The Knicks didn’t shoot well Sunday night, but coach Mike Brown believes losing the “possession game” was the main reason for a 115-107 defeat at Miami, writes Steve Popper of Newsday. Since taking over the team, Brown has emphasized the importance of limiting transition points and opponents’ free throws. As his players adjust to the up-tempo style he wants to implement, Brown understands that defense will make the difference on most nights.
“On top of the 45 transition points, we gave up 31 free throws,” he said. We talked about both of those things at halftime and then we gave up 15 free throws just in the third quarter alone … That’s where the game was won or lost. Could we have played better offensively? Yes. But it’s going to be hard to win versus a good team on their home floor if you give up that many fast-break points or transition baskets and we send them to the line 31 times.”
New York also shot a miserable 15-of-54 from three-point range and had to rely on Jalen Brunson, who finished with 37 points, to carry the offense. The game was tied when Brunson checked out in the third quarter, but Miami was able to build a big lead during his time on the bench.
After the game, Brunson delivered the same messages as Brown.
“We were definitely a step slow in transition defense,” he said. “Just not being disciplined on their drives, fouling. Not a good night for us defensively. That shouldn’t happen this early. But at the same time, it is early and we have to understand we’re getting back in the flow of things, so we need to be ready to go when the ball is jumped up. Very correctable mistakes.”
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Brown continues to adjust his starting lineup based on the opponent, observes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. On Sunday, he matched the Heat’s size by turning to Ariel Hukporti, who didn’t play Friday against Boston after starting the opener against Cleveland. Hukporti was only on the court for 10 minutes Sunday night and went scoreless.
- Josh Hart is wearing a splint on his surgically repaired right ring finger, but he says that’s not why he’s off to an 0-of-6 start from three-point range, per Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. Hart blames conditioning after missing nearly all of the preseason following a back injury early in the first game. “I think most of my shots have been short,” he said. “I’m just getting my legs under me, getting a rhythm. I think it’s more legs than the finger. The finger is what it is. But when I get my legs under me, a lot of those shorter shots won’t be short.”
- In a unique perspective, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic focused solely on OG Anunoby throughout Sunday’s game.
watching that game.. the Knicks are very poorly coached and if Brunson isn’t on the floor.. have zero spacing and cannot score. The Heat exposed them drastically… it was the difference between a great coach and one that’s been fired over and over. This won’t be an issue for them against bad teams.. but against well coached teams that can exploit it.. the Knicks will be in trouble. They need an impact bench scorer then currently don’t have… Hart and/or Clarkson could fill that role but that will be up to Brown to figure out.
Yeah one game does it for you. Third game of season.
When Knicks missed two rotation players. And have three players banged up. Heat were an 8th seed and got swept by Cavs. Heat will be lucky to be a top 6th team this year. Good win for them.
@KnickAl
Do you support the Knicks becoming just like the Celtics last season and GSW as far as how many threes they take?
In the 3 games, they’re 1st in the league in 3PAs at 46.3 while being 22nd in 3pt FG% at 33%- that’s a losing combination.
This should be to you …. I messed up
No —— I believe in good shots. An open
Look is a good shot. Wether its a three or two. You exploit a defense. By taking what they give you. That varies game to game. All teams play to their strengths. Knicks have 5 starters that can go for 20. I like to see them less dependent on Brunson scoring.
NBA standard is 34% on threes. They are there. I don’t believe in stats as formula. I believe in wins. Analytics is a tool not a way to play. But I am good with 39-40 threes a game. Its about good shots good looks. Not stats. Only stat that matters is Ws.
Knicks are favored to win the East. I don’t care about three games. Give them 20-25 games. Then we can start to be more critical. Its a new bench new coach new offense. And they are banged up. So you are not seeing the Real Knicks.
jeremyn:
If you think you can conclude all of that from one regular season game, your opinion is not worth reading.
It’s a bit weird to see Brown blaming the defense and free throws when the whole team other than Brunson and bridges couldn’t make a three – just 28% from three (while the team shot 55% of their FGAs from 3 pt range). The Heat shot only 10 more free throws while taking 17 fewer threes.
Hey Mike, you might get some more free throws if you ran some inside plays.
Towns didn’t have a good game. Knicks missing two top bench guys. Players are banged up. Yabusele and Landry 30 mins total 2 points. Still can’t lose to Heat.
My biggest take is Bridges played 37 mins was 7/11 for 20 pts.
Clarkson played 14 mins was 2/11 for 8 pts. Both took 11 shots ………
20 pts is good for Bridges. But if Clarkson can take 11 shots in 14 mins lols. Then why can’t Bridges take 17-18 shots in 37 mins. I been saying for a year now. Bridges has to be more aggressive more selfish. Stop being Mr Niceguy please ………
Knicks first three games avg 22 ast a game. Thats not enough. Especially with this new offense. Knicks avg 27.5 ast last year. And were 11th in NBA. Like to see 30 ast a game this year. Thats what a good offense does.
No —— I believe in good shots. An open
Look is a good shot. Wether its a three or two. You exploit a defense. By taking what they give you. That varies game to game. All teams play to their strengths. Knicks have 5 starters that can go for 20. I like to see them less dependent on Brunson scoring.
NBA standard is 34% on threes. They are there. I don’t believe in stats as formula. I believe in wins. Analytics is a tool not a way to play. But I am good with 39-40 threes a game. Its about good shots good looks. Not stats. Only stat that matters is Ws.
Knicks are favored to win the East. I don’t care about three games. Give them 20-25 games. Then we can start to be more critical. Its a new bench new coach new offense. And they are banged up. So you are not seeing the Real Knicks.