Opposition’s Play Matters
The Nets came to play. Their talent and effort was too much for the same Knick team that buried the T-Wolves two gays ago. The opposition’s attitude often determines wins and losses in the NBA. After burying a disinterested Minnesota team in their previous game, the Knicks were strangled by an aroused Nets defense. With Royce O’Neal defending RJ and Edmond Sumner on Brunson, the Knicks leading scorers were handcuffed. The shots they missed were almost always aggressively defended. Jules had more success against KD, scoring 18 of his 24 points in the first half. Randle led the Knicks with a -29. A bright spot in Julius’ performance was his on-ball defense against Durant in the second half. Barrett’s best offensive spurt came with O’Neal on the bench. In 34 mins., Royce was a game high +44. Brunson never got rolling. The ease with which the Knicks ‘Big Three’ scored against the T-Wolves was denied by Brooklyn’s D.
The Knicks’ defense was once again victimized by three point shooting. Brooklyn was 14 – 34 for 41% despite KD’s 1 – 5 and Joe Harris’ 2 – 6 beyond the arc.. Led by Durant’s 12 assists, the ball moved quickly, breaking down the Knicks D and resulting in uncontested threes. The Nets had 30 dimes on 42 makes. New York was inept on both sides of the ball.
In the second half. Barrett and Randle both were very visible on D. They alternated guarding Durant. Jules and RJ eliminated the cushion they had been affording KD and got into his body. In a close game, the refs may have called their efforts too aggressive, but the game was out of reach early in the 3rd period.
Unlike the Timberwolves lack of enthusiasm, New York played with real effort. Like Minnesota, they have no team ID. The Knicks are a collection of names that don’t fit together to form cohesive units. They are five fingers that do not make a fist. It is a credit to them, Lady Luck and Coach Thibs that they are .500.
Box Score: https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401468319