Part 3/7:
Despite the team’s shortcomings in Game 1, Begley does not believe the series should be seen solely as a referendum on Coach Tom Thibodeau. He pointed out the significant progress the Knicks have made this season, reaching the Conference Finals—a feat they had not accomplished in the past two years. If the team were to follow up with two or three poor games, the conversation around Thibodeau might shift, but he remains confident that the Knicks will play better in Game 2.
Jalen Brunson: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the focal points of critique following Game 1 has been the performance of Jalen Brunson. Despite scoring 44 points, his defensive deficiencies were made evident, leading to questions about how best to balance his contributions with the need for a solid defense.