Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Knicks vs. Bucks: Strategies to Tame Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard
Apr 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports|Michael McLoone/Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
As the New York Knicks prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks, the focus is on how to contain the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Both players are pivotal to the Bucks’ strategy, and their performance could dictate the outcome of the game. The Knicks’ defense, which has been a weak point this season, will need to step up significantly.
Containing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force to be reckoned with, and his ability to draw fouls is a major concern. Currently, he ranks in the 100th percentile for shooting foul percentage among forwards, meaning he gets to the free-throw line frequently. The Knicks must avoid letting him live at the line, as this not only gives him free points but also slows down the game, which has been a struggle for the Knicks this season. Despite his low free-throw percentage, keeping players like OG Anunoby out of foul trouble is crucial. Anunoby is expected to take on the challenge of guarding Giannis, and his ability to play clean defense could be a game-changer.
Another aspect to watch is Giannis’s offensive rebounding. With 12 offensive boards in his last two games, the Knicks need to ensure they box him out effectively. Players like Josh Hart and Anunoby will be key in preventing Giannis from dominating the glass.
Stopping Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard has been on fire recently, shooting 54% from three in his last four games. Mikal Bridges will likely be tasked with guarding Lillard, and his performance will be critical. Bridges needs to navigate screens effectively and prevent Lillard from getting open looks. The Bucks will likely try to force switches to exploit matchups, so quick recovery and communication will be essential for the Knicks’ defense.
The Knicks must also be wary of Lillard’s ability to create chaos, which could open up opportunities for Giannis. Keeping Lillard in check will require a team effort, with players like Jalen Brunson and Hart ready to provide help defense when needed.
Offensive Strategy
On the offensive end, the Knicks should look to exploit matchups against the Bucks’ defense. Utilizing the pick-and-roll with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns could create opportunities, especially if they can get Brook Lopez into foul trouble. This would force the Bucks to adjust their defensive strategy, potentially opening up more scoring chances for the Knicks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ strategies against the Bucks, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Knicks’ recent defensive struggles
- The impact of OG Anunoby’s performance on the team’s success
- Potential lineup changes and their implications
- A look at the Bucks’ early-season challenges and how they compare to the Knicks
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Injury The absence of Precious Achiuwa continues to impact the Knicks as Jericho Sims struggles with form, affecting team dynamics. (New York Post)
Preview The Milwaukee Bucks take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30pm ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Something Or Nothing: Does The Knicks Defense Actually Suck? + Can Mikal Bridges Find His Shot?
Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe play a new Knicks theme’d version of “Something Or Nothing?” by running through six stats/trends (and one conspiracy theory) that have defined the team’s early season. Is the defense really this bad? Did Mikal Bridges really forget how to shoot threes while becoming Kevin Durant in the mid-range? Has Josh Hart transformed into an elite pick and roll operator?
The Knicks Cruise Past the Wizards | Are They Clicking At Just the Right Time?
Alex goes solo to break down the Knicks’ drubbing of the Wizards, including huge performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, some much-needed rest for the starters, and the continued emergence of Pacome Dadiet as the Knicks approach a very winnable part of their schedule.
Josh Hart And Karl-Anthony Towns Rip Through Brooklyn And The Knicks Win Again
Well that one was less dramatic! The Knicks again played like the Avatar and found perfect balance in the four elements as four starters finished with at least 20 points in 114-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets that was largely settled midway through the 4th quarter. Gavin Schall breaks down a third straight fantastic night from Josh Hart and the creative ways Tom Thibodeau used him to unlock the Knicks offense before exploring Karl-Anthony Towns deep Cheesecake Factoryesque bag and OG Anunoby punishing the Nets and the rim. We also touch on Pacome Dadiet flashing defensively and deserving more minutes and Mikal Bridges confident shooting.
