Van Gundy emphasized combat; he knew the third game returning home was the best opportunity for intense physical confrontation.
Bird similarly reminded the players before the game, "Tonight, the Knicks will play very aggressively. Be prepared both physically and mentally. You can counterattack, but don't get thrown off balance and fall into their trap."
Bird was well aware that the Trail Blazers were currently at a disadvantage in public opinion, so they must be cautious and absolutely avoid getting dragged down into a muddy brawl with the Knicks, which would play right into the trap they have set.
It's 1999 now, not 1990, when Ah Gan went on a rampage against Thomas, almost beating him to death, and the entire All-America sympathized and supported Ah Gan.
Now the situation is different; this is New York, and everything must be approached cautiously, considering the perspective of the entire series.
