New York Knicks Defensive Struggles Continue in Loss to Utah Jazz

The New York Knicks gave up 114 points to the Utah Jazz, who averaged 94 points per game coming into Sunday’s matchup. How did the Knicks drop to 2-4?

The New York Knicks continue to allow teams to run up the score on their poor defense. The Utah Jazz came into Sunday’s game averaging 94 points per game but racked up 114 points on Sunday against the Knickerbockers on their court.

Sure, the Jazz welcomed back forward Gordon Hayward to the starting lineup, but he shot poorly from the field (6-17) and made a living at the free-throw line. The Knicks bailed him out on several occasions, which led to his inflated scoring total. He led his team with 28 points.

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The Knicks compromised their interior defense with center Joakim Noah only playing 20 minutes. The veteran center played 35 minutes in the previous game against the Chicago Bulls. Furthermore, head coach Jeff Hornacek likely wanted to lure Jazz center Rudy Gobert outside the paint to clear lanes for point guard Derrick Rose.

Forward Kristaps Porzingis nailed 3-of-7 shots beyond the arc, but he may also find himself on a poster with Gobert:

Porzingis started the game strong and missed long-distance shots late, which nullified the offensive advantage as the center in a small-ball lineup against Gobert. Overall, the Knicks’ big 3 played well on the offensive end, but the defense sputtered throughout the afternoon.

Ill-Timed Defensive Lapses

The Knicks have allowed 114 points or more in three of their four losses this season. The players often talk about defense as the key to their success and the barometer to their overall performance. Based on that premise, New York didn’t show up at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

After a quick start, the team slowly fizzled out by the fourth quarter. The Knicks played overly aggressive at some points on the defensive end. Utah shot 35 free throws compared to New York’s 19 attempts.

Hornacek must instruct his guys to play smart defense, which doesn’t necessarily mean aggressive play. The Jazz frequent trips to the charity stripe slowed down the game and disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm on both sides of the court.

Brandon Jennings Quiet Off Bench

It’s no secret the Knicks need help off the bench. Aside from a few decent games, in losing efforts, guard Brandon Jennings hasn’t given enough push. He’s flashy at times and provides the ohs and ahs with his ball-handling, but the Knicks need more from him.

In the offseason, team president Phil Jackson and Jennings talked about his aspirations as Sixth Man of the Year. Through six games, he’s below the bar for the honor.

With very little experience and consistent offensive skill players on the bench, Jennings must carry a bigger role to maintain the team’s scoring flow with the second unit. The veteran guard scored five points, dished two assists and ripped two steals against the Jazz. The entire bench scored 21.

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Crosstown Matchup

The Brooklyn Nets will travel uptown to square off with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, November 9. Before taking the court against the Knicks, the Nets have a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

At the moment, both New York basketball teams have identical records at 2-4. Guard Jeremy Lin’s hamstring injury will spoil the Linsanity nostalgia on the 34th street on Wednesday.

However, Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson puts out a competitive squad on game day. The Nets only have one double-digit loss. Nonetheless, the Knicks will look to take advantage of a team allowing 107.3 points per game.