Knicks: Hart Wants Stops, Not Stats, From Towns
Change is in the air for the Knicks, and it’s not just about a new voice on the sideline. With Mike Brown now steering the ship, the offense is getting a bit of a facelift. But while Brown is working to put Karl-Anthony Towns in better positions to succeed offensively, Josh Hart has a different priority in mind: defense.
Hart didn’t mince words when asked about Towns’ adjustment under the new system. Yes, there’s an acknowledgment that moving from Tom Thibodeau’s structure to Brown’s more fluid approach requires some recalibration.
But Hart made it clear-he’s not worried about Towns getting buckets. He’s looking for blocked shots and defensive grit.
“He’s a good offensive player and he’s going to figure that out,” Hart said. “He’s gotta make sure he focuses on defense.
I don’t wanna hear too much about him shooting. I want to hear about him blocking shots.”
That’s a veteran teammate setting the tone. Translation?
Towns’ scoring will come-he’s too skilled not to find his rhythm. But for the Knicks to take the next step, especially in the Eastern Conference grind, Towns has to be more than just a stretch big.
He has to anchor the paint, contest shots, and show consistent effort on the defensive end.
In a league where offensive firepower is everywhere, defensive buy-in is what separates playoff hopefuls from true contenders. Hart knows it.
The Knicks know it. Now it's on Towns to show he’s ready to meet that challenge.
Nets: Porter Jr. Playing Through Pain, Looking for Answers
Michael Porter Jr. is battling through more than just defensive pressure-he’s also managing a nagging knee issue. After suffering a minor MCL sprain earlier this month, Porter has been playing through soreness that’s limiting his explosiveness and ability to create separation.
But don’t expect excuses. Porter owned up to the struggles, saying the onus is on him to adjust.
“That’s really on me,” he said, acknowledging the need for smarter shot selection and better positioning to get cleaner looks.
Defenses have clearly taken notice of his scoring ability, sending extra bodies his way and forcing him into tougher situations. Head coach Jordi Fernandez sees it too and is working with the staff to tweak the offense-more slip screens, quicker actions, and attacking the second side of the floor.
The goal? Simplify the game and get Porter easier opportunities.
The team has been cautious, resting him on the front end of back-to-backs, but they’ve also downplayed the severity of the injury. Still, it’s clear Porter is gutting it out, trying to stay effective while not quite at 100%.
If the Nets can find a rhythm offensively and get Porter back to full speed, they’ve got a weapon who can tilt games. But for now, it’s about managing the pain, adjusting to the attention, and trusting the process.
Raptors: Poeltl's Absence Lingers, Frontcourt Stretched Thin
The Raptors are still without Jakob Poeltl, and there’s no clear end in sight. The big man is sidelined indefinitely with a lower back strain, and after seeking additional treatment and consulting a specialist, the team has offered no firm return timeline.
Poeltl has now missed 17 straight games-more than half the season-and while Toronto has managed to stay competitive, his absence has forced some creative lineup juggling.
The impact is subtle but real. The Raptors have been slightly better with Poeltl in the lineup, especially on the defensive glass and in rim protection.
Without a true backup center, they’ve had to get inventive. Scottie Barnes has stepped into the five spot at times, while Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili have chipped in with minutes in the middle.
It’s a patchwork solution, but it speaks to the team’s resilience. Still, there’s no replacing Poeltl’s size, defensive instincts, and ability to anchor the paint. Until he’s back, Toronto will have to keep leaning on versatility and hustle to hold the fort down.