2 adjustments Knicks need to make as tough stretch continues
The New York Knicks were on a three-game win streak before they traveled to Milwaukee to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. That game resulted in a loss for the Knicks, who then went to Cleveland to face Donovan Mitchell in a Cavaliers jersey for the first time. Mitchell proved to be too much for New York, and after two days off, the Knicks will be back at MSG on Wednesday night to take on none other than Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.
Along with Atlanta, New York will play against Philadelphia, Boston, Minnesota, and Brooklyn over the next week. With the exception of the Timberwolves, the Knicks still have a chance to impress against a few Eastern Conference teams.
As New York prepares to play three tough opponents over four days, here are a couple of adjustments that the team must make in order to not make it through the weekend on a five-game losing streak.
2 adjustments Knicks must make as they prepare to continue challenging stretch
2: Closing out the game strong
Entering the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game in Cleveland, New York held a 93-84 lead. When the final buzzer sounded, the Cavaliers had outscored the Knicks in the final quarter, 37-15, to win, 121-108.
The quarter before that was perhaps New York’s best of the season. The team was knocking down shots and being more effective on the defensive end, which is what led to the Knicks having nearly a double-digit lead. Per usual, New York couldn’t hold onto the lead. The game quickly went from being competitive to swinging in Cleveland’s favor. That was in part due to a few costly turnovers (especially from Obi Toppin), poor shot selection, and abysmal defense.
Many times last season, the Knicks fell apart in the second half, and we saw that again on Sunday. Hopefully, we don’t see the same happen against the Hawks, Sixers, or Celtics. It’s not absurd to believe that New York can walk away from the week with one, or maybe even two wins. In order to do so though, the Knicks need to keep their foot on the gas.
1: Guard the perimeter
This is the one. The Knicks let the Cavaliers shoot 23-of-50 from three. Donovan Mitchell (8-for-13), Kevin Love (8-for-13), and Dean Wade (6-for-8) combined for 22 three-pointers. That’s embarrassing.
On opening night, the Grizzlies hit 11 three-pointers in the first half alone. New York can’t seem to figure out how to guard the perimeter, and it’s an issue that’s going to continue to hold the team down unless something changes.
Can the Knicks guard the perimeter?
— Daily Knicks (@DailyKnicksFS) October 20, 2022
Hopefully, the above question won’t have to be asked once again this week. The last thing that fans should want is to watch Trae Young, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Jayson Tatum, or Jaylen Brown torch the Knicks from three.
Of course, it’d help if New York had a healthy Quentin Grimes, but his status for tonight’s game is questionable. And even if he does come back, he’s going to be playing with some rust. If Tom Thibodeau isn’t able to help his team make the necessary adjustments, we could see the Knicks get burnt from deep once again.
After losing two tough games on the road, New York will have multiple chances to make a statement. How about we start things out with a win over the Hawks?
