The Knicks have lost four straight and their last two losses were particularly poor showings. The Sixers and Pistons wanted it more, and the absence of Josh Hart and what he brings was clear. Erik Spoelstra recently praised the Knicks’ will to win when talking to the media. That was true, but if you saw them get torn apart recently, you’d think he was thinking about another team.
Tonight New York has a chance to redeem themselves against the Clippers. The main piece that’s been missing is defense that leads to easy buckets. Spray threes are a big part of Mike Brown’s system, and the best way to get open spray threes is by getting the ball up the floor and creating an advantage.
Deuce McBride shot 10-13 over these last two games, though some of his makes were in garbage time against the Pistons. They have to open up the floor for whoever is left open to get higher quality shots.
The other area that must improve is KAT. He says he’s adjusting to Mike Brown’s new system, but, ultimately, his last two games were displays of how not to play. He kept using his off arm on drives to ward off defenders, which led to offensive fouls. Coach Brown needs to get him easy scores early in tonight’s game to get him going.
At least get Towns to the foul line and see the ball go through the net. Every player has a rough game or two, but it’s about how he responds now.
Getting KAT great looks goes back to cashing in off of defensive miscues. Swing the ball around, get Brunson to draw the defense, and get KAT on the scoreboard. Clippers coach Ty Lue won’t make that a piece of cake, but the Knicks have to eat.
It looked like the Knicks gave up at times against the Pistons. The odds were stacked against them, the Pistons had answers to every run, but, more importantly, more hustle for every 50-50 ball.
The team that Spo was extolling to the media gets it out the mud. They turn the other team over, grab offensive boards, and stack the odds in their favor. It’s time for them to get back to playing that way.
Josh Hart is still not ready to return, but the Knicks’ urgency must come back ASAP. The All-Star break is around the corner and it would be easy for them to cruise into that time. If they do, they could pay for it later. Staying in the top two in the East is doable if they get back to Knicks basketball.
