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The New York Knicks Most Glaring Problem

By James Ryder

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot against Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks in the second half at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot against Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks in the second half at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Obi Toppin, Julius Randle, EVan Fournier, Derrick Rose, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Through 12 games, the New York Knicks are 7-5 (5-1 on the road) despite starting the season on fire by going 5-1.

The team’s three-point shooting and overall offense rank among the best in basketball. RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin are having career years while Derrick Rose continues to display excellence off of the bench every night. It is for these reasons and others that the franchise is having another successful season so far.

However, the Knicks have also clearly been disappointing, particularly of late. They dropped their last game to the Milwaukee Bucks 112-100. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo was held in check, Milwaukee hurt the Knicks in the way that many teams have the past two weeks or so: via the three-pointer.

The New York Knicks need to fix the defense

Pat Connaughton, a bottom of the rotation player, tore New York apart in Madison Square Garden by hitting  7 threes (a career-high) on 13 attempts. He finished with a game-high 23 points (one point shy of his career-high).

There are many things that have been bad on the Knicks’ part lately – Julius Randle’s habits and struggles, the disappearance of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier’s impact on offense, the team’s ability to make their own three’s, etc. – but the lack of defense on the perimeter is the most obvious and jarring issue.

An extremely uncomfortable trend has set in ever since opening night as a result of New York’s inability to defend the long ball, that trend being player’s coming into The Garden and leaving with career-scoring performances.

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