The New York Knicks are riding a three-game winning streak, but it's been anything but smooth sailing. While victories are victories, these wins came against struggling teams, and each required a gritty comeback. The Knicks had to claw their way back from double-digit deficits against the Jazz and a depleted Warriors squad, and they nearly squandered a 17-point lead against the Pacers.
The Need for Stronger Starts
In the marathon that is an NBA season, rough patches are inevitable. However, the Knicks' habit of sluggish starts has become a concerning trend.
Against a Warriors team missing most of its regular lineup, the Knicks found themselves down by 21 points in the second quarter. It's been a combination of lackluster defense and a stalling offense that's put them in these early holes.
Over the past six games, New York's first-quarter net rating is a dismal -18.0, placing them near the bottom of the league.
Head coach Mike Brown didn't mince words after the win over Golden State, stressing the need for a more physical and focused start to games. "I was not happy with the way that we started the game and the way we played most of the game…we have to figure out how to start games better," he said.
Potential Changes on the Horizon
Coach Brown hinted at possible adjustments to the starting lineup, though he hasn't committed to any specific changes yet. The Knicks have struggled to find a consistent groove all season, and their current pattern of playing catch-up isn't sustainable, especially with the playoffs looming.
While the Knicks have managed to eke out wins against teams in rebuilding phases, tougher competition in the postseason won't be as forgiving. With only 13 games left in the regular season, finding a solution to their slow starts is crucial.
Despite the challenges, the Knicks are fortunate to have come out on top in these last three games. However, there's significant work ahead to ensure they're ready for the playoff battles to come. Let's hope the next stretch of games brings more promising beginnings.