What an epic game 7! The Bucks were up by 10 going into the 4th quarter, but as anyone knows who watches any basketball, leads evaporate in the 4th like water falling through cupped hands. Kyrie and Harden both had 13 points in the 4th quarter. Giannis fouled out in the 4th, forcing young Skal Labrissiere to play, a curious choice by coach Kidd instead of Thad Young.
The move of Lance to the bench seemed to help the bench out immensely, Luc isn’t really a facilitator, and while he didn’t play great, he did hit a big 3 in the 4th quarter. Lance got 4 points and 5 assists which really helped New York’s bench. It was the Knicks starting lineup that really turned this game around. They closed the 4th and outplayed the opposing all-stars.
What’s next for both teams? Well the Knicks obviously are on their way to the Eastern Conference finals vs Cleveland. The Bucks have already determined who’s on the way out. It appears that Westbrook may be on the trading block after being one of the best players in the league. Will anyone be able to meet his asking price though? It’s hard to trade a superstar as the asking price is way too much usually. The Bucks also have some difficult decisions with Giannis and KCP. Both are in for big pay raises, and they might not be able to afford both of them. It appears that KCP is the odd man out and may be moved or since he’s a RFA, may just get a big offer by another team that Badwolf can’t match.
The Knicks have a big task in front of them, taking on LeBron. They have the horses to compete with Cleveland though, so this may be a good matchup. On a side note, how lucky are the Cavs that they faced a Durant/Lowry-less Boston, then a Kawhi-less Philly. The Knicks will prove a different challenge as all of their best players are healthy.
I know this one hurts for the Bucks, but KAT is still a couple of years away from being as dominant as Anthony Davis, and Westbrook still has years left on his prime. Next year they will have Lavine back and their bench will be even better.
Good luck to the Bucks in the offseason, and the Knicks the rest of the postseason, both GMs deserve it!
