The Knicks return home to face the Heat with the season on the line. Will they force a Game 6 or is this the end of the line?
It’s win or go home for the Knicks.
There isn’t much to say. The Knicks went down to Miami after splitting the first two games 1-1 in New York but they let South Beach get the best of them after losing both games to the Heat and now find themselves in a 3-1 hole.
Now back home the ‘Bockers are fighting for their playoff lives and the vibes are in the dumps as they prepare for the most crucial game of the playoffs. The Knicks were dominated in Miami in the two games in Miami and were outplayed in every facet in both games. The Heat even took away New York’s strength on the boards and just hustled and muscled for every rebound and 50/50 ball.
There was a somber mood at the post-game presser after game four as Julius Randle sounded all but defeated after saying “Maybe they (the Heat) want it, more. I don’t know.” This isn’t exactly what you want to hear from one of the team leaders after a soul-crushing defeat when this team’s resilience has allowed them to get this deep into the playoffs.
The Knicks must shake off the bad energy and take things one game at a time if they hope to survive. It’s important that they get back to doing what brought them success all season; grind and outwork opponents. The Heat’s role players have stepped up where the Knicks’ have faltered. Maybe an air of desperation and some home cooking is just what they need to keep the series alive and force game six back in Miami. RJ Barrett put it best “Get a win back home. That’s it.”
Game 5 tip-offs at 7:30 pm on TNT.
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