On Saturday, the Knicks once again showed poor defense. They allowed the Sixers to make 47% of their three-point attempts (36 shots from beyond the arc) and struggled to contain Philadelphia’s starters. The trio of VJ Edgecomb, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid combined to score 88 points on 62% shooting (53 attempts).
This game was another example of the Knicks’ ongoing struggles to get defensive stops. How can this be improved? Perhaps simply by getting Josh Hart and Landry Shamet back in the lineup. New York went 2-3 without Hart, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Although they’ve managed well without Shamet, his strong on-ball defense could be a valuable asset.
The Knicks’ point-of-attack defense has been weak in recent games. Over the last five games, they have allowed 122 points per 100 possessions — the fourth-worst defensive rating in the NBA. Not coincidentally, this stretch coincided with Hart’s absence. Before his injury, Hart was a starter for about a month during which the Knicks had the 11th best defense in the league, allowing 113 points per 100 possessions.
As for when Hart will return, the Knicks announced he will be re-evaluated next Friday. Reports suggest he might come back shortly after that evaluation, or even sooner. Shamet, who’s been out since November 22 due to a sprained shoulder, is also expected back on the court next week. If there are no setbacks, the Knicks could soon have their full roster available.
Will the return of Hart and Shamet be enough to fix the defensive issues? Can coach Mike Brown and defensive coordinator Brendan O’Connor make adjustments for better results? The answers to these questions will reveal a lot about the Knicks’ season. If they can improve defensively, the team has the depth and talent to compete deep into May or June. But if these defensive struggles persist, they could fall far short of their goals this spring.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for basketball fans because defensive solidity often defines playoff success. The potential return of Hart and Shamet could be the turning point that elevates the Knicks from a struggling team to a serious contender, making every upcoming game essential viewing.
