Madison Square Garden was its usual electric atmosphere in the first half of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but the Heat quieted New York Knicks fans down in the second half as Miami allowed only 22 points from New York. Before the final buzzer sounded, fans were already leaving their seats to exit the arena, and Miami’s Caleb Martin took note of it.
The Garden was full of celebrities on Sunday, ranging from legend Patrick Ewing to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. It was the place to be, especially because it’s been 10 years since New York was in the second round. Knicks-Heat brings back memories of the 90s rivalry between the two storied franchises, which only has made the matchup that much more intriguing.
New York wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a play-in team, but Miami shocked the world by beating No. 1 Milwaukee in the first round in only five games. Homecourt advantage didn’t play in the Knicks’ favor in Game 1, though.
Caleb Martin on Knicks fans leaving MSG early as Game 1 came to an end:
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) May 1, 2023
“It kinda feels like you’re quieting the crowd, and that’s a good feeling to have… it’s a good feeling whenever you got people leaving the building, knowing they’re on the short end of the stick.”
Heat’s Caleb Martin took satisfaction in Knicks fans leaving MSG early in Game 1
To be fair to the fans that left early, it was hard to watch the Knicks let Jimmy Butler hobble around on the court for the final few minutes of the game. Rather than attack Butler on offense, New York ignored him although he was an easy target.
The last thing that the Knicks should want, though, is to go to Miami down 0-2. Game 2 will be a pivotal point in the series for New York and fans know that. MSG was able to rattle the Cavaliers and even though Miami isn’t as young of a team as Cleveland, the environment needs to be even rowdier than it was in Games 3 and 4 in the first round.
Sunday was Caleb Martin’s first playoff game at the Garden and it didn’t live up to the standards that Knicks fans were hoping for. Now, it’s time to remind him what it’s like to have the short end of the stick on Tuesday in Game 2.
Knicks: Tom Thibodeau’s flaws on display after being outcoached by Erik Spoelstra
Out of everything that happened in Game 1 of the Knicks-Heat series, one thing that stuck out the most was the difference in coaching between the two teams.