New York Knicks: What We Learned Against The Milwaukee Bucks

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Jan 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beaskley (9) takes a shot while being defended by New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Defense Can Be Strong

The New York Knicks allowed 105 points, nine 3-point field goals, and 31 free throw attempts. Based on those facts alone, it’s fair to say that the Knicks struggled on defense against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Over the course of three quarters, however, the New York Knicks proved that the defense can border on elite.

New York allowed 27 points in the first quarter, but settled down and held Milwaukee to 25 in the second. In the third quarter, New York’s defense clamped down and limited the Bucks to 21 points in what was a truly dominant display.

New York’s defense ultimately collapsed in the fourth quarter, but had Kristaps Porzingis been playing, it may have been a different story.

Through three quarters, New York allowed 73 points and was on pace to allow 97 points overall. That would’ve been an extraordinary number had it held up, but the upside remains both intriguing and worth discussing.

As for why New York’s defense looked as strong as it did, it all came down to one word that Jeff Hornacek had been stressing: effort.

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