Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

Tim Legler on Knicks NBA Finals Run: "Fans Are Losing Their Minds, But the Team Is Locked In"

5 Jun 2026 · 1 min

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In a brief interview, Draymond Green and analyst Tim Legler discuss the psychological dynamics of NBA playoff series splits and the New York Knicks' current postseason mindset. Green explains that winning Game 2 after losing Game 1 feels different from winning Game 1 and losing Game 2, even though both result in a 1‑1 split, because the former gives a confidence boost heading into Game 3. Legler expands on this, noting that not all splits are equal and that the Knicks’ recent quiet, stone‑faced behavior—evident on a silent flight home after clinching against the Cavaliers and in their subdued court exits—contrasts sharply with the exuberant, almost manic excitement of their fan base. Both emphasize that the team’s calm demeanor reflects a focus on the work ahead rather than premature celebration, underscoring a disciplined, locked‑in approach despite the city’s hunger for success.

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If the Knicks go in with a mindset that they have to beat us in Game 2, even if San Antonio does, going into Game 3 and you're the Knicks, you still feel great about it. Because oftentimes when you get that split and you don't win Game 2, you still don't go into Game 3 feeling incredible. You just lost the game.
No, that's funny you said that because I'm sure you're the perfect person to ask this 'cause all the different, you know, 2-2, 1-1-1s you've been in. But I have always said what you just said is the same thing. Not all splits are created equal. Yes. The split— the split you get where you win the second game and now you take that with you, that's different than winning the first game and losing the second game. Even though mathematically you accomplish the same thing, it's not the same thing because it is about that feeling when you get on that charter and you change cities. One thing that was impressive to me about the Knicks, and KAT told us this, when they clinched against the Cavs, That flight home, he said it was dead quiet. There was no celebration on that plane. Even Mike Breen was kind of surprised about that. And he said, because we just don't feel like we've done anything yet. And even last night, if you could see, saw some of the video, those guys leaving the court. Nothing. Stone-faced. Stone-faced. And I think that's kind of where they're at right now, man. Even though that city is starved, right? And Knick fans are losing their minds right now with excitement. That's not the demeanor of the team. The demeanor of the team is— this means nothing if we don't cap this off. Draymond Green.