Derrick Rose wasn’t having any of Clint Capela’s attempt to start drama with the New York Knicks.
D-Rose is too old for this (expletive).
The 32-year-old has been there and done that, so some harsh words from Capela towards the Knicks locker room won’t phase him. If anything, perhaps it’ll energize the right New York contributors who’ve been silent the last few games. We’re looking at you, Julius Randle.
The Knicks lost both games in Atlanta handily after winning their first playoff game since 2013. Suddenly, New York faces elimination and the end of 2021’s feel-good storyline, just as quickly as it began.
NBA Playoffs: Clint Capela thinks the Knicks can’t hang
Capela has every right to talk that talk after the Hawks were able to take advantage of the Knicks down low, earning second opportunities for Trae Young and Co. The Knicks defense, arguably Tom Thibodeau’s strength as head coach, struggled mightily in the ATL.
“I don’t know if they’re physical, but they are trying to play physical,” Capela said, per ESPN. “I feel like if they were really physical, I think we’d have more problems than what we have.”
“They are trying to play tough, push our guys around and talk s—…But we can do that too. We showed them as soon as we came back here that we can do that too. We can push guys around too. We can talk s— as well, so what you gonna do about it? Oh, and we can get a win with it. So what you gonna do about it?” Capela continued.
Rose meanwhile, wasn’t all that concerned.
Yep, sweet and simple.
For Rose’s part, he’s been one of the only Knicks playing well consistently this series. I mean, someone had to score, especially with Randle’s struggles.
For the Knicks sake, hopefully an amped Garden crowd can help push this series past Game 5.