Obi Toppin Knicks Game Thread

[MikeFlyer]

Obi fouled. no call. if it was Lebum it would have been called. NBA sucks!

[AZFlyer85]

Halftime and Obi has 5 points, Randle has 2 with a -17 rating. I knew this would happen after Thidodeau ran Randle into the ground.

[Swampy Meadows]

Charles Barkley says Thibs should play Julius Randle with Obi and the second unit.

Flyer Nation concurs.
Posted via Mobile Device

[John C.]

Who would have thought Obi would have as many points as Randle four minutes into the third quarter. Maybe the 1,000 minutes he played per game is catching up with him.

[longtimefan67]

How cool was it to hear Madison Square Garden chanting Obi, Obi, Obi!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

The highlight from Obi in the 2nd half along with his mom’s reaction:

https://mobile.twitter.com/BleacherR...33319765229569

And MSG going nuts after his dunk:

https://mobile.twitter.com/AtTheBuzz...29638600871939

[AZFlyer85]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows The highlight from Obi in the 2nd half along with his mom’s reaction: https://mobile.twitter.com/BleacherR...33319765229569 And MSG going nuts after his dunk: https://mobile.twitter.com/AtTheBuzz...29638600871939

And Mom Rocking His UD #1 Jersey!

[wes]

That is not MSG.

[cj]

Yes, it was MSG
Posted via Mobile Device

[Chris R]

How many moms were wearing Kentucky, Oklahoma, Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, USC, etc, jerseys to rep their professional NBA son tonight. Like nobody. Once the kids go pro and get the millions its all Chanel and alligator leather for momma. But there's Roni rockin' the UD jersey like "these are my people, these are Obi's people, we're still in this together..."

Legend status earned. She can park anywhere on campus as far as Im concerned. If its a problem, forward me the tickets.

[UDEE79]

Go to the Knicks subreddit. Obi getting lots of love in the post game thread

[Fudd]

Big dunk in a comeback playoff game in MSG. MSG chanting your name. Your mom is weeping with pride in the stands.

That's kind of awesome.

[moville]

Story in the New York Post: https://nypost.com/2021/05/27/obi-to...-mom-to-tears/

[Fudd]

I've been wondering when the Knicks would come to the realization that lobbing to Obi around the basket is like lobbing a pass to Jerry Rice in the endzone. He converts.

[Swampy Meadows]

Originally Posted by wes That is not MSG.

No it’s not—it’s a soccer arena in Buenos Aires. The Knicks fan Twitter account At The Buzzer posted it to emphasize the MSG crowd reaction to our guy jamming.
Posted via Mobile Device

[moville]

I never thought I'd see the day . . . but Swampy may be ditching his beloved and hometown Celtics for . . . . the Knicks!

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by moville Story in the New York Post: https://nypost.com/2021/05/27/obi-to...-mom-to-tears/

“Obi played very well,’’ Tom Thibodeau said after the Knicks’ 101-92 Game 2 win over the Hawks. “Quick didn’t shoot well. Overall, he and Quick are giving us a lot for two rookies to be playing in these playoffs, doing what they’re doing. I’m very pleased with them. There’s a big upside to both guys. They’ve been terrific since they got here.’’

Better late praise than never Thib's. I don't get that Julius has to crater before Tom recognizes what he's got in Obi. Try listening to your MSG fans.

[Swampy Meadows]

Originally Posted by moville I never thought I'd see the day . . . but Swampy may be ditching his beloved and hometown Celtics for . . . . the Knicks!

[cj]

OBI is a NY marketers dream and will be a financial bonanza for the Knicks if they keep him.

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by cj OBI is a NY marketers dream and will be a financial bonanza for the Knicks if they keep him.

It could be a financial bonanza for the University of Dayton as well if players such as DaRon Holmes continue to realize that they can achieve the same things that Obi did here just like they could at the Power 5 or Power 6 schools.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by San Diego Flyer “Obi played very well,’’ Tom Thibodeau said after the Knicks’ 101-92 Game 2 win over the Hawks. “Quick didn’t shoot well. Overall, he and Quick are giving us a lot for two rookies to be playing in these playoffs, doing what they’re doing. I’m very pleased with them. There’s a big upside to both guys. They’ve been terrific since they got here.’’ Better late praise than never Thib's. I don't get that Julius has to crater before Tom recognizes what he's got in Obi. Try listening to your MSG fans.

Now that he won NBA MIP, Randal thinks he's achieved LaBron/Steph/KD status within the Knicks. He hasn't. And until he realizes he had help getting to the postseason, he will fail and take the Knicks with him.

[FlyingArrow]

Obi's mom has a Jedi emblem on her jersey. Is that an Obi-Wan reference?

[tirebiter]

The Post called Obi "the Dayton highflyer". Hope that catches on.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by rollo How many of the top 10 draft picks are on Play-Off teams? #6 Okongwu with Hawks (4.6 ppg and 3 min/0 pts in 1st playoff game); #8 Toppin (4.1 ppg and 12 min/5 pts in 1st playoff game); #9 Avdija with Wizards (6.3 ppg and Not-on-Roster for 1st playoff game); and #10 Smith with Suns (2.0 ppg and DNP in both playoff games) Maybe that has something to do with it.

Excellent post. Perspective.

[flyerfanatic86]

Originally Posted by podcast411 Obi has more points in the playoffs in one season than Zion has in two. Just sayin.

James Jones has 3 rings. That's 3 more than Charles Barkley!

[Brad S.]

Originally Posted by flyerfanatic86 James Jones has 3 rings. That's 3 more than Charles Barkley!

Heck, Kostas has more rings than Barkley - or Giannis!

[Flyer 86]

Originally Posted by UDEE79 Go to the Knicks subreddit. Obi getting lots of love in the post game thread

Obi getting lots of LOVE on Twitter the past 2 games. This great kid will break out over the next 2 years.


He's unflappable, energetic, hugely likeable. And a Flyer alum 😁

[Flyer 86]

I watched the highlight clips like 5 times after game. Cant see I didn't get weepy man. This kids the Best. Best rep for UD, great integrity, and improving his skills, timing and shooting each game!

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Excellent post. Perspective.

the only perspective I care about...
Obi just getting better and better to
the NBA speed, and MSG shouting
his name....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vektn-tc2Q

[MrFlyerFanatic]

Originally Posted by Chris R How many moms were wearing Kentucky, Oklahoma, Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, USC, etc, jerseys to rep their professional NBA son tonight. Like nobody. Once the kids go pro and get the millions its all Chanel and alligator leather for momma. But there's Roni rockin' the UD jersey like "these are my people, these are Obi's people, we're still in this together..." Legend status earned. She can park anywhere on campus as far as Im concerned. If its a problem, forward me the tickets.

Should UD be inking Roni to an endorsement deal?

Those "Our campus is a powerhouse" commercials are nice, but how strong would a promo with Roni and Obi be?

[steverino015]

Obi's mom in tears as the entire
MSG crowd up on their feet shouting
Obi's name....
awesome perspective here...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEyEU82Rr1M

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by MrFlyerFanatic Should UD be inking Roni to an endorsement deal? Those "Our campus is a powerhouse" commercials are nice, but how strong would a promo with Roni and Obi be?

agree agree!

so happy for Obi, for New York, for Roni
and for the University Of Dayton

what were the Negative Nancys saying
just a few weeks ago?? where are they now, lol..

[88flyer]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow Obi's mom has a Jedi emblem on her jersey. Is that an Obi-Wan reference?

I think Obi should put his first name on the back of the jersey for the full Obi 1 effect.

[Marysville Flyer]

Originally Posted by steverino015 agree agree! so happy for Obi, for New York, for Roni and for the University Of Dayton what were the Negative Nancys saying just a few weeks ago?? where are they now, lol..

I love how when people are honest about where Obi actually is at the moment in response to those saying he needs out of NY or Tibs should be fired, they get called negative Nancies.

Obi is a smart kid, a hard worker and very respectful. He needs a coach like Tibs who will work him hard, teach and tell him exactly what he wants, and sit him when he doesn't get it. That is what will accelerate his development.

It's absolutely great (and a tip of the hat to Obi) that he is on the court at a critical time in the 4th quarter making a difference on BOTH ends of the court! Hopefully this playoff experience is the springboard to what we all hope he will be in the NBA.

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by Marysville Flyer I love how when people are honest about where Obi actually is at the moment in response to those saying he needs out of NY or Tibs should be fired, they get called negative Nancies. Obi is a smart kid, a hard worker and very respectful. He needs a coach like Tibs who will work him hard, teach and tell him exactly what he wants, and sit him when he doesn't get it. That is what will accelerate his development. It's absolutely great (and a tip of the hat to Obi) that he is on the court at a critical time in the 4th quarter making a difference on BOTH ends of the court! Hopefully this playoff experience is the springboard to what we all hope he will be in the NBA.

it is absolutely great, but don't put words
in my mouth... I gave 2 nba players who
began as limited minute players.. and became
all stars...

no, they do NOT get called they, unless they
do it ad nauseum...

Negative Nancys I am refering to, are those
who felt there was no future for Obi, and
almost close minded to development...
and also negative about nearly anything

scroll through, not tough to identify..

[steverino015]

next game, tonight
at 7pm in Atlanta I believe..

after that, Sun at 7pm
also in Atlanta if memory serves me..

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by steverino015 it is absolutely great, but don't put words in my mouth... I gave 2 nba players who began as limited minute players.. and became all stars... no, they do NOT get called they, unless they do it ad nauseum... Negative Nancys I am refering to, are those who felt there was no future for Obi, and almost close minded to development... and also negative about nearly anything scroll through, not tough to identify..

I was one that felt Obi had no future in NY; not because of what he did or didn't do on the court. It was more of a reflection of what Thibs did whenever Obi made a mistake; that's fine, it's your prerogative as coach to punish a player for maybe making a few defensive mistakes. The problem is I didn't see that same consistency applied to the VETERAN seasoned experienced pros who weren't playing defense or making mistakes-especially to fellow rookie Quickley who made the exact same mistakes Obi was making. I'm just glad to see that Obi has regained his offensive confidence. I still think the Knicks desperately need a quality PG. No disrespect DRose but he's nearing the end of his career. Before Rose, NOBODY was even looking at Obi and the Knicks offense was horrid (and still is).

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by Flyer 86 I watched the highlight clips like 5 times after game. Cant see I didn't get weepy man. This kids the Best. Best rep for UD, great integrity, and improving his skills, timing and shooting each game!

Obi showed the same pattern at UD. He was not great from the start but he used his redshirt year to hone his skills and hit the ground running his freshman season. Then early in his sophomore season he improved with each game and seemed to really hit his stride in the Maui Classic in Hawaii against Georgia, Virginia Tech and especially Kansas! I never will forget when he turned and looked at the Kansas bench while his three pointer was still in the air! It seemed like the bigger the game the better he played in that 29-2 season.

Fast forward to this season with his home town team the Knicks. Despite being a sub for Julius Randle and getting only about 10 minutes a game he has improved significantly since the beginning of the season. Now with the big games coming up in the playoffs I hope he continues this upward trend and Thibs has the confidence to use him even more with each game. You can tell Obi is having fun out there when he is in the game just like he did for our Flyers!

[Swampy Meadows]

Hadn't seen this video posted until today. Obi takes it to the rack, is fouled and gets serenaded by the NYK fans:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...34450323152896

[Marysville Flyer]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 I was one that felt Obi had no future in NY; not because of what he did or didn't do on the court. It was more of a reflection of what Thibs did whenever Obi made a mistake; that's fine, it's your prerogative as coach to punish a player for maybe making a few defensive mistakes. The problem is I didn't see that same consistency applied to the VETERAN seasoned experienced pros who weren't playing defense or making mistakes-especially to fellow rookie Quickley who made the exact same mistakes Obi was making. I'm just glad to see that Obi has regained his offensive confidence. I still think the Knicks desperately need a quality PG. No disrespect DRose but he's nearing the end of his career. Before Rose, NOBODY was even looking at Obi and the Knicks offense was horrid (and still is).

How is this any different than how AG (or likely all other coaches) treat veterans vs. freshman. Chatman made many bad passes and ill advised shots that the frosh would get benched for. That's just how it works and to me is good coaching and setting the std early in the frosh career what is expected of them and their need to buy into the system.

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 I was one that felt Obi had no future in NY; not because of what he did or didn't do on the court. It was more of a reflection of what Thibs did whenever Obi made a mistake; that's fine, it's your prerogative as coach to punish a player for maybe making a few defensive mistakes. The problem is I didn't see that same consistency applied to the VETERAN seasoned experienced pros who weren't playing defense or making mistakes-especially to fellow rookie Quickley who made the exact same mistakes Obi was making. I'm just glad to see that Obi has regained his offensive confidence. I still think the Knicks desperately need a quality PG. No disrespect DRose but he's nearing the end of his career. Before Rose, NOBODY was even looking at Obi and the Knicks offense was horrid (and still is).

but you are HERE... which is much different
from having performance fly in the face
of negative to be negative.. then, at the
sign of them being proved wrong, they run
and hide.....

you are not among them and thank
goodness for that...) so, this makes
two explanations....) no not you lol..)

[steverino015]

in many offensive categories, the Knicks
rank in the bottom 6 of the NBA, except
for 2...

they are the 3rd best 3pt shooting team
in the NBA... and they commit the 6th
lowest number of turnovers... these are
the only things that stood out to me...

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Marysville Flyer How is this any different than how AG (or likely all other coaches) treat veterans vs. freshman. Chatman made many bad passes and ill advised shots that the frosh would get benched for. That's just how it works and to me is good coaching and setting the std early in the frosh career what is expected of them and their need to buy into the system.

Again, I didn't see that same treatment applied to Quickley - also a rookie. Probably because he is a very streaky shooter capable of putting up a lot of points but also at the same time capable of going 1-12. Quickley got all the love and press early on and Obi, coming off an injury came up slower than I even expected. I really don't care at this point. Obi is playing for his dream hometown team and I'm happy for him. NY fans are very unforgiving.

[shwag33]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 Again, I didn't see that same treatment applied to Quickley - also a rookie. Probably because he is a very streaky shooter capable of putting up a lot of points but also at the same time capable of going 1-12. Quickley got all the love and press early on and Obi, coming off an injury came up slower than I even expected. I really don't care at this point. Obi is playing for his dream hometown team and I'm happy for him. NY fans are very unforgiving.

Because their starting PG sucks, while randle was killing it.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi didn’t score in 5 2Q minutes but he grabbed 2 boards and got some nice compliments from ESPN announcer Mark Jones.
Posted via Mobile Device

[MikeFlyer]

knicks offense is offensive. thibbs needs an offensive coordinator.

[SeasonTicketFan]

24-10 assists in favor of the Hawks so far.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi missed a trey but then converted on a 3/4 court alley oop courtesy of DRose:

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheKnicks...48453072662533

And again later:

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheKnicks...50249753038850

He finishes with 4 points and 3 rebounds in a Knicks L.

[Fudd]

Watched the end of the game and Obi played well.

The Knicks were very offensively challenged tonight. They don't know how to move the ball with passing effectively when they run into teams that have the beef to keep Randle from bullying his way to the hoop.

The frustrating thing about NBA ball is the lack of moving and sharing the ball on offense on most teams.

Obi plays team ball really well, but that isn't the MO of most of the NBA including the Knicks. Instead of having Obi stand in the corner waiting for a pass every time on offense, I would have him set picks for Derrick Rose and roll to the basket. When the other team hedges on the roll, Obi gets a wide open three. When the other team denies Obi the three, lob to him on the roll. With the right point guard, that strategy can be almost unstoppable. We saw that with Crutcher.

[steverino015]

all the Knick starters not named Derrick Rose
were 9 - 38 from the field.

[Chris R]

I get that Thibs is quite concerned about Obis defense, but Secretariat ran faster as the track got longer. Obi is a race horse, not a dressage horse. Id like to see Obi get 35 solid minutes where he can actually work up a lather and get into the flow and run the legs out of a few power forwards with is ability to outrun all comers down the court.

If the experiment fails, its not terminal lung cancer. You can always reverse course. At this point in the season however, now is not going to be the time to perform big experiments like this. Would have liked to seen it in April.

[BeckysTXA]

I watched the entire game and to add to Chris’ post, I thought Obi did not look that great in the first half appearance. He seemed to not be “in the flow”. Was somewhat hesitant. But that changed in the 2nd half appearance. His body language changed and he was less hesitant. The how Thibs is using him is a whole different discussion, but he’s better the more he’s on the court and moving.

Second takeaway....Clutch needs to study as much film as he can of Trae Young. I saw all kinds of opportunity for Clutch if he models his game after Young. And I don’t think Clutch has a huge mountain to climb to get there, skill wise. Young is 6’1” and 185 lbs. People say Clutch is too small at 6’2” and 175. Young was the best player on the court. Jalen is not too small if he develops his game and speed like Young.

[UDGutter2]

For a team built on "defense" they left a ton of guys wide open.

[steve]

Originally Posted by MikeFlyer knicks offense is offensive. thibbs needs an offensive coordinator.

Yeah that game looked like a hawks had seven players on defense the entire game. I understand teams go through ruts and can go through scoring droughts up to several minutes where they are clueless but that basically went on the entire game for the Knicks.

[jack72]

I watched my first NBA in a long time, and I have to say it has gotten worse. That is basketball to some people, but it is a bunch of great athletes running very little offense, playing poor defense and hoisting up lots of poor three pointers.

I watched all of the last three quarters to get some glances of Obi, but he is like a shark out of water, or a basketball player trying to play a different sport. He must sometimes wonder why they pay him all that money to stand in the corner and occasionally dunk.

I almost fell off my chair when the one announcer said in a negative tone that the Knicks really have no superstar, so are forced to play as a team.

[San Diego Flyer]

I made it through one quarter. Can't stand the level of contact they allow in the playoffs. Fouls have turned into felonies. How could they make it any worse? Here's an idea, let's give them all hockey sticks.

[Monster Man]

Originally Posted by jack72 I watched my first NBA in a long time, and I have to say it has gotten worse. That is basketball to some people, but it is a bunch of great athletes running very little offense, playing poor defense and hoisting up lots of poor three pointers. I watched all of the last three quarters to get some glances of Obi, but he is like a shark out of water, or a basketball player trying to play a different sport. He must sometimes wonder why they pay him all that money to stand in the corner and occasionally dunk. I almost fell off my chair when the one announcer said in a negative tone that the Knicks really have no superstar, so are forced to play as a team.

I don’t watch the NBA for a variety of reasons. However, I forced myself to watch some of last nights game just to see Obi play. Everything that I saw reaffirmed my decision to never watch the NBA again. It’s just a horrible style of basketball and not enjoyable to watch.

[UD62]

Have zero interest in the NBA. Did watch one game, game where the Cavs won the championship. Beyond that give me any football game any time.

[steverino015]

this is the 3rd best 3pt shooting team
in the NBAS, by pct... terrible horrendous
shooting by starters other than Derrick Rose:

Randle 2 for 15 3pters 2 for 7
Bullock 3 for 8 3 pters 2 for 6
Gibson 2 for 6 0 3 pt attempts
Barrett 2 for 9 3 pters 1 for 5
128 minutes of play
4 starters 9 for 38 fg's... 3pters 5 for 18
there is your game right there

Derrick Rose
13 for 21fg's 3pters 3 for 5

[CvilleFlyer]

ESPN Sports Center's Top 10 plays from yesterday had Obi's alley-oop dunk on the 3/4 court pass from Derrick Rose at #8.

[Alberto Strasse]

to start Obi and sit the non-performer?

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Alberto Strasse to start Obi and sit the non-performer?

I kept wondering why they don’t look at playing them together. I’m not talking about starting Obi, but Atlanta is suffocating Randle. Do something to make it harder for them to do that by putting another big on the floor for some minutes with him. You would also have Gibson out there. It’s not like anyone except Rose was contributing much. And I’m not advocating a shake up because last night they couldn’t even make the easy shots. But they aren’t going to win if Atalanta shuts Randle down...so you’ve got to try to fix that problem.

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by jack72 I watched my first NBA in a long time, and I have to say it has gotten worse. That is basketball to some people, but it is a bunch of great athletes running very little offense, playing poor defense and hoisting up lots of poor three pointers. I watched all of the last three quarters to get some glances of Obi, but he is like a shark out of water, or a basketball player trying to play a different sport. He must sometimes wonder why they pay him all that money to stand in the corner and occasionally dunk. I almost fell off my chair when the one announcer said in a negative tone that the Knicks really have no superstar, so are forced to play as a team.

The NBA to me seems like a constant all-star game of college basketball players. You get to watch them play as a team, with discipline, for doing everything they can to win in College and then the NBA throws all that out the window to allow them to show case their talents without any discipline. It's as exciting to me as the NFL Pro-Bowl, which by the way, I haven't watched since I was a kid. And just like a baseball All-Star game, I only watch to see my college team's players.

[Marysville Flyer]

Obi is the consummate team player in a league where that is a detriment to him. Haven’t watched the NBA much since the end of the Bulls era. Did watch the Spurs some when they won playing the game the way it’s meant to be played.
Posted via Mobile Device

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Marysville Flyer Obi is the consummate team player in a league where that is a detriment to him. Haven’t watched the NBA much since the end of the Bulls era. Did watch the Spurs some when they won playing the game the way it’s meant to be played. Posted via Mobile Device

Me too, Marysville. I watched the NBA from the beginning of the Magic/Bird era through the end of the Bulls era, watched the Kings some when they had Webber, Divac, etc., watched the Spurs as long as The Admiral and The Big 3 were the spotlight, but haven’t watched much since. I have to admit, I haven’t even seen Obi live this year. As much as I love Obi, I can’t watch that brand of “basketball” because, to me, it’s not basketball as I know it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Alberto Strasse]

If Randle starts off with poor shooting again how about more Obi and less Randle? Is such a coaching move possible in the National Prima Donna Association?

[Ready Action]

Obi and Quickley will have huge games this afternoon!
Posted via Mobile Device

[frisco flyer]

Obi strikes on a put back immediately after he comes into the game
Another Duce by Obi on a nice drive.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer Obi strikes on a put back immediately after he comes into the game Another Duce by Obi on a nice drive.

And if Burks hadn’t been selfish he would have sent Obi an alley-oop for a dunk. But he decided to keep it and missed a 3. Obi looked good. I think he had 2 rebs and 4 points. And he forced Trae Young to pass it back out on a drive. Not many stops on Young in the paint. Obi has one.

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA And if Burks hadn’t been selfish he would have sent Obi an alley-oop for a dunk. But he decided to keep it and missed a 3. Obi looked good. I think he had 2 rebs and 4 points. And he forced Trae Young to pass it back out on a drive. Not many stops on Young in the paint. Obi has one.

Yes, I thought Burks was selfish as well! Obi was wide open in the corner and asking for the ball to either shoot a three, drive to the basket or the alley-oop mentioned above.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by CvilleFlyer Yes, I thought Burks was selfish as well! Obi was wide open in the corner and asking for the ball to either shoot a three, drive to the basket or the alley-oop mentioned above.

Atlanta just has too many shooters and actually run a decent offense. The Knicks selfishness was on display with Burks; that would have been an easy dunk for Obi. Obi needs extended minutes out there but Thibs as usual is stubborn with Obi and minutes.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ready Action]

As you can see by Obi’s increasing minutes and setups, he has earned more trust from all except for Burks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by Ready Action As you can see by Obi’s increasing minutes and setups, he has earned more trust from all except for Burks. Posted via Mobile Device

Obi had his best game as a pro with 13 Pts on 19 minutes. It could have easily been 19 pts. A few times Obi cut to the basket wide open and he did not get the lob. Hopefully the coaches go over that in the film room.

Good Game if you are an Obi fan - not so good if you are a Knicks fan.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by podcast411 Obi had his best game as a pro with 13 Pts on 19 minutes. It could have easily been 19 pts. A few times Obi cut to the basket wide open and he did not get the lob. Hopefully the coaches go over that in the film room. Good Game if you are an Obi fan - not so good if you are a Knicks fan.

Yeah...I saw that roll to the basket and no pass for an easy bucket. But it came down to Atlanta has more/better shooters. Randle is not shooting well and Rose wore down in the second half after playing 38-39 minutes for three games. Not enough offense with those two struggling. And that doesn’t take into account Thibs doesn’t really run an offense anyway.

I don think the Knicks can come back and win this thing. But I hope they get one more win up in MSG to set up the fan excitement for next year. They have the money...they need to go pick up two knock down shooters.

[steverino015]

Obi's best game as a pro.. showing
quality stuff

[Ready Action]

I blame Obi’s corner pocket air ball trey on Burks as well 😀
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Highlights of Obi's career high 13 points, in a game where Thibs finally played Julius and Obi together (for the entire 4Q!):

Tip in: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...58626296299524

Finger roll: https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1399061070858293249

Nice finish on a dime from DRose: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...79220521758723

Obi thrice: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...85402762395650

And a lowlight--DRose misses a wide-open #1:

https://twitter.com/ProLOWD/status/1399081171955372032

[Flyer68]

Since it was a rainy and miserable day in New Jersey, I watched the Knicks game. Let me correct that. When Obi was in, I watched the game. When he went out, I grabbed the remote. Professional basketball is unwatchable. I think it is sloppy and undisciplined and and, if refs would blow the whistle, everyone would foul out.

There were times when Obi was wide open, calling for the ball and ignored. But there were times on offense when the ball was on the opposite side of the court and he stayed just outside the three point line on the opposite side away from the play. I cringed when he air balled the three. I think he played good defense and with more playing time he will improve and get used to the speed of the game.

I guess I will watch the Knicks \ Hawks game but if it is that important of a game, will Obil get much time? We will see.

[Swampy Meadows]

Since Nerlens Noel is nicked up, Thibs may use Obi and Randall together more in game 5:

https://nypost.com/2021/05/30/obi-to...mpression=true
Posted via Mobile Device

[steverino015]

Obi is showing up and earning more minutes..
we can pick out an air ball, but than there
are the positive plays and times he is open
and not getting the ball...

He could of easily scored more than 20

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by Ready Action I blame Obi’s corner pocket air ball trey on Burks as well 😀 Posted via Mobile Device

nah, that is on Obi.... Burks has enough
blame already, all on his own :

Burks 4 for 12 fg's 2 for 6 3pters..
4 fouls, 1 assist in 26 minutes... missed
Obi on at least 2, maybe 3 open shots..

[Chris R]

I saw a recent stat on the web that showed Obi w/the second most PPG for rookies in the NBA playoffs. About 7ppg, behind some foreign guy.

On at least 2-3 occasions Obi is sprinting the court for a back-door half-court alley oop and they refuse to throw it to him. When Obi points up, its time to toss the dang ball.

[Fudd]

Originally Posted by Chris R I saw a recent stat on the web that showed Obi w/the second most PPG for rookies in the NBA playoffs. About 7ppg, behind some foreign guy. On at least 2-3 occasions Obi is sprinting the court for a back-door half-court alley oop and they refuse to throw it to him. When Obi points up, its time to toss the dang ball.

Ha. I just don't think the Knicks, as a team, are tuned into what Obi can do on the break. As a Flyer, all eyes were on Obi when he was sprinting down the floor. His teammates were itching to get the ball to him for a thunderous dunk. Only Rose has his eye out for Obi on the Knicks so far. And I get that the Knicks are not a fast breaking team, but geez, they could get some easy buckets through Obi.

Obi has the rare combination of blazing acceleration in the open floor, amazing receiving hands, crazy length and great leaping ability. He is a huge target for the break alley-oop. You can put the ball 7 feet off target and he will still jam it.

[MikeFlyer]

It's like the Knicks didn't bother checking out Obis UD highlights.

[Fudd]

This frustrates me about the NBA mentality.

The Knicks are a poor offensive team. I like their defense, and Tibbs deserves credit for getting NBA guys to play defense.

But the Knicks don't play smart on offense. Randle is a good player, and he is having a great year, but on a team with no clear superstar, they don't work the ball around with passing and move enough to get good shots for the team. When push comes to shove, they have Randle dribble around and take fade away 20 footers. And they do that over and over again, like that is a sound offense.

I feel like Obi is still in the UD mindset, where we worked the ball around and passed on good shots until we had a great shot. The Knicks might have 2-3 passes before someone goes solo and gets just a decent shot. They very rarely work the ball around until they have a great shot where the defense is out of position. They don't even have the mentality to try. I would be OK with the Randle fade away 20 footer if they exhausted other options by working the ball around and were running out of shot clock.

You couple that with almost no running game and you get very inconsistent scoring. Late night shooting sessions to improve your shot only go so far. Play offense like a team. Pass the ball and work it around for better shots.

I know that it is tough hill to climb in the NBA because guys get paid on personal stats. How do you sell team offense? Guys have to want to win over maximizing their own payday. A tough sell when tens or hundreds of millions are on the line.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Fudd This frustrates me about the NBA mentality. The Knicks are a poor offensive team. I like their defense, and Tibbs deserves credit for getting NBA guys to play defense. But the Knicks don't play smart on offense. Randle is a good player, and he is having a great year, but on a team with no clear superstar, they don't work the ball around with passing and move enough to get good shots for the team. When push comes to shove, they have Randle dribble around and take fade away 20 footers. And they do that over and over again, like that is a sound offense. I feel like Obi is still in the UD mindset, where we worked the ball around and passed on good shots until we had a great shot. The Knicks might have 2-3 passes before someone goes solo and gets just a decent shot. They very rarely work the ball around until they have a great shot where the defense is out of position. They don't even have the mentality to try. I would be OK with the Randle fade away 20 footer if they exhausted other options by working the ball around and were running out of shot clock. You couple that with almost no running game and you get very inconsistent scoring. Late night shooting sessions to improve your shot only go so far. Play offense like a team. Pass the ball and work it around for better shots.

I've been saying stuff like this ^ all year. The Knicks are so pathetic on offense that they actually have a YouTube channel called KFTV that I had watched most of the year where they would constantly praise Quickley (the late first round pick opposed to Obi, the #8 pick) for his offensive abilities and how Obi "just isn't as advertised" on offense. Quickley, who on literally dozens if not hundreds of times would get off 3 point shots due to Obi setting a screen for him - yet wouldn't ever find Obi on a pick and roll.

The Knicks don't really have an offense to speak of; Obi enters the game and every possession, runs AS DIRECTED, straight to the wing corners as he's likely the 5th option on offense. They don't take advantage of what Obi can do because they never watched what he did at Dayton. Grant, by far has a more effective NBA style offense than the Knicks. And now Knicks fans don't get why Randle is "worn down" and "ineffective" and the Knicks are sputtering in post season. Laughable really...

[BeckysTXA]

I agree Randle is tired in these playoffs and Atlanta’s defense has him pegged. When you hit a wall, it hurts. This last game the announcers praised Atlanta for making those quick passes to 3-4 Players to get the best open shot. They didn’t say that about the Knick. Obi would fit well with the Atlanta system and players. I don’t think the Knicks are going to beat Atlanta. That would take a big turnaround by Randle, and I’m not sure he’s got enough left in the tank. But I’d love to see the Knicks win another game and Obi get some serious court time.

[Flyer Dave]

Rose seems to be the player that will want to get the ball to Obi on the break.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Fudd This frustrates me about the NBA mentality. The Knicks are a poor offensive team. I like their defense, and Tibbs deserves credit for getting NBA guys to play defense. But the Knicks don't play smart on offense. Randle is a good player, and he is having a great year, but on a team with no clear superstar, they don't work the ball around with passing and move enough to get good shots for the team. When push comes to shove, they have Randle dribble around and take fade away 20 footers. And they do that over and over again, like that is a sound offense. I feel like Obi is still in the UD mindset, where we worked the ball around and passed on good shots until we had a great shot. The Knicks might have 2-3 passes before someone goes solo and gets just a decent shot. They very rarely work the ball around until they have a great shot where the defense is out of position. They don't even have the mentality to try. I would be OK with the Randle fade away 20 footer if they exhausted other options by working the ball around and were running out of shot clock. You couple that with almost no running game and you get very inconsistent scoring. Late night shooting sessions to improve your shot only go so far. Play offense like a team. Pass the ball and work it around for better shots. I know that it is tough hill to climb in the NBA because guys get paid on personal stats. How do you sell team offense? Guys have to want to win over maximizing their own payday. A tough sell when tens or hundreds of millions are on the line.

The one thing I would say in their defense is that I've been to a few NBA games in person in the last few years, and (thanks to business contacts) sat very close to the floor. And here's the thing, guys who look like they're jogging on TV are moving FAST. . . I mean REALLY FAST. . . at floor level. The court is very small when you're as strong and fast as these guys are at the world class level.

So if you've got Golden State guys who can get shots off in fractions of a second then it's a beautiful game. The ball barely touches Curry's hand, it's ridiculous.

If you don't have guys like Curry, and Obi is nothing like Curry, you have to run an offense that results in a makeable contested shot. But, it's going to be a contested shot.

In college Obi would get shots with 3 feet between the defender's hand and his hand. In the NBA probably 75% of shots are within 4"-5" of being blocked. There just are not uncontested shots with regularity, unless the guy is open because the other team is daring him to shoot.

[SeasonTicketFan]

If you want to see good ball movement, watch the Utah Jazz. They shoot the most 3s in the NBA. They start with inside out and perimeter passes around the horn. Very different than the Knicks. The Knicks are 2nd last in assists in the league and it caught up with them so far against Atlanta.

Yes, Randle looks tired and bottled up in the playoffs. So many fans think players can play all those minutes without a drop off. A couple can, but most can't especially when their opponents throw fresher bodies at you. And the playoffs are a different type of game.

Interesting that Tibs is playing Obi more. I think he is looking for a spark and seeing the issues with Randle's game. (Fatigue is my biggest guess.) Tibs did a great job of getting the Knicks to the playoffs and ending the playoff drought, but probably not enough to get them to advance to the playoffs.

[O Doyle Rules]

OBI - The only reason I care about the NBA!

[Ready Action]

Let’s face it…the Knicks received the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference as near the end of the season the Knicks were playing very hard while the other Eastern Conference teams were turning it on and off and not bringing it every night. Now the playoffs are amongst, so guess what? Everyone is playing hard. Of the remaining teams in the Eastern Conference name one the Knicks can beat in a seven game series?!?!
Posted via Mobile Device

[steverino015]

let's face it: the reason I even follow the
Knicks is because of Obi...

I don't know who they can beat. when players are
severely underperforming,
perhaps it might be a good idea to give
him a starting role...

what is being done now is not
working. Randle ... 20 for 73, 27%
Obi is open several times on alley oops
and they are not finding him, occassionally
yes, but they miss him open more than
they find him...

try something different.. Obi is earning
more minutes, give them to him..

[Fudd]

I almost can't believe I have watched the NBA enough to comment on Obi's position in that league, but I root for him hard. This is the first time in about 25 years that I even care what happens in the NBA.

But the NBA without Obi has no appeal to me.

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by Fudd I almost can't believe I have watched the NBA enough to comment on Obi's position in that league, but I root for him hard. This is the first time in about 25 years that I even care what happens in the NBA. But the NBA without Obi has no appeal to me.

exactly right same here

[CvilleFlyer]

I don't understand why Thibs doesn't shake up the lineup and start Obi with Julius Randle! Heck Bullock and Burks have not shot worth a darn and are committing turnovers by the bushel. I would start Rose and Quickley in their place. Obi could even start for RJ Barrett because he hasn't done anything in the playoffs either! Sure Barrett scored 21 the last game but that was in a blowout! Obi scored 13 pts in half the playing time! Taj Gibson has been playing well but Obi could even start in his place at center especially since Noel is not 100%.

I would love to see what Obi's line would read if he played 36 minutes!

[Ready Action]

Obi will have another great game tonight in what may become a rather chippy affair with all of the Clint Capella talk https://nypost.com/2021/06/01/knicks...talking-crazy/.

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by CvilleFlyer I don't understand why Thibs doesn't shake up the lineup and start Obi with Julius Randle! Heck Bullock and Burks have not shot worth a darn and are committing turnovers by the bushel. I would start Rose and Quickley in their place. Obi could even start for RJ Barrett because he hasn't done anything in the playoffs either! Sure Barrett scored 21 the last game but that was in a blowout! Obi scored 13 pts in half the playing time! Taj Gibson has been playing well but Obi could even start in his place at center especially since Noel is not 100%. I would love to see what Obi's line would read if he played 36 minutes!

I don't follow the NBA, but I'm guessing, as an unwritten rule, they go by the philosophy of other sports in that you go with what got you there. Unless you're a coach that changes lineups based on who's hot throughout the season, you don't start experimenting in the post season. You take your lumps based on who got you there and if you have a hunch something different might work better, you save it for next season.

[steverino015]

yeah I totally understand that, except this:

what they have been doing in the playoff
is not working, in fact it is horrible... during
this awful display, Obi has held his head
high and at times is the best performer on
the court for the Knicks...

your back is against the wall, what you
are doing is failing badly... I say,

start him.

[Swampy Meadows]

In the first half of game 5, Obi was 0-2 from the field but grabbed 3 rebounds. We'll see if Thibs goes with Randle and Toppin together in the 2nd half.