Hartenstein Big Double-Double (20-10-5) Knicks WIN !!!
Gimmie dat Game-Ball !!!
I don't understand .. 3 and change minutes reman in game, the score 110-95, a 15 point lead, your top player commits a foul that must be investigated for a fragrant.
Ain't that the time (warning) to bring 2 of our top players out the game (Randle/Brunson/OG) having a 15 point lead with 3 minutes remaining in the game .....
To give playing-time to the much needed bench lineup (Grimes, McBride, and Achiuwa) the chance to pull together their skills (STOPS) in a 3 minute lineup having Hartenstein at center (Achiuwa skills/talent will never be a NBA center).
Coach Thibs would've showed a strong confidence as a head-coach to the Knicks bench lineup players (McBride, Grimes, Hart, Achiu, and Hartenstein) to finish the game.
It didn't happen!
Tonight, the Knicks were not playing against any of the East top teams Boston/Bucks/Philly/Magic/Heats known for having a winning identity in strong come from behind games in the 4th quarter.
We were playing a 15-20 Bulls team .. Where our bench lineup showed they couldn't compete having Randle in the lineup.
Our Game rotation shrunk from the trade .. Our only reliable players in the Knicks game rotation are ..
1) Randle 39 min
2) Brunson 38 min
3) OG 34 min
4) Donte 25 min
5) Hartenstein 37 min
6) Hart 25 min
7) Grimes 18 min
Did I miss anyone?
Now I wish we still had Barrett & Quickly in the rotation, plus MitchRob for a 10 Man rotation to compete as NBA contenders.
Coach Thibs will play the above short 7 man rotation through rain, sleet, snow, and storms of soreness and injuries the next 48 Knicks regular season games. Thibs short 7 man rotation will only be prepared to sit throughout the NBA playoffs at the end of the season .. Like Thibs did the Bulls players and Wolves players.