The New York Knicks are facing some serious challenges in their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. After splitting the first two games, the Knicks are heading to Detroit for Game 3. The team has made significant investments in players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, hoping to boost their scoring options. However, the results so far have been disappointing.
In Game 2, the Knicks recorded only 15 assists, their lowest total of the season, leading to a 100-94 loss at Madison Square Garden. This lack of ball movement is concerning, especially considering they had a strong fourth quarter in Game 1, where they scored 40 points and recorded 11 assists in that period alone. Jalen Brunson, the team’s star guard, acknowledged the struggle, saying it’s tough when the ball isn’t moving. He emphasized that it’s on him to ensure that all players are involved in the offense.
The numbers tell a troubling story. The Knicks averaged 254.5 passes per game in the playoffs, a drop from their regular season average of 281.2. This would rank them at the bottom of the league if it continued. Brunson, who averaged 7.3 assists during the regular season, has seen his usage rate skyrocket to 36.3 in the playoffs, indicating he is holding onto the ball longer and not distributing it effectively.
Towns and Anunoby, who were key scorers during the regular season, have seen their touches decline. Towns averaged 59.6 touches during the regular season but only 36 in Game 2. Anunoby’s touches also dropped from 44.9 to 38. Josh Hart’s touches decreased as well, from 70 to 63. The only player whose touches increased was Bridges, who averaged 60.5 in the playoffs compared to 54.3 in the regular season.
Brunson’s average time holding the ball per possession has increased to 10.1 seconds, up from 8.6 during the regular season. This slower pace is not helping the team, as Hart pointed out that playing faster can create opportunities and force the defense into mistakes. The Knicks need to find a way to get their supporting players more involved.
As the series shifts to Detroit, the Knicks must address these issues quickly. Coach Tom Thibodeau noted that Brunson played a crucial role in Game 1 but stressed the importance of getting the rest of the team involved. The Knicks are counting on their sidekicks to step up and make a difference as they continue their playoff journey.