The Washington Wizards defense was the perfect remedy for a struggling Knicks offense. After scoring 105 or less points in three of the last four games, New York (44-26) was able to find an offensive rhythm in a 122-103 win against the lowly Wizards on Saturday.
Despite the victory, New York’s offense has hit a rough patch this season. In the last 15 games, the Knicks are ranked 25th in offensive efficiency, scoring 109.7 points per 100 possessions. Once the top-ranked offense earlier in the season, the Knicks have dropped to fifth in the category. Some of the recent slide can be attributed to the absence of Jalen Brunson, who has missed the last eight games due to an ankle injury. But some of New York’s nadir in the category happened with the All-Star point guard in the lineup.
The three-point line has proven to be a significant concern for New York recently. The Knicks are struggling to get up threes, ranking 21st in three-point attempts per 100 possessions. When the Knicks are able to hoist shots from deep regularly, they are not converting. New York is 24th in three-point percentage (34.6 percent) during this time span. The corner three has been a weapon for Knicks teams under the Tom Thibodeau era. The club is shooting a league-worst 30.2 percent on corner threes during this span of games.
Where the Knicks miss Brunson the most is his ability to drive in the paint and kick out to open shooters. New York’s other core players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby often drive into the teeth of the defense with blinders on. They are primarily looking to score rather than set up teammates. Per NBA Stats, the Knicks have the third-lowest rate in assists on drives in the last 15 games.
One of New York’s weaknesses this season and last has been a lack of secondary creation from a perimeter player. Even when Brunson returns, some teams have discovered ways to slow down the Knicks offense effectively. Strategies such as having a center guard Josh Hart while putting a wing on Towns have been effective strategies. Also, teams trapping Brunson in the pick-and-roll has worked at times too.
Ways to solve the scoring woes
The easiest solution for the Knicks is to shoot better. Several players have been in slumps. Cam Payne is shooting just 30.3 percent over the last 20 games after a hot start earlier in the season. Hart has cooled down considerably and is often reluctant to shoot now.
One strategy that has worked for the Knicks is turning defense into offense. During this offensive stupor, the Knicks’ defense has been ranked 10th, much better than earlier this season. New York has found scoring opportunities in transition off of misses and forcing opponents into turnovers.
Also, the team is going to need internal improvements in playmaking. Bridges has stepped into a bigger role amid Brunson’s absence. He’s averaging 5.0 assists in eight games without Brunson in the lineup. Though Bridges has shown an effective pull-up shooting game out of the pick and roll, he’s lagged as a passer and playmaker for most of the season.
Bridges’ recent increase in reps as a creator on offense could be an important development for the Knicks offense for when Brunson returns.
New York’s offense has largely been a success this season, but this recent slide has highlighted some weaknesses, such as the team’s overreliance on Brunson. But it does give the team an opportunity to put players in different positions and figure out different solutions.
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