Celtics is known for their tough defense, and Knicks has been florishing with their offense this year, especailly in the 3-pointer range. As promised by the matchup, this will be a great season for bball fans. The first half of the first game already showed a glimpse of it.
Percentage matters, possession matters, that's why both teams are careful with defensive assignments, and coaches are monitoring closely, call timeouts whenever there is issues.
Just now, Melo put up a pretty spin move and turnaround jumper, then JR followed suit with a pretty spin move for layup on his own. Celtics returned with 3 similar cuts by Bradly, delivered by Pierce and another alley-oop to KG. Woodson called timeout immediately for defensive adjustment.
KG was never my favorite player, but I got give it him as best prepared player before every single game, both physically and mentally. There is no coincidence that KG has been around for so long, with such high intensity every single game. Way before game starts, he starts to in his own zone, talking to himself, banging his head, forcing himself to switch to the game gear. Sometimes, he's so intense, he starts to vomit before games. He's a machine, with a big heart.
Even as great as KG is, he never managed to get out of first round of playoffs by himself, not until he got support from Sprewell and Sam Casel. It just shows how hard it is to win a series in playoffs, and how important to be in a good team and good situation.
With Paul back, KG still contributes, Green is really flourishing, and Bradley is doing well, Melo alone can't win this series. Knicks needs contribution from role players, a lot. Not just from JR, but more importantly from everyone else, Tyson included.
It's going to be a fun series to watch.