Knicks aim to keep edge with Finals shifting to New York
knicks-seek-to-avoid-complacency-before-game-3
The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday holding a 2-0 advantage over the San Antonio Spurs, but players and coaches insist the series feels far from over.
“It’s still 0-0 as far as we’re concerned,” guard Josh Hart said. “The Spurs are going to come out with an unbelievable amount of energy and desperation, and we’ve got to be better.”
Head coach Mike Brown echoed that sentiment, noting that an “egoless” attitude has carried the roster within reach of a championship. “You work on connectivity throughout the course of the year for moments like these,” Brown said. “No matter what run they went on, our guys just kept uplifting one another—on the floor and on the bench.”
Point guard Jalen Brunson, who helped New York secure two road wins in San Antonio, also downplayed the lead. “In my mind there’s nothing really to celebrate yet,” he said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Monday’s contest will mark the Knicks’ first home game in the NBA Finals in 27 years, a milestone Hart expects to amplify the atmosphere. “The Garden is going to be rocking,” he said. “In this city we love our Knicks, so we’re going to come out, show love, support. The energy is going to be electric.”
Brown, who replaced Tom Thibodeau last offseason, entered the job determined to rely more heavily on his reserves. He also pushed the front office to re-sign guard Landry Shamet. “I thought Landry could be impactful,” Brown said. “I want you here. I believe you can help us on both ends of the floor.”
Game 3 tips off Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Hoops Rumors
