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3 weaknesses Knicks can exploit against Kevin Durant and Nets

By Jordanna Clark

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)
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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New York Knicks, Julius Randle
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

1: The issues at center

The Nets watched Andre Drummond sign with the Chicago Bulls in free agency, but they could really use him now.

Nic Claxton is Brooklyn’s starting center, and he’s taken quite the leap in year four thus far, but behind him is Day’Ron Sharpe. With increased minutes in his second season, Sharpe has been a disappointment. He’s been a non-factor on the offensive end.

Even with Claxton being much-improved, the Nets struggle to defend the paint and rebound. If Mitchell Robinson were healthy, he’d be a nightmare for Brooklyn, especially on the boards. Brooklyn is dead-last in rebounding percentage at 46.3%. The Knicks started Jericho Sims on Monday, and given that lineup worked, the 24-year-old should get the start again on Wednesday. Sims should feast on the boards.

We might even see Thibodeau get creative again and deploy a Julius Randle-Obi Toppin lineup. That small-ball lineup worked well in a win over the Sixers and could also be effective against the Nets.

This is a very winnable game for the Knicks, but of course, no one should overlook Kevin Durant. He’s capable of taking the game into his own hands, but even if that happens, New York needs to find a way to overcome Brooklyn’s lowly defensive effort.

It’s been far too long (1,018 days to be exact) since the Knicks were able to get a win over their crosstown rival. Will New York find a way to end that streak tonight?

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