New York Knicks: Five Takeaways From The Loss To Utah Jazz

Too Much Dribbling

During the first quarter, the New York Knicks ran a beautiful offense that featured penetration and ball movement. During the second quarter, the Knicks ran a stalled offense that featured over-dribbling and minimal motion.

With just 17 assists to 12 turnovers against the Utah Jazz, the Knicks fell to 0-4 when they fail to dish out at least 20 assists and 2-0 when they reach 20 assists.

Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings were the primary perpetrators of the over-dribbling issues against Utah. That includes a play where Derrick Rose attempted to run the pick and roll with Anthony, only for ‘Melo to take the ball and slowly turn into an ISO possession.

Anthony made the shot, but he could’ve gone on the dive to the basket or pulled right up for a jump shot instead of letting the defense reset.

Rather than dribbling out the shot clock and trying to go one-on-one, the Knicks need to keep the ball moving. When New York was moving with a purpose, the Utah Jazz had no answer for what the offense was doing.

It’s still early in the season, but the Knicks’ primary ball-handlers need to lead by example and keep the ball in motion for more than just the first quarter.