How the Knicks let an opponent get in-rhythym

The Knicks defense has led them to consecutive wins. To keep winning, they should remember lessons from one of their Ls.

Remember that Knicks' game against the Warriors before Thanksgiving? You know, where the Knicks allowed a season-long struggling Klay Thompson to find his shooting stroke in the first quarter because reasons? I certainly do. That game is a reminder of what happens when your perimeter defense doesn’t defend the perimeter. Thankfully, there have been very important changes to the rotation since then.                                                                                                                              

Quentin Grimes is starting and appears to have his suspected plantar fasciitis under control. The corpse of Derrick Rose is no longer in the rotation, replaced by Deuce McBride, who despite giving effectively nothing on offense is a massive upgrade over Rose simply because he plays great defense. I know it’s only been two games at this point, but who would've thought playing two of your three top perimeter defenders improved the team’s defense? Crazy, I know! 

Let me take you back a few weeks ago to that Golden State game. Revisiting history and learning from our mistakes is how we progress as individuals, societies, cultures, etc. I hope the Knicks learned their lesson and stop playing players who are traffic cones on defense. Time to look at the photos.

1. Steph Curry assist to Klay Thompson after a made shot.

2. Klay Thompson made three after his easy transition layup made field goal.

3. Draymond Green assist to Steph Curry for a three-point field goal.

4. Fortunate miss by Andrew Wiggins in the left corner.

5. Draymond Green assist to a cutting JaMychal Green for a dunk.

6. Draymond Green assist to Klay Thompson for a three-point field goal.

7. Jordan Poole made reverse layup.

8. Donte DiVincenzo made three-point field goal.

Let’s hope that the rotation changes lead to continued defensive success. There are still a few kinks that need to be worked out, specifically consistent effort from both Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. With some very winnable games over the next seven days, the Knicks have a great opportunity to solidify the defense. Let’s all hope and pray that we don’t see defense like the images above ever again.