NBA fans have been ripping the New York Knicks’ defense since the conclusion of the Knicks and Dallas Mavericks’ MLK Day game at Madison Square Garden. Here’s what you need to know to gain a clear perspective.
New York Knicks Lose to Dallas Mavericks
The New York Knicks lost 114-97 to the Dallas Mavericks at the Garden on Monday, also Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day the NBA annually commemorates Dr. King Jr.’s legacy of equality, justice, and civil rights.
The Knicks didn’t just lose to a healthy Mavericks team with Luka Doncic or Dirk Nowitzki at the top, but a depleted Mavs squad with multiple injuries since last Spring, with Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL in his left knee.
The Knicks’ double-digit loss to the Mavs was extremely unacceptable, especially with Jalen Brunson’s return to the court and matchup against his former team, the Mavs, with whom he played from 2018 to 2022, resulting in 22 points and six assists. Brunson, 29, was previously listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
Defensive Game Struggles
The Knicks’ defensive struggles showed in Monday’s home loss to the Mavs, which marked their fourth straight loss. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 22 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists. The team’s sluggish defensive effort was the top storyline of the game, rather than Brunson’s return after missing a few games due to an injury.
The team gave up 75 points in the first half alone. As a result, the team was left with a large deficit that was too much to overcome in the second half. Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg scored 18 points in his NBA debut at the Garden. Max Christie led the Mavs with 26 points, along with six rebounds and two assists.
NBA Fans Rip Knicks’ Defense
Knicks fans are generally outspoken and among the most outspoken in the NBA. Some other NBA fans also joined the conversation, including a handful of Mavs fans who watched the game and may have anticipated Jalen Brunson’s return.
Brunson served as a pillar in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex, dedicating himself to the local community by hosting basketball camps, UNO parties with prizes, and participating in multiple outreach efforts. Since departing the DFW Metroplex, Brunson’s rise to one of the best point guards in the league became clearer as each day passed by.
He likely wouldn’t have achieved much success if he had stayed in Dallas, Texas. There’s still some uncertainty about his future, but he has been providing a big boost to the Knicks’ backcourt when healthy.
Social Media Fan Reactions
X, formerly Twitter, user James L. Edwards III wrote, “Idk if this is the worst defensive performance the Knicks have had this year, there are a lot, but this is the most embarrassing. No resistance. Anywhere. From anyone.”
X user Fred Katz wrote, “The Knicks are 29th in the NBA in points allowed per possession since Dec. 16. This isn’t just a short stretch. It’s 18 games of evidence that they are nowhere near even mediocre right now.”
X user Marshall Green wrote, “The Knicks don’t care. Watch how they “run” back on defense. Why should we?”
X user Nick Giacobbe wrote, “The Knicks’ defense is unbelievably bad, especially when you factor in they are paying 2 wings a looooot of money who are supposed to be defensive specialists. Is the issue coaching? Scheme? Effort? Whatever it is, the Mnicks are becoming unwatchable.”
X user Mo Dakhil wrote, “I really don’t understand the Knicks after winning the NBA Cup. I know they had injuries and stuff, but it really feels like they have lost themselves. No bite on defense at all.”
X user Vincent Goodwill wrote, “Defending at the point of attack has been a Knicks issue all year. Defending at the rim has been too, save when Mitchell Robinson is there. It’s mid-January, but those things have to be fixed.”
Next Steps
Earlier this season, New York had a top-10 defensive rating when they won the NBA Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, but their defensive rating now ranks 20th, per NBA.com. If there’s a silver lining, New York has the third-best offensive rating this season, so they’ll likely be fine if they figure out their defensive issues and work hard to improve them.
