The Knicks’ offense failed to generate much of anything as they fell to the Miami Heat, 98 to 88.
The Heat used a heavy dose of zone defense, and New York’s shooting failed to answer. The game was competitive in all but one quarter. Jimmy Butler took over the third quarter, and the Heat got hot from three behind his offense. They outscored the Knicks by 18 points in that stanza, making a decisive run in a game decided by 10 points.
The starting lineup never got going for New York. Only Julius Randle hit double-figure scoring. Even his performance was subpar in comparison to his season norms. Bullock, Barrett, and Payton shot a combined 0/10 from three. They made the Heat’s life easy. Ball handlers couldn’t shoot, so they drove into traffic where traps awaited. The second unit delivered more shooters and offense in general but couldn’t overcome the lack of help from key players. Let’s put this one under the microscope…
New York Knicks’ starters fail to break the zone
Elfrid Payton: Elfrid Payton’s grip on the starting role should be precarious at this point. Since returning from injury, he has faced a non-stop barrage of zone defense. The point guard is ill-equipped to respond. Payton couldn’t generate any offense against the Heat, barely scoring and never playmaking. He’s typically reliable to at least attack the paint, but not this time. The Knicks had three better options for lead ball-handler on the bench because the other three players could make shots when left open.
Payton shot 2/4 from the field, 0/2 from three, and 1/2 from the free-throw line in 19 minutes of action. He put up 5 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, and a block. He didn’t turn the ball over, at least, but that’s partially because he didn’t attack. Payton’s offense comes from getting into the teeth of the defense, but he hardly put pressure on anybody. He was relegated to taking half his shots from outside and making one of his only 2 field goals with a putback. He did nothing off the dribble, which can’t happen with a lead ball handler.
Derrick Rose is back, and Elfrid Payton’s days feel numbered. That’s not a certainty because Tom Thibodeau seems to have an affinity for the guard. But it’s no coincidence that his return has marked the return of non-stop zone defenses. With RJ Barrett slumping and Payton reliably unreliable from three, the zone defense is an easy option to contain New York’s offense. Payton finishes his night with a 1 out of 5 for impact. He barely contributed.
Reggie Bullock: All of Reggie Bullock’s momentum got derailed with an ankle injury. He was on his best offensive run of the season before sitting out last game. Then Bullock faced the Heat and looked completely out of rhythm. He rushed his three-point looks and passed up his best opportunities to pull-up. Bullock went from shooting lights out to missing everything. His only field goal of the game was a midrange pull-up. This is especially disappointing because the Heat’s zone defense meant shooting opportunities, but Reggie failed to respond.
Bullock played for 22 minutes and managed just 3 points, 3 rebounds, and a turnover. He shot 1/5 from the field, 0/4 from three, and 1/1 from the free-throw line. Look no further than the backcourt production for why New York’s starting lineup flopped. Reggie is the group’s true shooter, but his shot completely failed him. He missed or passed up his best looks and forced a couple of three-pointers when they weren’t there. It was an off night, plain and simple.
This performance was a far cry from Bullock’s recent run of success. He’d been shooting lights out until the ankle injury. He may have rushed back too soon or may have just been rusty. This wasn’t the same player who strung together 5 straight games over 40% from three. It wasn’t just his jumper. Bullock’s timing, decision-making, and even defensive play felt like it was weaker than normal. I’m hoping a bit more time for the ankle helps because this was ugly. Bullock gets a 1 out of 5.
RJ Barrett: Much was made of Jimmy Butler giving RJ Barrett some friendly advice the last time they faced off. This time around, Butler came out more competitive, even picking up a T after saying something to the youngster. Barrett, like everyone else, failed to live up to his recent level of play. RJ got multiple clean looks from three against the zone. He didn’t hit a single one. His slumping jumper combined with the Heat’s collapsing defense to make it a tough night for the sophomore.
Barrett finished 32 minutes with 8 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 turnovers. RJ shot 4/12 from the field, 0/4 from three, and 0/1 from the free-throw line. He led the starters in assists, making some nice passes that weren’t all rewarded with assists. He also had some nice plays when he got out in front of the Heat’s defense or faced a defender in isolation. There were still moments of brilliance in the performance, but they were few and far between. The mistakes and struggles outweighed the positive contributions for a change.
The positive note for this one is that RJ didn’t back down. He didn’t pass up many open looks, but the shot just wasn’t falling. New York needs him to break the shooting slump, or they’ll face a zone defense every time. That’s especially true while Barrett occupies a wing and Payton has the ball. RJ is at least playmaking on a near-nightly basis. He’s finding ways to contribute even when the defense keys on his scoring. This all feels like part of RJ’s development curve. His next leap will come when his jumper is consistent. The sophomore grabs a 2.5 out of 5 even on a tough night.
Julius Randle: Speaking of having a tough night. Julius Randle couldn’t get into the middle of the court without facing a swarm of defenders. The onslaught of pressure and a lack of shooters around him meant that Randle’s playmaking was at a deficit. That created a domino effect where the Knicks’ star was pressing for scoring and turning the ball over if he hesitated for even a second. The big man managed some three-pointers, at least. That helped him find some success, but even Julius Randle was pushed off his typical game.
In 36 minutes of action, Randle put up 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists to 5 turnovers. He shot 7/17 from the field, 3/9 from three, and 5/8 from the free-throw line. The assist to turnover ratio tells the story best. The Knicks’ star tried forcing his way to the middle but was met with resistance. He would get trapped along the baseline or have the ball poked loose from behind. Randle began forcing some shots instead of making the pass as a result. He still got results when he found seams or had enough time to work, but those chances were rare against a spirited Heat defense.
Randle had a decent night, but that’s rarely enough for the Knicks to win. He has to be anywhere from good to great to keep New York in games. That was especially the case against Miami because Julius didn’t receive much help. Randle had better luck when he got to pair with the scoring threats, all of whom came off the bench. That’s as much a blemish on Thibodeau as it is Randle. Thibs let certain starters play too long, and the Knicks lost momentum every time it happened. For his part, Julius gets a 3 out of 5.
Nerlens Noel: The true bright spot for New York’s starting lineup was Nerlens Noel. Noel was visibly affected by a sore shoulder, but that didn’t stop him from being a force on defense. The big man picked up 6 blocks and steals combined. He also added a bit of offense, especially in the first half. Noel hit a baby jumper, finished around the basket, and even had a drive from the top of the key for a dunk. He gave the team a boost when most players were looking shell-shocked.
Noel racked up 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers in 30 minutes of action. He went 4/7 from the field. The big man ran into a bit of foul trouble early, but that’s because he was such an active part of the defense. When the Heat attacked, Noel was a consistent line of defense. The shot blocker was rendered even more important because Bam Adebayo was too big for Taj Gibson. That meant Noel and to shoulder a heavy load despite the soreness.
Noel was far from perfect. He threw a few passes away, and of course, a few balls slipped loose from his poor grip. But the big man clearly left it all out on the court. The Heat’s constant trapping and swarming on ball handlers meant openings for cutters. Noel took advantage by stepping into open space inside the paint and getting results. The big man gets a 3 out of 5 for great defense and a solid offensive contribution.
New York’s second unit adds some punch, but too little too late
Derrick Rose: Derrick Rose is still getting his feet under him after a bout with COVID. He was the Knicks’ best lead guard even though he’s just getting his wind back. The former Bull was the Knicks’ best three-point shooter on the night while grabbing highlights for his typical journeys into the paint. Rose was the one Knick that didn’t have too much trouble with the Heat’s collapsing style. He attacks too quickly for a trailer to have an impact.
After 26 minutes of action, Rose compiled 16 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 turnover. He shot 6/13 from the field, 3/5 from three, and 1/2 from the free-throw line. Rose was a calming force for the offense. He came in and knocked down some timely three-pointers with the space provided, then drove past closeouts after. The point guard added a bit of poise to an otherwise out-of-rhythm group. While other bench scorers saw success, Rose was the driving force…pun intended.
It’s refreshing to have Rose back, especially when he’s knocking down his three-pointers. He gave New York an attacking element off-the-dribble that everyone else seemed to lack. His return does signal a logjam forming. IQ’s minutes dipped, and Alec Burks saw less action on the ball. This could be a case of too many cooks, but I think most Knick fans have come to the same conclusion that I have…Rose should take Elfrid Payton’s role, and the second unit should go back to IQ and Burks as the core ball handlers. Payton and Rose have a lot of redundancies, but Rose is the better player. Rose gets a 2.5 out of 5 for his performance.
Immanuel Quickley: I generally focus on offense with these recaps because the entire Knicks team is playing quality defense. But I’m making an exception for Immanuel Quickley. IQ visibly challenged multiple shots from players like Herro and Robinson. The rookie is developing as a defender, and I was glad to see him have some impact. Offensively, he started his night with a nice floater and then knocked down some threes as well. Quickley is the best guard to answer zone defenses because he can knock down three’s at extended range both on and off the ball.
Quickley managed 12 points, 1 assist, and 2 steals in 17 minutes. He shot 4/11 from the field, 2/6 from three, and 2/2 from the line. I’d categorize his performance in the good but not great territory. IQ’s presence did wonders for floor spacing. He’s a gunner that Tom Thibodeau should have leaned on more. This wasn’t anything new. If you’re familiar with Quickley, you know what he did. The rookie was in attack mode from his very first touch. Other scorers were contained or saw their activity reduced by Miami’s pressure, but IQ refused to be denied.
I’ve stated it plainly above, Immanuel Quickley needed more minutes. While players like Burks and Rose shot well from deep, Quickley had a quicker trigger. He didn’t match their efficiency, but he forced the Heat to defend out beyond the three-point line. Against a zone and trapping scheme, that sort of aggression pays not just for IQ but his teammates as well. A Quickley swing pass meant a window for Rose or Burks to drive through. IQ gets a 2.5 out of 5.
Alec Burks: Alec Burks was efficient but not nearly as active as usual. He from a streak of 20-point performances to single-digits against the Heat. Part of that was the Heat defense. They closed hard on him, which led to some nice dimes, including an over-the-shoulder assist to Gibson that I loved. But another aspect was that Burks never really graduated past being the third or fourth option on the floor. After 9 consecutive double-digit performances and 5 straight games above 20, Alec Burks was relegated to just 4 attempts.
Burks played 27 minutes, adding 6 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds on 2/4 shooting. All of his attempts were three-pointers, again a result of that Heat zone defense. When Burks drove, the Heat would collapse, which wasn’t such a bad thing. The Knicks scorer showed off his growing propensity to make a clever pass out of traffic. This performance is only hindered by a lack of activity. Burks didn’t have as many touches and wasn’t able to play with the aggression that’s made him such a useful weapon in recent efforts.
This is yet another portion of the recap dedicated to changing the rotation. I didn’t like the chemistry between Rose and Burks before Rose’s leave of absence for illness. I’m still not a fan of the combination in big doses. Burks can fit nicely next to one of Rose, Payton, or Quickley. He doesn’t fit as seamlessly into lineups where two of those ball handlers dominate the ball. Burks needs touches to produce, and he simply didn’t get enough against the Heat. For an efficient but quiet night, Burks nets a 2 out of 5.
Taj Gibson: I’ve heaped plenty of praise on Taj Gibson for going above and beyond expectations in recent performances. He was due for a trip back to Earth. Gibson ran into a tough match-up with Bam Adebayo, and Precious Achiuwa kept him busy as well. The Knicks elder statesman put up a good fight but seemed overwhelmed on the glass at times. That was most evident in a fourth-quarter series where the Heat grabbed multiple offensive boards before Tyler Herro finally hit a deflating three-pointer.
Gibson rocked for 18 minutes, going 2/3 from the floor and 1/2 from the line. He added 5 points and 4 boards in that span. Those aren’t terrible numbers in the limited time, but they’re not good either. Those stats hide the fact that Gibson looked a step slow on defense and outsized as well. Bam is a freak-athlete, so it’s not exactly a shock that Taj struggled.
At the end of the day, we still have a commendable performance from Taj Gibson. He covered for Noel in spells with a high work rate. I’d have to categorize his performance as ineffective, another sign that the Knicks need to fill a roster spot with one more true big. This game was a grind where every possession mattered. New York couldn’t afford to give up extra possessions. Taj gets a 2 out of 5, but just barely.
Obi Toppin: Obi Toppin is starting to flash, even if only for moments at a time. He got just 12 minutes and shot the ball poorly, but he was aggressive. Toppin sought the ball, took open shots, and made some decent passes. He shot 1/4 from the field, finishing with 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. That one field goal was one of his best drives of the entire season. A bit of misdirection before splitting two defenders with a quick finish. He also drew a pair of free-throw attempts by trying to dunk on someone. Obi’s confidence is creeping up.
Zone defense breaks the Knicks again, can Thibodeau fix it?
Tom Thibodeau: We’re too deep into the season for me to make excuses for an obvious issue. Tom Thibodeau needs to adjust his rotation when an opponent switches to a zone. Thibs will often ask that his players take the right shots, which is fine until three sub-par shooters are the only players a defense leaves open. This broken record has been bailed out by Randle shooting at a ridiculous clip and Reggie Bullock catching fire. With both those players coming down to Earth, the blemishes become more obvious. The Knicks surrendered momentum to start both halves, and that’s despite plenty of open looks…they just didn’t have the shooters to make use of the looks.
There are some other questionable decisions to point to. Quickley is still getting rookie treatment, even when the team is desperate for scoring. The team needed someone to hit open looks, but Kevin Knox stayed on the bench, a situation made more conspicuous after Knox gave the team good minutes in their last outing. All of my critiques come down to the same problem; that damned zone defense. New York almost blew a game against Milwaukee’s JV squad, and now they lost by double-digits to the Heat; both times, the zone defense is what gave them so much trouble.
There are some baked-in excuses that Thibodeau can make for the struggles. Even his more reliable shooters were missing. With Mitchell Robinson out and Noel aching, it was no wonder that Bam had a field day. To top all of that off, Jimmy Butler took over for a quarter while shutting down RJ for most of the night. All of that said, I’m still hitting Thibs’ score for an inability to address the obvious deficiency…The starting lineup needs one more floor spacer. Thibs gets a 1.5 out of 5.
Closing Thoughts
New York is clinging to fifth place but not far from tenth. The schedule is about to load up on tough but winnable games. It will take multiple players stepping up for the Knicks to take their spot in the postseason. They’ll need some players to get healthy and some shooters to get hot for this all to work out. I talked about the positives in Leon Rose’s inactivity at the trade deadline, but it’s up to the players to prove him right. Other teams made improvements, and now the Knicks have to seek growth from within or find help on the waiver wire.
I’m not down about this loss, but I’m starting to fall back into frustrations from earlier in the year. Spacing is a problem that won’t go away. Tom Thibodeau isn’t the type to make dramatic changes. He’s trusted his players and rotations this far; they’ve come through. He’s in Rose’s boat. It’s up to the players to prove him right.
There’s one more curse that I have to mention…the Knicks can’t win four games in a row. They’ve hit the three-piece on multiple occasions only to have a letdown every time they chase a longer streak. That’s the nature of this schedule with tightly packed games and parity from nearly top to bottom. I think New York can start a fresh streak with the Wolves, Mavs, and Pistons next. But the Nets loom even if they stand to break the curse. At least we’re certain to have some fun along the way because every game is important.
Stay tuned to knicksfantv.com for the latest Knicks news and rumors throughout the season.
