Coming off three consecutive losses, the New York Knicks are trying to find ways to get back in the win column. After a 2020–21 season that proved the Knicks belonged in the playoff conversation, they’ve lost some of their grit and intensity.
Allowing Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock to walk in free agency seemed like a good move this off-season, but the loss of defense has proved to be significant for the Knicks, who have struggled considerably in recent days to match the intensity of last season. They currently rank 19th in defensive rating.
In fact, some are calling Tom Thibodeau’s team “soft,” as a lack of effort and hustle has hurt the team’s identity.