The New York Knicks are facing a challenging season, grappling with difficulties against top-tier NBA teams. Their recent performances have highlighted significant struggles, particularly against strong contenders like the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks. This has raised questions about their defensive strategies and offensive execution, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the root causes of their shortcomings.
In a recent game, the Knicks faced a crushing 37-point defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently leading the league. Despite having an impressive record for three-point attempts, they have found themselves outmatched in attempts in several games against top-10 offenses. The Knicks' defense, ranked 29th against these high-powered offenses, has been unable to contain adversaries effectively, as seen in their 148-point concession to the Hawks, with 137 of those points scored during regulation.
The defensive woes are compounded by their struggle against top-10 offenses. An Eastern Conference scout succinctly captured the issue:
"At the root of it all, it's math."
This statement underscores the challenge the Knicks face in balancing their defensive coverage and offensive output. They have utilized soft coverage against Boston's ball screens nearly half the time, contributing to their defensive lapses.
Moreover, the Knicks have been on a historic pace regarding three-point attempts. However, their efficiency remains questionable, with their attempt rate showing a significant decline from 11th place last season to 16th in January and 29th in February. This decline correlates with their poor performance defensively, where they surrendered an average of 120.1 points per 100 possessions in February.
Jalen Brunson has been a bright spot for the Knicks, achieving a career-high shooting percentage at the rim with 66%. Despite his individual success, the team has struggled collectively to compete at a high level consistently. Brunson expressed a sense of urgency:
"Like, 'OK, we've got to go [compete] somehow.'"
The Knicks' recent victory over a rebuilding Brooklyn team came with its own challenges. They conceded 122 points, raising concerns about their ability to maintain defensive intensity even against less formidable opponents.
Josh Hart voiced his frustration over the team’s current situation:
"We're losing games I feel like we shouldn't be losing."
The mental aspect of facing opponents like Karl-Anthony Towns adds another layer of complexity. Towns has been shooting a career-best 42.7% from beyond the arc this season, presenting a tough matchup for any defense. Will Hardy noted the unique challenges Towns presents:
"Playing against Towns is more of a mental battle."
The Knicks' inability to contain top shooters has been evident in their matchups against teams like the Hawks. In one instance, they allowed 76 points in just the second half of a game against Atlanta at home.
Will Hardy's observation highlights how perception can skew reality:
"When he makes two in a row… it warps your brain. You start thinking, 'Oh man, he's killing us from 3.' And then after the game, you go, 'He had 31 points, and [only] nine of them were from 3s.'"
This sentiment reflects the broader issue of perception versus execution for the Knicks as they navigate through a challenging season.
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