Sports
Knicks Face Defensive Woes Despite Strong Start to Season
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks are 26-15 halfway through the 2024-25 NBA season, marking their best record at this point since the Mike Woodson era. Despite a strong offensive performance led by their All-Star-caliber additions, the team has struggled defensively, raising questions about their playoff readiness.
The Knicks boast the league’s second-best offense, thanks in large part to the stellar play of their star players. However, their defense has faltered recently, allowing 118.4 points per 100 possessions over their last seven games, including five losses. Head coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the struggles, calling their defensive performance “very boo-worthy” after a disappointing loss at Madison Square Garden.
New York’s defensive issues are particularly evident against high-powered offenses. They are 2-7 against teams with top-10 offenses this season, surrendering a league-worst 125.2 points per 100 possessions in those matchups. Recent losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons highlighted their vulnerabilities, with opponents exploiting mismatches and poor execution in pick-and-roll coverage.
“We’re losing games I feel like we shouldn’t be losing,” said one Knicks player after a recent defeat. The team’s struggles have been compounded by injuries, including the absence of key players like Mitchell Robinson, who is recovering from ankle surgery and expected to return in early February.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching on Feb. 6, the Knicks face tough decisions. Limited by luxury tax constraints and a lack of draft capital after acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the team must address its defensive and depth issues to remain competitive. Potential trade pieces include Robinson’s $14.3 million contract and Alec Burks‘ $6 million deal, but significant moves are unlikely given the team’s financial situation.
Despite their recent struggles, the Knicks have shown flashes of brilliance, including a dominant win over the Milwaukee Bucks and a competitive performance against the Thunder. However, their inconsistency and defensive lapses suggest they remain a work in progress. As the trade deadline looms, the Knicks must decide whether to make incremental improvements or stand pat with their current roster.