3 weaknesses Knicks can exploit against Kevin Durant and Nets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks passes the ball as Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

2: Poor defensive effort

New York has been critiqued for its defense thus far under defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau, but for a team that’s supposed to be a championship contender, Brooklyn’s abysmal on the defensive end. The Nets’ defense ranks 22nd in the league and previously ranked dead-last after their 1-5 start to the season.

Barclays will be home to a high-scoring game on Wednesday, but the Knicks have an opportunity to gain the upper hand. Kevin Durant’s one of the purest scorers to ever play the game, but even his offensive firepower isn’t enough to guarantee Brooklyn a win.

The thought was that Ben Simmons would be the defensive leader for the Nets, but to start the year, he’s looked far different from the player that he was in Philadelphia. Brooklyn has quite a few players that can be exploited on defense in shooters Patty Mills, Joe Harris, and Seth Curry. When Irving plays, he’s on that list, too. Those are players that the Knicks need to attack when they’re in the game.

The Nets lack an interior defender as well, which brings us to their next weakness that New York can exploit.

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