Where’s The Defense?
The New York Knicks held the Utah Jazz to just 49 points in the first half of what was shaping up to be a strong performance. New York then stopped closing out on shooters and wouldn’t stop fouling when the Jazz’s players drove the lane.
For the sixth consecutive game, Knicks fans have been left pondering one invaluable question: where is the defense?
The Knicks’ defense should be a strength with Courtney Lee, Kristaps Porzingis, and Joakim Noah all starters. The fact that Justin Holiday and Lance Thomas are coming off the bench should solidify the effort, as well.
Instead, the Knicks have allowed at least 100 points in all six games, including five during which the opposition has scored at least 110.
The Knicks have the personnel, but they’ve been lackadaisical in the way they’ve closed out on shooters. That opens the floor for the rest of the opposition’s offense to flourish, especially when there are quality shooters on the floor.
The Knicks need to try harder on defense, which shouldn’t be something that needs to be said to a veteran team.