New York Knicks are still searching for a winning combination
The new era New York Knicks are still without a win after four games as the 2017-18 NBA preseason approaches its conclusion this week.
The excitement over a new front office structure and roster for the New York Knicks has quickly disappeared after four lackluster performances in the preseason. New York is winless with one game remaining in the exhibition season, and already fans are annoyed by the team’s effortless performances defensively.
New York has given up over 100 points in each preseason game, including two bad losses to their in-city rival, the Brooklyn Nets. The last two games have seen New York allow 117 points per game and further instituted the opinion felt by many that this team cannot play solid team defense considering the roster’s personnel. The new acquisitions from the Carmelo Anthony trade, Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott, did not add defensive-minded players at two critical positions on the team.
The duo of McDermott and Kanter have been very impressive as advertised on the offensive side of the floor but still don’t have defined roles. The experimenting and injury situation so far has led to a different starting lineup and bench rotation all preseason. The Knicks seem like strangers playing together on the floor, as the players seem to have no clue on how to trust one another.
The Knicks are obviously not taking wins and losses too critically in preseason, but it’s troubling to picture a successful lineup for this team. The season is quickly approaching and there is no idea of what a possible combination might look like — whether it’s starting or off the bench — that will help this team succeed moving forward.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek spoke with the New York Post at the beginning of training camp discussing the team’s new focus after trading Carmelo Anthony and becoming a team not relying on one individual.
"“Carmelo took 20, 22 shots a game. We’re not looking for one guy to make up for that. Those shots will probably be spread out. If you’re seeking and hunting shots, you’re not going to shoot a good percentage. It has to come in the flow of the offense.“I’m very happy in training camp that’s what they’ve been doing. It’s a different group, We don’t have the individual talents we had last year with Carmelo and Derrick [Rose] and just say, take the ball and go get a bucket. We have to rely on each other, rely on our teammates. That’s what we’re stressing this year.”"
The last game against James Harden and the Houston Rockets saw the Knicks get embarrassed in front of their home fans. Harden surprisingly played 37 minutes scoring 36 points in the Rockets’ 117-95 rout, leading to plenty of boos from the Madison Square Garden faithful.
Mike D’Antoni currently coaching Houston is believed to be still sour with the Knicks organization after his run as head coach ended back in 2012, perhaps leading him to “run up the score.”
Knicks forward Lance Thomas gave his thoughts to reporters on the embarrassing performance focusing on not letting a situation like that happen again on their home floor.
"“We’re competitors. It’s never good to have that happen on your home floor. We’re going to watch film, we’re going to remember what that felt like. And we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”"
The Knicks are saying the right things, but when will the words become action on the floor? Right now, the team is just continuing its embarrassing ways.
Next: 30 reasons to be excited for the 2017-18 NBA season
The 2017-18 season is right around the corner, but it’s gonna take a promising performance back at home in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards to keep fans fully invested.