Knicks Lead NBA In Starter Minutes, But Defense Remains Glaring Issue

As anyone in the NBA will tell you, the Knicks’ defense remains a glaring weakness with the NBA playoffs a little more than a month away, as relayed by Chris Herring of ESPN.

Right now, it feels as if New York is considerably behind the Cavaliers and defending champion Celtics in teams that could emerge from the Eastern Conference. Defense is a fairly big reason why.

“It’s not rocket science: New York needs to defend at a far higher level — one befitting of a Tom Thibodeau-coached club — to stand any chance against Cleveland or Boston in the playoffs,” Herring wrote. “But for several reasons, that likely isn’t a switch that can just be flipped at this point — mainly because the starters have played longer minutes than any other team’s, raising the question of whether they have a higher level left for the postseason.”

The Knicks (40-20) currently sit 2.5 games back of the Celtics for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and 10 back of the Cavs. 

“Currently ranked 19th overall in defensive efficiency, the Knicks drop to a troubling 29th when tasked with defending top-10 offenses, according to ESPN Research,” Herring wrote. “Their struggles are particularly evident from beyond the arc, where New York allows the highest 3-point shooting percentage in the league — a problematic statistic given that the Celtics and Cavaliers lead the NBA in 3-point attempts.

“A shift away from drop coverage could help, and the return of center Mitchell Robinson from injury offers some hope. Still, substantial adjustments will be required to close the substantial defensive gap that separates the Knicks from the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.”