Knux center Nerlance Noel also does not want to know the format of the NBA’s experimental play-in tournament, putting Nos 7 through 10 seeds in a multi-game setup to qualify for the actual playoff.
Not when the Knicks are on a six-game winning streak, playing their best basketball since the playoff race at the end of 2013–14. The Knicks are tied for fifth place with Boston. They host the Hornets on Wednesday and the Hawks on Wednesday in an important back-to-back.
The Hawks rank fourth – and this is where Noel is aiming. The fourth place guarantees a homecourt advantage in the first round when the Garden will increase capacity to about 5,000 fans.
“We have a huge responsibility to ourselves,” Noel said before facing the eighth-ranked Hornets. “Our mindset is that there is no seventh, eighth seed for us. It is strictly focused at 4-5-6 and ensures that we have a solid place. We worked really hard this season. It will be difficult to get into and work. We need to take advantage of the situation we are now in and make it stronger through this final stretch of the season so that we are one of those closed spots.
A shot-blocking, physical anchor defense, Noel is a big reason the Nucks are on the verge of breaking their seven-year playoff drought. He is originally filled for injured starting center Mitchell Robinson, who will return for the playoffs as soon as possible.
The Nucks can only assure breaking of the playoff drought by finishing sixth or better. Play-in events do not guarantee playoffs. In fact, the losers go back to the lottery.
The Nucks have the longest win streak in the NBA – their 31–27 record puts them in a weekly power-ranking poll at No. 9 in the NBA. It seems like ancient history that the Knicks of Tom Thibodo were blowing up all those late-quarter quarter competitions.
“The pieces are definitely coming together,” Noel said after Tuesday morning’s shootout. “At some point, when we lost those close games as we did, we are still in good shape. We have changed the corner where we are closing these games and keeping in mind the type of energy and effort and focus and attention we need to close the in-quarter quarter games. “
Noel and Julius Randle, Eastern Conference Player of the Week, have formed an all-Kentucky, all-formidable frontcourt tandem. Mr. Raksha and Mr. Crime.
“We’re very complementary,” said Noel, who signed a team-friendly $ 5 million deal in a year. He said, “I told him that at the beginning of the year I will try to help him in the game. It works because we are selfless players. Julius knows what he is good at. I know what I am good at.” I will take care of the defensive end. You take care of the offensive end. “
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