SU was emotionally prepared to see the Knicks lose game 1 of this series as a week and a half layoff is ridiculous for athletes who are used to playing every other day. Predictably, their shooting was way off most of the game, and the rust showed. Jalen Brunson took 31 shots (more on that later) with only a third finding the mark. But they rallied from a 14-point defiicit in the 3rd quarter (hey, this is the NBA where no lead is safe ever) and executed better down the stretch. Here is what stood out to SU:

1. The Spurs are really young – certainly for the guys that play. They are fast, athletic and some love to trash talk (looking at you Harper and Champagnie). Btw: I know it’s the NBA and there is a lot of trash talking all the time but please shut up. Champagnie had a lot to say in the 1st half when he was red hot from 3 but not as much yapping in the 2nd half when he scored 1 point and did not hardly even shoot. One thing about the Knicks: they go about their business for the most part. SU does not see much trash talking from this team. I know: I am old school and a dinosaur but just play the game the right way. Not so much to ask.
2. Who is the Spurs’ go to guy down the stretch in a close game? Wemby is a superstar who is still learning but not sure you clear out to let him do his thing just yet. Something to watch in this series.
3. SU hated Brunson taking 31 shots. This Knicks’ team is at its best when the ball is moving and they are running. Sure, he was Captain Clutch in the 4th quarter although at one point you could see him shooting them out of this game when he missed 4 in a row.
4. KAT and Hart were outstanding. Hart is so good rebounding, defending and pushing the ball up the court. The points are a bonus although if he can hit a few 3’s, the series is over. KAT played a complete game and avoided racking up the dumb fouls.
5. Note on refs: SU knows this is incredibly hard. These guys are flying all over the place and the game is so fast. But… in the 1st half the Knicks were driving to the basket regularly – including Brunson – and had 1 foul shot for most of the half. Ridiculous. Call the game evenly. SU will never blame a win or loss on the refs but they seem to be influenced by the home crowd sometimes.
6. I know physical play is the norm in the playoffs but as a fan, do I enjoy guards being bumped and held at mid-court on offense? Rarely are fouls called and it slows down the offensive game so much. I mean, who wants to watch that? It’s actually a foul – so call it and players will stop doing it. Btw, the WNBA allowed that so much last year that they changed how the game is called this year as it was also unwatchable. The NBA should do the same. We are 30 years removed from the Pat Riley era in NY when playoff games were in the 70s.
7. Wemby is a freak. No doubt about it. Incredible talent – especially on defense with the blocks. Teams try to muscle him and he does lash out sometimes on his blocks. Is he a dirty player? SU doesn’t think so but keep an eye on that. He was ejected in a game earlier in the playoffs as he can get frustrated. Definitely some follow through going on with his arms.

Finally, you have to tip your hat to Coach Mike Brown. Win or lose this series, he played a lot of guys during the regular season. His rotations often varied but the net is that he can slot in different players in the playoffs who had meaningful minutes during the regular season. Tom Thibodeau did not do that – great coach but he had his guys and not much more than that. Brown also has the luxury of changing up the flow of a game by subbing and not every team can do that.

For the Knicks, game 2 would be nice but they did what they had to do last night in a game, given the layoff, was a steal.

Quick comment on the Yankees before I go. They are not competitive vs. teams with a winning record. Pretty obvious at this point. 3-10 for the season. True, a small sample size but they fail the eye test.