The New York Knicks hold a 2-0 advantage over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, yet players and coaches insist the scoreboard resets to 0-0 when Game 3 tips off Monday at Madison Square Garden.
New York captured the first two games on the road, moving within two victories of the franchise’s first championship in 53 years. Still, guard Josh Hart said the club refuses to relax. “It’s still 0-0 as far as we’re concerned,” Hart noted. “Being up 2-0 means really nothing.”
The Spurs head to Manhattan looking to avoid a 3-0 deficit that historically has proved almost impossible to overcome. Hart expects San Antonio to “come out on Monday with an unbelievable amount of energy and desperation,” adding that the Knicks “have got to be better” to protect their lead.
Head coach Mike Brown credited the roster’s veteran makeup for keeping egos in check throughout the postseason. “You work on connectivity throughout the course of the year for moments like these,” Brown said.
Star guard Jalen Brunson echoed the no-celebration approach. “In my mind there’s nothing really to celebrate yet,” he explained. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Monday’s matchup marks the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance at Madison Square Garden in 27 years, and Hart expects an electric atmosphere. “The Garden is going to be rocking,” he said.
Source: Hoops Wire
