Since the buzzer sounded on Sunday, the New York Knicks have been preparing for the first round of the playoffs. The team didn't learn who their first-round opponent would be until Wednesday after the Sixers beat the Heat in the Play-In Tournament. You know Tom Thibodeau was prepared for either opponent.
After Philadelphia's win to secure the No. 7 seed, Nick Nurse and several Sixers players spoke highly of Jalen Brunson. They acknowledged that it's tough to guard the star point guard but that they'd figure out how to do so. Good luck with that!
On Thursday, Paul Reed took a different route. As a guest on FanDuel's 'Run It Back' show, Reed said Philadelphia wanted to play New York because the Knicks "are the easier team."
Paul Reed on the Sixers facing the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs instead of the Celtics:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 18, 2024
“We ain’t ducking no smoke, but yeah, we wanted the Knicks matchup, of course. That’s the easier team.”
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/vulF3QSabz
If the Sixers had lost to the Heat, they'd be competing for the No. 8 seed in the East, meaning Philly would have to play Boston. The Celtics have been one of the best teams in the league all season, so while what Reed said makes sense, his comment could quickly haunt the Sixers.
Knicks' Josh Hart has classic response to Paul Reed's comment
On Thursday, Isaiah Hartenstein was asked about Reed's comments. He brushed the question off and said the Knicks are focused on themselves.
Isaiah Hartenstein is asked about Paul Reed's comments saying the Sixers wanted the Knicks because they are an "easier matchup":
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 18, 2024
"That's what podcasts do, they get you comfortable and then people just say s--t. We're focused on us - whatever comments they have, they have." pic.twitter.com/XRQsi89XjP
On Friday, Josh Hart said something similar to Hartenstein, but he spiced his response up a bit.
"I don't give a f--k about what he said. I don't care."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 19, 2024
- Josh Hart on Paul Reed's comments pic.twitter.com/JoUqvMRpdE
Did you expect anything else from Hart? He doesn't have a filter and he's always honest.
If New York cared what others had to say, the Knicks wouldn't be the No. 2 seed in the East. How many times has Jalen Brunson been overlooked this season? How many times has he proved people wrong? Especially during the postseason, the outside noise doesn't matter. New York has one common goal: to win a championship.
Anyway, the Knicks have bigger things to worry about than Reed.