Post Game Reaction: Jazz 114 Knicks 109
The New York Knicks had an early game today against the Utah Jazz, a mid-day start at home. It did not matter as the Knicks lost to the Jazz 114-109. Defense was a major issue in this one. Here are a few of my other observations from this game.
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Knicks give up 114 points. In the first half the Knicks held the Jazz to 38% shooting and 49 points but in the second half they let the Jazz shoot over 60% and score 65 points. They also let the Jazz get to the free throw line 35 times and let them score 42 paint points. Overall the Knicks defense got worse as the game progressed. The guards and wings really struggled to contain the trio of Hood, Hill and Hayward. The three combined for 69 points.
Knicks bench was a tale of two halves. In the first half the bench played excellent, scoring 21 points and providing relief for the starters. They were one of the reasons the Knicks had a lead in the first half. But in the second half they scored a grand total of zero points and were the main reason the Jazz retained the lead as they let the Jazz get a quick 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter. After that run, the Jazz never trailed.
Fouling a big culprit in the stagnant offense. The Knicks did score 109 points but in the 2nd and 3rd quarter especially, the fouls really slowed the game down. With each trip to the line, the Knicks offense got slower. They need to improve by moving their feet more and reaching in less. Hayward alone took 14 free throws, making all of them. The Knicks had scored 30 in the first and 29 in the fourth, both quarters where they limited the fouls. They play better defense, the offense will get better as they should get more fast-break points.
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The good, the bad and the ugly with Melo. Melo's final stat line will make you think that he had a great game (28pts 9rebs and 3 asts). But he was a liability for this team on too many possessions. Many of the fans could be heard yelling at Melo to pass the ball as he would consistently go iso as his teammates would be left to stand and watch. His detriment to not be part of the offense but more a ball-stopper is hurting the growth of the team on offense. On defense he was even worse. He looked lost and put in very little effort to stop his man from scoring. Hayward had his way and if not for the rust could have easily scored 40 points. More and more it feels like Melo is not a good fit with this team because Hornacek is looking for more ball-movement but Melo is not willing to do that in the early going. He also does not fit the up-tempo scheme because he looks to slow the ball down at every turn.
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Porzingis another solid game. With every day passing it becomes clearer and clearer that Porzingis is their best player. He scored 14 points within the first 6-7 minutes of the game. He ended up with 28 at the end of the night. His biggest problem has been the fouls. He needs to move his feet better, reach in less and go straight up. Some of these fundamentals on defense will get better as he matures. Porzingis also has to get better position when he has the mis-match. Too many times he would stand and just call for the ball and there were no angles to get him the ball in the post. Overall another solid game that should build confidence for him.
The Knicks drop to 2-4 on the season. They have yet to hold an opponent under 100 points. Their next game is against the Nets on Wednesday, a very winnable game. Lets hope the Knicks can bounce back.
