The Knicks will take advantage of a historic opportunity when they travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday night. However, their next move will depend on how they fare in their quarterfinal In-Season Tournament matchup against the Bucks.
For one thing, Julius Randle had no intention of taking a swift return trip to New York.
The All-Star forward said, “I packed for Vegas,” following practice on Monday in Tarrytown.
In fact, a Knicks victory would send them to Sin City for the first-ever NBA Cup semifinals on Thursday against the Pacers, who defeated the Celtics Monday night in Indiana thanks to a triple-double and a last-second four-point play by Tyrese Haliburton.
On Saturday night, there will be a potential championship game where players can win $500,000 in prize money each and lift the trophy.
“We’re thrilled. We see it as a fantastic chance to get outside, have fun, compete against the best, and win something. Randle remarked, “I think every guy in the locker room is excited. It’s a pleasant feeling. We get to see how we perform in comparison to one of the league’s top teams.
We believe that we are getting better every day and in every game. Guys both as a group and individually. We should use this as a good opportunity to continue stretching the boundaries of our collective identity.
In the event that the Knicks fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks (14-6), they will play the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
“The problem is that a variety of events occur during each season. The next question is usually, “How quickly can you adapt?” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “I want our guys to [focus] on those challenges because they are shared by all.” The preparation process is something we have control over. There shouldn’t be a change for every game.
“You have to go about it that way if you want to be a consistent team. Thus, you prepare for the game on Tuesday and proceed in the same manner for the next one, whenever it is scheduled. You develop your habits and consistency, in my opinion, in this way.”
The Knicks are 10-3 since a giveaway loss in Milwaukee on November 3 in the first game of both teams’ tournament group play, but they have won three straight games to increase their overall record to 12-7 this season.
With just one minute remaining, Thibodeau’s team led 103-101, but Damian Lillard, an imported guard, scored eight points in the last 63 seconds to cut the Knicks’ lead to 2-4. Barrett was not playing.
Jalen Brunson recorded a season-high 45 points, but Julius Randle still was mired in his early-season shooting slump following offseason ankle surgery, missing 15 of 20 field-goal attempts and eight of nine from 3-point range.
“Over the last four or five games, we’ve dominated them. We played them close games into last season, according to Randle. We’re trying to sort of get past that obstacle.
“Naturally, Dame made some excellent shots during our previous game there. However, we are optimistic about our chances going in.”
Thibodeau went on, “Every game teaches you something. Giannis is undoubtedly a fantastic player, Dame is an even better player, and [Khris] Middleton is getting healthier. This means that they are a highly armed team. It is evident how good they are when you compare their performance from this year with that of the previous few years. Thus, we must perform to the best of our abilities.”
Regardless of where the schedule takes them, Thibodeau emphasized that the Knicks “cannot get sidetracked” by what comes next.
“In my opinion, the competition has been fantastic for the league and the supporters. I adore it. It seems exciting to me, Thibodeau remarked. “But for now, keep your attention on what needs to be your attention.”