The New York Knicks are currently ranked 17th in points per game, putting them in the middle of the pack offensively. Defensively, they are ranked 13th in opponents’ points per game but are among the bottom five teams in opponents’ field goal percentage.
Given this situation, one might expect Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to maintain the necessary level of tenacity for all 48 minutes of the game. While this is certainly possible, the offensive expectations placed on both players often leave them compromised defensively.
Mikal Bridges has been challenged on the perimeter, as opponents are shooting 41% from 15 to 24 feet against him, which does not meet defensive expectations. OG Anunoby is versatile and can guard all five positions, but when he is tasked with defending in the post, it can limit his energy and effectiveness on the offensive end.
Addressing these defensive challenges while managing a stretched-thin rotation is not an easy task. It remains to be seen how long it will take for New York to improve their defensive execution.
The Knicks continue to struggle offensively due to an overthinking approach on the court. They allowed a 13-1 run that ultimately cost them the game late in the fourth quarter against a team with a record below .500.
Rookie wing Zaccharie Risacher, the number one overall pick in this past year’s draft, had a career-high 33 points and made six three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Atlanta had a +9 advantage in offensive rebounds and recorded seven more steals against a low-intensity Knicks defense. The Knicks finished their road trip with a 1-2 record and will host the 1-6 Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, with an exciting matchup anticipated at Madison Square Garden
