New York Knicks: It Was Only The Preseason Opener

Joakim Noah Didn’t Play

The Houston Rockets torched the New York Knicks for 130 points. Much of that was created from the perimeter—46.2 percent of Houston’s points were scored on 3-point field goals—but that doesn’t make the absence of the starting center any less significant.

Joakim Noah is more than just the interior anchor and rim protector for the Knicks; he’s the heart and soul of the defense.

Noah won the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year award because of three critical strengths: rebounding, tenacity, and leadership. He dominates the boards, never quits on a play, and holds his teammates accountable.

When Noah is on the floor, every one of his teammates knows to raise their overall level of defensive intensity if they don’t want an earful.

With head coach Jeff Hornacek, the Knicks have even more impetus to elevate their intensity and focus on defense. Noah is the vocal leader on that end, but Hornacek has no qualms about benching a productive player who doesn’t try hard enough on defense.

Allowing 130 points isn’t a fun routine, but Noah’s mere presence on the court will change the culture. See: Noah in Chicago, Tyson Chandler in New York, and Kevin Garnett in Boston.