Knickerbockers (3-0, +22.3). League's best team. No star dependency — 5 players at 14+ PPG. League-best defense at 48 PPG allowed. Lost 56-63 on Apr 2 — 16 TOs, Burton foul trouble, Garrett + Forster combined 40+. Garrett missed Apr 16 and they're a different team without him.
When we have the ball
Two ball-handlers on at all times.
Attack Holman in switch scenarios.
Run — their offense is half-court oriented.
Don't settle for 3s; their rotations are sharp.
Isolate Benson vs Forster. Force fouls.
When they have the ball
Forster is the target. Hold him to 14 or fewer.
Holman never catches in the paint. Front him.
Tag Johnson on rolls.
Nistler/Strang — live with their 3s.
Garrett status — if he plays, Plumlee on him.
Our keys to win
Survive Forster — hold him to 14 or fewer.
Force Holman to weaker hand in paint; live with floaters.
Exploit Garrett's absence if he misses — attack Holman at rim.
Force pace — their half-court schemes are the danger.
Take care of the ball — target sub-12 TOs (vs 16 in Game 1).
Matchup edges
Where the game swings
Revenge game. Lost Game 1 by 7 (56-63). Coin flip when healthy.
Our edge
Size inside if Garrett misses. Interior scoring vs Holman 1-on-1.
Their edge
League-best defense, no star dependency, half-court execution.
Our keys
Survive Forster — hold him to 14 or fewer
Front Holman in the paint; force weaker hand
Exploit Garrett's absence if he sits
Force pace — their half-court schemes are the danger
Take care of the ball — target sub-12 TOs (vs 16 in Game 1)
Half-court reliant — vulnerable if pace is forced up
58% team FT% — can be fouled in 1-and-1 spots
Pace
Slow
Their offense
Balanced, no single carry — 5 players at 14+ PPG. Half-court oriented with sharp rotations.
Their defense
League-best at 48 PPG allowed. Two-way, defense-first, efficiency-obsessed.
Scout's read
Deep, two-way, efficiency-obsessed. No single carry. Every starter shoots 50%+ 2P. Offense is half-court; their schemes are the danger — force pace to neutralize them.