Johnnie Bryant could also be Knicks’ secret weapon in matchup vs. Donovan Mitchell
The Knicks may have a secret weapon in combating Donovan Mitchell of their opening-round playoff series against the Cavaliers: affiliate head coach Johnnie Bryant.
Bryant and Mitchell are very shut.
Mitchell has credited the 37-year-old Bryant for his improvement right into a four-time All-Star, relationship again to their days with the Jazz.
Immanuel Quickley wouldn’t supply up any secrets and techniques Bryant has shared with the workforce, however he did say his data ought to assist them in opposition to Mitchell.
“Yeah, undoubtedly,” Quickley mentioned after apply on Wednesday.
Bryant labored as an assistant coach below Quin Snyder with the Jazz from 2014-20, earlier than he got here to the Knicks.
Concerning Bryant, Mitchell as soon as advised The Athletic, “I like him to dying, man. He’s a man who needs me to be one of the best. … In three years, he’s pushed me previous my limits.”
It stays to be seen how a lot Bryant might help the Knicks on the subject of his former pupil. Mitchell averaged 31.8 factors in 4 regular-season video games in opposition to the Knicks, although the Knicks gained the season sequence, 3-1.
Bryant has drawn reward all through the season from a number of Knicks, particularly Julius Randle and Quickley.
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“I don’t know if there’s anyone within the league higher than him so far as actually a whole lot of stuff,” Quickley mentioned. “I really feel like I’m a high-IQ participant, however I be taught one thing day by day that I’m with him, that we watch movie, when I’ve a query.He’s one of many smartest coaches I’ve ever been round.”
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned Julius Randle continued to make progress on Wednesday, but was not a full participant in practice.
He has but to participate in contract drills resulting from a sprained left ankle that has saved him sidelined since March 29.
“The factor I like is that every day he’s been higher,” Thibodeau mentioned. “So if he’s prepared, he’s prepared. If he wants extra time, we’ll give him extra time.”
One constructive for Randle and the Knicks is the spread-out nature of the sequence.
After Recreation 1 on Saturday, Recreation 2 gained’t be performed till Tuesday in Cleveland.
The groups then will take two extra off days earlier than Recreation 3 on Friday on the Backyard.
The Cavaliers had been with out Isaac Okoro within the final assembly in opposition to the Knicks, when Jalen Brunson went off for 48 factors, and the gifted wing defender’s standing for the playoff opener is unsure.
Okoro solely practiced on a restricted foundation Wednesday and stays day-to-day with a left knee harm, coach J.B. Bickerstaff advised reporters.
He final appeared in a recreation on March 26.
“He seems to be good and with what he’s going via, it’s at all times concerning the response the subsequent day,” Bickerstaff mentioned. “We’ll be affected person. We’ll be protected [with] him.”