New York Knicks: Defensive Improvements Show Late In The Season

Despite Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose sitting out against the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks rallied together for a 98-94 win.

The young New York Knicks caused chaos in the “tanking fan” side of the NBA. Ron Baker had an absolutely stellar night that was much-needed coming off his worst performance of the season.

The Knicks as a whole finally presented defensive improvements by grabbing eight steals in just the first half. Turnovers were key, as New York held a lead despite the Miami Heat shooting 49% from the field.

Defensive Improvements

All around, the effort was certainly made and visible early. Courtney Lee was impressive and was a standout player defensively. While playing physical, the Knicks persevered and stayed out of foul trouble throughout the first two quarters. Holding the lead for the majority of the game, it was a feel-good night for the Knicks.

As a team, they finished with a total of five blocks and nine steals.

The Big Boys

Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez proved again to be a superior duo that will become stronger over time. Porzingis found himself in position to be lethal early and stayed out of foul trouble until late in the game.

If you watched closely, he showed off something he has without a doubt been working on in practice: the soft touch jumper 10 feet from the basket.

It was the first basket of the night and he would make this shot a few times throughout the game.

Hernangomez punched in and cashed out another double-double by playing a physical game. It’s refreshing to see attitude from a rookie who isn’t scared to mix it up in the paint.

His progression is noticeable in that he’s been working diligently on the defensive end of the floor throughout the season.

Kyle O’Quinn is admirable coming off the bench, but his performances have been inconsistent. It could be argued that the Knicks need to find another player at the 5 to relieve Hernangomez and Porzingis.

Food for thought.

The Outing Ron Baker Needed

The player who hasn’t been talked about enough all year has surely been getting his share of playing time recently. Ron Baker was in the starting lineup again Friday night and was a difference-maker early.

He shot 100 percent from the field for the first half and added a three-pointer, one block, a handful of assists, and all around disruptive defense.

It seems fair to say that we can expect to see Baker quite often throughout the remainder of the season. Should these impressive performances continue, he’ll be bound to make a return next year.

On a side note, it’s interesting seeing Baker playing at point guard. It’s possible this is his tryout. If all goes well, he may be promoted to backup point guard next season.

It’s been a roller coaster season, but there’s still time for players to grow. The young talent the Knicks have should be featured.

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The New York Knicks will look to find consistency and win back-to-back games for the first time in 2017 against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.