For the first few weeks of the NBA season, the New York Knicks look like a team looking to make a statement following last year’s postseason exit against the Indiana Pacers. During their first home stand of the season, the Knicks showed consistency on both offense and defensive sides of the ball led by Jalen Brunson.
A revamped bench, which includes Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, Deuce McBride, and Landry Shamet, has also contributed to the team’s success, adding more scoring elements that the team lacked last year. Overall, the Knicks are currently ranked 7th in the NBA in points per game at 120.8. As we go to press, New York currently sits at the No.5 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win-loss record of 9-6.
All things considered to be “fair” for the time being, however, the team has dealt with significant injuries the past two weeks. Og Anunoby is currently sidelined with a hamstring Injury, Jalen Brunson is still working his way back from a sprained ankle, and in last Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, Landry Shamet appeared to have dislocated his right shoulder, an injury that sidelined the veteran guard for months last year. Additionally, the team is currently struggling away from Madison Square Garden, as they are presently dealing with their road woes.
The team’s struggles factor a combination of poor shooting efficiency and defensive lapses. The Knicks have experienced a notable decline in shooting percentage away from their home court. Rotational inconsistencies and a lack of chemistry on both ends of the floor have led to several defensive breakdowns.
One of New York’s most significant issues has been the inability to defend the three. Through a month of the season, the Knicks have averaged around 15.9 three-pointers made per game, but opponents are shooting lights out from three against them. (38.9% at home, 39.6% on the road). This has played a factor in their inability to get back on defense. On the road, the Knicks appear very predictable and disoriented, and teams have capitalized on that. The drop percentages for New York on the road as opposed to at home is quite the head scratcher.
At home, the Knicks shoot 39.9% from beyond the arc, which is good for 5th in the NBA and 4th in free throw percentage at 84.8. Those percentages take a dip on the road as the Knicks shoot 30.9% from three, which ranks 26th, and 71.4% from the free-throw line, ranking 27th. Three-point shooters like Karl Anthony-Towns, Shamet, Clarkson, and Hart have all seen a significant drop in their shooting on the road. New York also gives up seven more points on the road. The team currently has a road record of 1-5 as opposed to their 8-1 record at the Garden.
What this Knicks roster has displayed thus far is that home cooking is actually a thing. Losing one of your best defenders in Anunoby has affected the team defensively. However, the Knicks must find ways to perform better on the road away from their home court. Their recent road loss came against the Magic, in which the team scored a season-high 133 points despite being short-handed themselves.
Whatever the reason is behind the tale of two tapes with this Knicks team, it is something that must be addressed if they hope to make another long playoff run this year. Injuries are a concern, and perhaps adding another consistent big man could help them out with the uncertainty of Mitchell Robinson’s injury history. New York plays with a high-level intensity at home, but as the season progresses, they will need to replicate that same energy on the road, especially against the top-tier teams in the East.
Sports Notes: (Basketball) After wrapping up a five-game road trip, the New York Knicks finally return home to battle the Milwaukee Bucks in a group stage NBA cup match-up tomorrow night. The Brooklyn Nets will also be at home to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. (Football) The Thanksgiving football schedule will feature matchups including the Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions @ 1:00 P.M., Kansas City Chiefs vs Dallas Cowboys @ 4:30 P.M., and the Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens @ 8:20 P.M. The Giants will play the New England Patriots on Dec 1. And the Jets will host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.
