Part 5/8:
One of the most alarming issues for the Knicks remains their defensive performance. Fans and pundits alike expressed frustration at the team's soft defense, stating that a recurring theme has emerged where they allow too many points, especially at critical moments. For instance, surrendering 37 points to the Pistons in the first quarter was unacceptable and highlighted a failure to establish defensive intensity.
Individual players, like Josh Hart, have voiced concerns about the need for improved focus and engagement, but if the same sentiments are echoed without tangible changes on the court, they lose their potency. The inability to secure a solid defensive structure or showcase the team's supposed athleticism has turned this aspect of their game into a pressing issue.