Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau decided to seat all his starters during the fourth quarter in the last loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The New Yorkers were in tow throughout the night, and only the second unit was able to return them to the encounter.
Thibs decided to bench Kemba, Fournier, Barrett, Randle and Robinson in the second minute of the third period, with only Randle returning to replace Obi Toppin during the final stretch. The difference between both teams was abysmal, according to the data provided by Tommy Beer of the medium Forbes.
With the Kemba, Fournier, Barrett, Randle and Robinson quintet:
- 47.9% in field goals allowed to Milwaukee.
- 42.5% in 3s allowed to Milwaukee.
With the Rose, Burks, Quickley, Toppin and Gibson quintet:
- 38.9% in field shots allowed to Milwaukee.
- 26.5% in 3s allowed to Milwaukee.
“They just didn’t play well,” Thibs said. “That is all. We have to figure it out. And right now we are playing well as visitors and badly as locals. Which is somewhat unusual. So we have to fix it, “he stressed.
The Knicks’ second unit had a 29-7 streak to kill a 24-point lead that the Bucks had led by backup Pat Connaughton.
You know what they say. We’ve only had 10 games, and you need at least 20. And when you say 20, you need 30. And at 30, 40. And then the season is over. This is all bullshit, ”Thibs explained.
The defensive data with Kemba and Mitch Robinson is being bloody. According to Gonzalo Vázquez, with the point guard they reflect an accumulated -54 points; and with Mitch -29 points. However, the opposite happens with Rose on the court (+89); with Quickley (+54) and Obi Toppin (+50).
(Cover photo: Stier / Getty Images)
