East Notes: Knicks, Heat, Omer Yurtseven, Magic

Knicks

Coach Tom Thibodeau wants to see the Knicks put up more resistance defensively — understandably so, considering they lost by a 145-135 count to the Thunder at home.

“We have to take a hard look at [the defense] and then evaluate everything,” Thibodeau said, via Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. “And what’s the best way for us to have a chance to be successful.”

The Knicks are getting ready to embark on a tip out West, with five games in seven days.

“When you go west, it’s always a tough time, regardless of your dynamic,” swingman Evan Fournier said, via Sanchez. “It’s about how you respond.” 

• Guard Jalen Brunson and guard/forward RJ Barrett were benched late in the game vs. the Thunder. “Just defensively, we were just — myself included — we just weren’t right and unacceptable,” Brunson said, via Sanchez.

Heat

Center Omer Yurtseven is expected to miss three months following left ankle surgery, as relayed by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

The Heat have been listing Yurtseven as suffering from impingement in the ankle, believed to be caused by bone spurs, sources told Chiang.

Miami has an open roster spot, though it seems as if that spot will remain open for the time being.

• In case you missed it, the Heat are adding center Orlando Robinson on a two-way contract and releasing shooting guard Dru Smith. You can check out the full post here.
• The Heat are back in on the talks for available Suns small forward Jae Crowder, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. You can check out the full post on HoopsWire here.

Magic

Shooting guard Gary Harris indicated he’s nearing a return following offseason knee surgery, per Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel.

“I’m moving around a little bit right now,” Harris said, via Price. “I’m really trying to get my timing back. Get back in basketball shape. I’m testing stuff out each day. I get more comfortable around the court.”

Along with Harris, the Magic have been without guards Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz for at least part of the early season.