The Knicks try to downplay losses to Cavs and Celtics: "Work in progress"
New York Knicks' tough losses against the top 2 teams in the East raise more doubts about them heading into the playoffs
The New York Knicks faced this weekend with the hope of demonstrating advancements in their ability to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, two of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. However, after a resounding 37-point defeat against the Cavaliers and a new loss of 118-105 against the Celtics at TD Garden, it became evident that they still have a long way to go to catch up with their direct rivals.
"From the beginning of the season I said it: we are a work in progress," stated Karl-Anthony Towns. "We will continue to be so throughout the year until we enter the playoffs. Every team in the NBA will say the same. We are a work in progress until the postseason arrives and we can evaluate what we have learned."
The season's balance so far makes clear the challenge for the Knicks (37-20), who have lost all five of their encounters against Boston and Cleveland. The Celtics have dominated the series with a total difference of 63 points in three games, establishing a considerable gap between the two teams.
Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the team's defensive difficulties, particularly against elite opponents. "It's a combination of factors," he explained. "They are top-level teams, and against those who shoot many threes, just two or three minutes of defensive mistakes are enough for them to take control of the game. It's something we must continue working on and is the test this league puts us to."
One of the major issues has been defense in the paint, especially when Towns plays as center. Data shows that against top-10 offensive teams, opponents have shot with 63% effectiveness against his defense, the worst figure among the 346 players who have defended at least 50 shots in these games.
Despite the evident gap with the best teams in the East, the Knicks try to salvage positive aspects. Jalen Brunson highlighted the effort shown in the third quarter against Boston, where they achieved a 23-5 run. "You have to find something positive," he commented. "I think that third quarter showed us what we can do. But talking is not enough, you have to go out and do it."
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Desde los Knicks intentan relativizar las derrotas ante Cavs y Celtics: "Trabajo en progreso"
