New York Knicks: What We Learned From The Loss To Cleveland

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Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek coaches against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Energy Is Still An Issue

The New York Knicks need to play with more energy. That may seem like a silly thing to say about a team with as many veterans as the Knicks have, but this was the second consecutive game and the umpteenth time this season that New York’s energy was lacking.

The Knicks have played well enough to be 12-10 through 22 games, but the Knicks need come out with significantly more passion moving forward.

New York’s energy was criticized against the Miami Heat, but there was a built-in excuse for the coasting effort. The Miami game was directly followed by tonight’s clash with Cleveland, but the Knicks didn’t play with any additional energy or tenacity.

That cannot continue to be an issue for a team that consists of established veterans and young players following their lead.

The Knicks are still in the process of developing a team identity and an offensive system. That’s a bigger issue than anything else, but the energy and overall effort must be consistent no matter the quality of opponent.

The Knicks have played well for the better part of the 2016-17 NBA regular season, but the inconsistent energy has been frustrating.

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