New York Knicks: The Real Problem Is Still Basketball Related

Defensive Consistency, Part I: The Problem

The New York Knicks have allowed the opposition to score at least 100 points in 33 of their 38 games this season. New York has allowed at least 105 points in 22 of 38 games, and at least 110 points in 20 of 38 games played.

It’s allowed at least 115 points in 11 of 38 games and at least 120 points in four different outings less than halfway through the regular season.

True as that all may be, the Knicks have only allowed the opposition to shoot 50 percent or better from the field in six games. In fact, it ranks a somewhat respectable No. 16 in opponent field goal percentage during the 2016-17 season.

That number shouldn’t result in New York ranking No. 25 in scoring defense and No. 26 in defensive efficiency, so what exactly is going wrong?

The primary issue is that New York’s energy on the road has bordered on being nonexistent. It’s letting up 111.2 points and 10.2 3-point field goals made per road game on 37.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc—a product of lackluster closeouts and poor energy.

It’s no coincidence that the Knicks are allowing 102.3 points per game during victories and 114.2 points per game during losses.