Star this year, too. Cade had a lot on his plate and did a really good job . . . I think he had a good amount of assists last year, too, but I think his playmaking grew from last year to this year, even with his scoring. Just makes him tough to guard because he makes the right play a lot. So we’ve got to guard him as a team and do our best. He’s definitely a tough guard. He just knows how to play the game the right way. He’s always poised, never really rushed. That’s the big thing I’ve seen with him throughout the years; even playing him when he was young, he never really seems rushed no matter what’s thrown at him. Definitely a good player.”

On Cade’s overall growth:

“Throughout the whole year, just a really good player. [He’s] just got his own pace to him. He’s calm at all times… Making more reads. Getting other guys open… still getting other guys going knowing he has more opportunities. So I think that was the biggest thing I’ve seen from him.”

On his evolving role this season:

“Throughout the season just feel it out. A whole new group of guys and just try to find my role within and things like that within the offense.”

On playoff mentality:

“It all starts with just one game at a time. You can’t look ahead. I think the fans, you guys look ahead a lot. It takes one game at a time. That’s what it is, just one game and play our best basketball, our best version for 48 minutes, and go from there.”

On mid-range usage in playoffs:

“It’s tougher to get to the rim, it’s tougher to get 3s off, and it’s just like so much of the court left. It’s not just the rim and the 3. You pay guys a lot of money to protect the rim and stuff like that. So it’s like going into their habitat if you’re just willing to go in there while they’re waiting for you. … Being a three-level scorer — being able to get to the rim, being able to get to a midrange shot if everything is packed up and they guard it there, or they’re all in the paint, shooting the 3. So I think that is a big part, especially in the playoffs, too.”

“Their record might've said one thing, but you had to fight every single night you played them.”

Bickerstaff speaks on one of the biggest differences between this year's #Pistons team and last year's team, which he faced four times as the Cavs coach. pic.twitter.com/7CkR0bNIok

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) April 17, 2025​

J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons Head Coach)​

On Detroit’s early win over the Knicks:

“We were able to come out with a win there. It just felt like our guys started to believe that they could compete with and beat some of the better teams in this league.”

On his team learning how to win:

“Once that kind of clicked, you can just feel the difference. That’s the most difficult part of the NBA: learning how to win and believing you can. Our guys found it this year.”

On Cade Cunningham’s mentality:

“He seems, from the time that I’ve been around him, built for the moment. That’s not to say there’s not possibly some ups and downs and those types of things, but he plays pretty consistent emotionally. … He’s got the demeanor, he’s got the poise and he’s got the skill set. He just has to get that experience.”

On team physicality and controlling emotions:

“It’s important for us to be physical but not emotional. We’re going to be physical. There’s going to be some dust-ups. There’s going to be some interactions. That’s just the way it is when we show up in the building, but we can’t allow the emotion to get the best of us.”

“I’m not worried about KAT. I don’t think about KAT… he is the LEAST of my worries.”

- Malik Beasley on New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns pic.twitter.com/yEShahR0mw

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) April 17, 2025​

Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons Player)​

On facing Karl-Anthony Towns:

“I’m not worried about KAT. I don’t even think about him … He’s the least of my worries.”

much love to jalen brunson for sporting my ‘madison square guardian’ jacket.

best of luck to y’all ahead of the playoffs pic.twitter.com/Qdl0o17eWl

— bomberman (@aTHRIFTEDtemple) April 17, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...they-was-trying-to-kill-me-every-day-in-there

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Don’t get drunk with emotion’

Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images

You might not believe it but the Knicks are only 16 wins away from winning the whole NBA.

The wait is over.

New York hosts Detroit tonight as the Knicks take on the Pistons for a much-anticipated first-round matchup that will see the NYK kick their playoffs, aiming at reaching the ECF for the first time in ages.

Here’s what Coach Thibs, a few Knickerbockers, Coach JB, a few Pistonians, and plenty more people have said in the past few days and hours leading up to tip-off of Game 1. Let’s get it poppin’!

Tom Thibodeau on the Knicks being heavy favorites in their series vs. the Pistons:

"It doesn't mean anything. The only thing that matters is what we think. Don't get drunk with emotion or with praise" pic.twitter.com/0Ak0AKwk5C

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 18, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On the speculation about his job security:

“I don’t pay attention to any of that stuff. I just worry about the series. That’s all I worry about.”

On entering the matchup against Detroit as the favorites to advance:

“It doesn’t mean anything. The only thing that matters is what we think. Whether it’s praise or criticism, it’s all the same. Just lock in to what we have to lock into…

“Don’t get drunk with emotion, with praise.”

On player adaptability and the evolving Knicks chemistry:

“I think that’s the nature of our league—how quickly can you adapt to things? So when you come into a new season, you always have some new faces, and how do you get everyone onto the same page? So you have to have everyone pulling together.

“And then, same thing, things happen during the course of a season and you can lose a guy for 10 games and then someone else comes in and their strengths are different than the guy they’re replacing. We said when Jalen went out that we knew we couldn’t replace him individually, that we’d have to do it collectively, and that’s what we did.”

On his team’s experience:

“I like the experience that we do have. We have good veterans who have been through things. They’ve done a good job helping our younger guys understand what goes into it.”

Jalen Brunson was asked about the thoughts that Tom Thibodeau's job could be in jeopardy if the Knicks don't make a deep playoff run

"Individually he's meant a lot to my career. There's a lot of players who can say they've definitely benefited from Tom Thibodeau" pic.twitter.com/zlZQNa0NHK

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 18, 2025​

Jalen Brunson​

On Thibodeau’s development over time:

“I’ve seen him evolve a lot. I vaguely remember him when I was younger, seeing him coach and then seeing him at Minnesota and then seeing him now, I think he’s evolved a lot. Having in-depth conversations with him, obviously about basketball but also non-basketball stuff, the way we can connect, helps us on the court. It’s been fun. It’s just the way he’s been able to push me and make sure I’m not satisfied. I could go on and on about that.

“Our relationship has evolved—we’re more direct, we talk to each other, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

On supporting Thibodeau amid job speculation:

“He means a lot. Individually, he’s meant a lot to my career. He’s meant a decent amount to [Karl-Anthony Towns], coaching KAT in Minnesota and here. There’s a lot of players who can say they’ve definitely benefited from Tom Thibodeau in his career.

“I think as a team, we’re always in a position where we can compete in the postseason, since I’ve been here. He’s very prepared, he’s a very prepared individual. He’s done a lot for my career, so I’m always going to be a supporter. Always.

“Even when he annoys me, always.”

On how Thibodeau annoys him:

“He annoys me the most when he asks me who did Villanova just lose to. That’s when he annoys the most.”

On Thibodeau’s critics:

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I’m a big Thibs supporter. That’s who I am and that’s who I’ll be.”

On OG Anunoby’s work ethic and personality:

“What I’ve seen from [Anunoby] is a person who’s coming in everyday, doing his job, working on his game. When we needed it most, he’s just stepped up.

“He’s obviously a quiet guy, he’s a soft spoken guy, but when he goes out there he’s a different person — you can see by the way he plays.”

On Anunoby’s scoring surge:

“I don’t think any of us up here were surprised. It’s just the timing of what he did, when he did it was just perfect for us and our team.”

On getting ready for the playoffs:

“I mean, it’s always business as usual. The playoffs are a little bit different. You get more time to prepare, especially with this week, you’re watching all these games, the intensity, what’s at stake. You’re just ready to go. I don’t want to say I have a playoff mode. I just know it’s time to go.”

Josh Hart wants Suni Lee and Anne Hathaway at every game to support OG Anunoby

( @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/gqWm8a2e8B) pic.twitter.com/Q2BNJE3sGs

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 18, 2025​

Josh Hart​

On the Knicks knowing they must support Brunson:

“We’re here to help him. We know that’s the thing with why we’re brought here. I think Coach realized that when JB went down, it let us grow a little bit more and gave confidence to all of us and gave confidence to them to know that we can [make plays] and help each other out to try to win a game.

“So definitely relieve pressure ’cause him getting blitzed all the time and all that stuff makes it easier for us because then we play four-on-three. It should make things so much easier for him.”

On who should be present at the Garden so OG can cook:

“We need Suni or Anne Hathaway at every game during this playoff run.”

"They know what it's gonna be. We know what it's gonna be. Guys gotta do what we gotta do"

–– PJ Tucker on Knicks matching Pistons physicality in 1st round pic.twitter.com/LQf4ssHSv8

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 13, 2025​

P.J. Tucker​

On the need for physicality in the upcoming series:

“There’s no way to match the physicality other than to match it. We know what it’s going to be. Guys gotta step up to the challenge.”

"We're playing a team whose starters play a lot of minutes. Our 2nd unit guys are gonna be against their 1st unit a lot…and we got guys who can go on bursts…So we believe our depth can work in our favor…See you in New York"

–– JB Bickerstaff pic.twitter.com/J6POGm9JPV

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 19, 2025​

J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons Head Coach)​

On how young teams must go through a playoff learning curve:

“It’s a completely different basketball game. Until you’re in it, it’s hard to understand it. We’ve been through this before.

“I say this to our coaches, at some point in time, we were all kids and didn’t listen to our parents, and we didn’t figure it out until we experienced it on our own. That’s what the playoffs are like. We can tell guys what to expect, but until they experience it themselves, you don’t understand just how different it is.”

“The Garden can get loud...It makes us understand how we have to talk to each other.”

Tobias Harris speaks on simulating crowd noises during practice. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/9XTCRqf0D2

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) April 17, 2025​

Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons Player)​

On the special atmosphere at MSG and the Pistons’ preparation for it:

“The Garden can get loud. I know that, for sure. It’s good—makes us communicate, makes us understand how we have to talk to each other.

“We’re NBA players, these type of environments are huge, it’s what we live for. This is how we kind of go out and show people what we’re about.”

"I think the Pistons can give the Knicks problems in this series... Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren gonna rough Karl-Anthony Towns up... They are going to try to make him quit."

Draymond Green on the Knicks-Pistons series ️

(via @DraymondShow)pic.twitter.com/xA7FKVl06u

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 18, 2025​

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors Player)​

On the matchup between Towns and the Pistons' bigs:

“I think the Pistons can give the Knicks problems in this series. I don’t think this is a cakewalk.

“(Isaiah Stewart) and Jalen Duren gonna rough Karl-Anthony Towns up. Karl-Anthony Towns gotta bring his hard hat to this matchup. They are going to try to make him quit.”

Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy have similar reason for predicting Knicks survive tough Pistons test https://t.co/uclBBwXzFR pic.twitter.com/Lhau8gV2bx

— New York Post (@nypost) April 19, 2025​

Reggie Miller (Former NBA Player)​

On the Knicks’ challenge in the first round:

“This is going to be a fun series to watch. I just hope the Knicks respect them and don’t overlook them. Because if they do, then we could be looking at an upset.

“Experience, to me, matters. I know everyone is saying it, but number one, I don’t think this is going to be an easy series for New York. I do think they will end up winning this series, but this is what they cannot do—they cannot overlook Detroit just because of the experience factor.”

On the playoffs being an entirely different thing to the regular season:

“You throw away that 0–10 [record] against all these other teams. It’s totally different in the playoffs. If they are fortunate enough to get by Detroit, you know who’s waiting for them in the second round.

“We know what Boston and the Knicks’ record is over the last two seasons. But again, it’s the playoffs. It’s the new season. Anything is possible.”

Stan Van Gundy (Former NBA Coach)​

On Knicks vs. Pistons:

“Look, Detroit is good. This team has, I think, surprised everybody and has been very, very good. But I’m with Reggie, I think New York, not only in experience, it’s [Karl-Anthony] Towns.

“I think, to me, you’re gonna go with Brunson, Towns, and Cade Cunningham. I look at it and say, ‘Who are the top five or six players in that series?’ And I’m probably taking New York four of the top five or five of the top six.

“New York has not defended the way you would expect a New York team for most of the year. But they’ve been a little better lately, they’re getting healthy, and OG Anunoby is playing the best basketball of his career. That team, like Reggie said, it’s got experience. It’s got toughness. It’s got two great offensive players.

“I think they’ve got a little too much for Detroit.”

On potential second round vs. Boston:

“Look, that New York-Boston series would be crazy. That series would be off the charts in terms of fan interest. I just don’t put a lot of stock in [head-to-head records].

“With that said, I think Boston’s the better team right now. I think they’ve shown down the stretch—18–3 to end the season—that they’re the team to beat, not only in that series but in the East and probably in the league. But New York’s really, really good.

“Just like we said with New York and Detroit, it’s not going to be an easy series for Boston. New York can make it tough. I just think Boston’s defense is better.”

Postseason hero Larry Johnson relives his iconic 4-point play, makes plea for current Knicks https://t.co/yGuSUHF8gO pic.twitter.com/pkeFOFYHbd

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 18, 2025​

Larry Johnson (New York Knicks Legend)​

On playing inside New York’s Madison Square Garden:

“Half the battle is wanting to play in New York. The lights are bright on Broadway. You can say that and other teams—‘Ah, whatever, whatever, that’s just New York talking.’ Well, you feel it when you come play here.

“When you come here, and you put the New York across the chest, you step on the floor, then it’s a little different. And I think all them guys on the team want to be here, they want to play with each other and they feel good with playing with each other, and that takes a lot out of it. And the crowd is behind all these guys now. That’s a big difference.”

On the Pistons matchup:

“Those Pistons, man, towards the end of the season, they were playing just as well as anybody.

“For us, it’s just playing together, home-court advantage. I’m proud of that, but those guys have played together, they love playing with each other, their chemistry is great, so they just continue that and we should be OK.”

On the Knicks’ chances vs. Boston:

“Absolutely. You gotta play the game, man. We know how they look and we know what happened during the regular season.

“Playoffs is a whole different story, and it’s hard to keep beating teams like that. Yeah absolutely, absolutely they can beat them.”

Reporting for NBA Today on the futures of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the Suns after Mike Budenholzer became the third coach fired in three years: pic.twitter.com/m4FfW3K7wI

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 14, 2025​

Shams Charania (NBA Insider)​

On a potential trade interest in Kevin Durant:

“This is the start of significant changes coming to Phoenix, and from a roster perspective, that is expected to begin and center around Kevin Durant, their future Hall of Famer. Back at the NBA trade deadline, there were multiple teams that pursued Durant in a trade, and there were some teams that there were also mutual interest. Those teams included Houston, New York, San Antonio, as well as Miami. So expect those teams to be back in the picture for Kevin Durant. I would expect others to jump in the fray as well.”

On how the trade will unfold:

“It’s going to really come down to which team believes they are a Kevin Durant away. So staying very close to the NBA playoffs and seeing who does well. …The Suns are expected to work with Durant as well as business partner Rich Kleiman on finding his next trade home.”

Despite the Pistons scaring "the living hell" of out @stephenasmith, he is picking the Knicks to win their first-round matchup pic.twitter.com/y4mUMH7f9f

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2025

Stephen A. Smith (TV Personality)​

On his Knicks prediction:

“I’m still going to pick them to win this series of course, but it’s more emotional. What I don’t like most about this matchup for the Knicks is that Detroit seems to have what the Knicks had last year. And that’s that grit, that grind. They’ll make it ugly.”

"I think the best basketball is ahead for this team" -Wally Szczerbiak on the Knicks heading into a potentially physical first round against the Pistons.

Catch the full @NYKnicks Playoff Preview Special on The Gotham Sports App!@wallyball | @alanhahn | @BillPidto pic.twitter.com/ssNwl5yfCv

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) April 14, 2025​

Wally Szczerbiak (Former NBA Player)​

On what this series could reveal:

“We’re going to learn a lot about the interior of this locker room in this series quick. Because the talent is there. They should blow out this Detroit team when you go player for player. If they don’t dominate this series, there’s something going on in that locker room that’s not right.”

On the team’s chemistry entering the playoffs:

“The chemistry is not where it was last year going into the playoffs. That’s something this team is going to have to find quick. Jalen Brunson is the captain. He’s the head of that locker room. He’s going to have to lead by example and play at a high level to get all those guys comfortable. Because I think there is some fractured confidence in that locker room. And getting this playoff season, and getting these playoff games off to the right start is going to be on Jalen Brunson to set the tone and everybody else follows.”

On how to handle Detroit:

“You’re the better team, you’re the more skilled team. You got to match the physicality but you can’t let it get in your head. That’s when the Pistons win – when they get in your head with their little bumps, with their little shimmies, with their little antics. Just let your play do the talking. You have the home-court advantage. Set the tone by throttling this team in Game 1. And that physicality will go away.”

The Knicks struggled against the top teams in the league, posting a 0-12 record against the Celtics, Cavs, Thunder, and Lakers

If they fail to make a deep playoff run, is it time for a change? pic.twitter.com/gvJGs7YiPC

— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) April 18, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/19/24411051/knicks-bulletin-dont-get-drunk-with-emotion

 

[New York Knicks]

Playoff Game Thread: Knicks vs Pistons, Game One, April 19, 2025

Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

The playoffs begin!

The third-seeded New York Knicks host the sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons in Game One of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are favored with their roster of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby. Detroit, the NBA’s most improved team, is led by rising star Cade Cunningham, who is ready to make a splash in his postseason debut.

Tip off is 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN and MSG. This is your game thread. This is Detroit Bad Boys. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Honor your humanity. And go Knicks!

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...f-game-thread-knicks-vs-pistons-april-19-2025