By Eddie Castro
The second half of the NBA season resumed this past week, and with all the excitement we have seen from this Knicks team, the first few games have raised many concerns. Despite being considered one of the best teams in the league, currently holding the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the team has not been able to figure out how to compete with the elite teams. The Knicks are 0-7 against powerhouse teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
If New York intends to make the finals let alone a Conference finals appearance, it is more likely Boston and Cleveland will be the two teams standing in their way.
With the addition of Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony-Towns, the Knicks did get better offensively, however, the defense has been a concern and a primary reason why the team endured back-to-back double-digit losses to the Cavs and Celtics.
One of the main defensive issues has been the non-presence of a rim protector and the inability to stop opposing perimeter play.
The Knicks rank 29th in blocks, 20th in defensive rating, and 21st in opponent three-pointers made. Coach Tom Thibodeau has relied heavily on the starting lineup, but as effective as the lineup has been on offense, led by Towns and Jalen Brunson, they just haven’t had the same success on defense.
Right now will be the perfect time to reflect on their defensive strategies and proper usage of the rotation as a whole. Notable players like Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown (Boston), Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley (Cavaliers) had their way against the Knicks’ defense last week. All players provide threats from their fascinating perimeter play and rim-protecting abilities.
For New York to still be considered a serious playoff threat, their defensive strategies must improve. Injuries have also been an issue for them as well. If it doesn’t, they will continue to be outmatched by elite competition.
Their issues with their depth were exposed this past week. The Knicks hope the return of center Mitchell Robinson will be a huge boost for them on defense. Robinson is expected to return to the team this week. The 7-foot dynamic rim protector has not played this year as he recovered from ankle surgery.
The addition of Robinson will be a great addition if he is able to stay healthy. Significant adjustments are needed, and after the two embarrassing losses to elite teams, hopefully getting a healthier Robinson back in the fold, as well as Anunoby and Josh Hart, will ignite the expectations not only the team feels they should have but their fans as well. We shall see what the last week of the season will look like for New York. A wake-up call is definitely needed.
Sports Notes: (Baseball) Baseball is on the horizon! Catch spring training games of both the Yankees and Mets. (Basketball) The Knicks will head to Memphis to battle Ja Morant and a very talented Memphis Grizzlies team on Friday night. The Brooklyn Nets return to the Barclay Center to battle Anfernee Simons and the Portland Trail Blazers.