Gavin Schall here, the host 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.
A Weekend Bummer
Dec 7, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) walks off the court after being ejected during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta/Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Knicks Stumble Against Pistons: A Night of Missed Opportunities
The New York Knicks faced a tough challenge against the Detroit Pistons, resulting in a surprising defeat. The absence of Karl-Anthony Towns was felt deeply, as the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm both offensively and defensively. Detroit capitalized on New York’s mistakes, with Cade Cunningham delivering a standout performance, scoring 29 points, dishing out 15 assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Pistons’ ability to exploit the Knicks’ defensive lapses and dominate the glass was a key factor in their victory.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The Knicks’ defense was uncharacteristically porous, allowing the Pistons to score 120 points and shoot 50% from beyond the arc. Cunningham’s ability to find open shooters and make smart passes kept the Knicks on their heels. The absence of Towns’ rebounding was particularly noticeable in the paint, where Jericho Sims struggled to fill the void. Sims played only six minutes before being benched, leaving the Knicks vulnerable inside as Ariel Hukporti consistentely got himself out of position by being over reactive.
The Knicks’ transition defense, a problem earlier in the season, reared its head again. Early in the game, miscommunications left Detroit shooters wide open, allowing them to build an early lead. The Knicks’ inability to adjust quickly to Cunningham’s hot hand was a critical oversight. Despite attempts to change defensive strategies and blitz him in the second hald, the Pistons continued to find success, particularly from three-point range.
Offensive Woes and Bright Spots
Offensively, the Knicks lacked cohesion without Towns’ presence. Jalen Brunson was a bright spot, scoring 31 points and dishing out 10 assists. However, without the space and ensuing ball movement derived from KAT’s gravity the team reverted to isolation plays. Brunson’s early turnovers contributed to the Knicks’ slow start, but he adjusted and his shotmaking and spoon-feeding Hukporti became a key factor in their attempted comeback.
Despite Brunson’s efforts, the Knicks couldn’t find the timely shots needed to close the gap. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby had opportunities to shift momentum but struggled with their shooting. The Knicks’ inability to capitalize on open looks and their defensive lapses allowed the Pistons to maintain control.
The Knicks’ alumni night, meant to inspire, seemed to have the opposite effect. The team appeared listless, unable to match the energy and execution of the Pistons. The presence of former Knicks players from various eras highlighted the franchise’s storied history, but the current squad couldn’t rise to the occasion.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ performance and what lies ahead, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Analysis of Jalen Brunson’s leadership and performance
- The impact of Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence on team dynamics
- Defensive adjustments and challenges faced by the Knicks
- A look at the Pistons’ rising potential and their key players
- Discussion on the Knicks’ upcoming games and strategies
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
Analysis The Knicks’ defensive potential is high, but they are plagued by mishaps that hinder their performance. Effective communication and execution are crucial to harnessing their defensive strengths. (Posting and Toasting)
Analysis Slow starts have become a recurring issue for the Knicks, and these early lulls are now catching up to them, impacting their game outcomes significantly. (New York Post)
Preview The Knicks will face off against the Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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Knicks @ Raptors
Monday, Dec. 9 | 7:30PM | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON | Get Tickets
Hawks @ Knicks
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7:00PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | Get Tickets
Knicks @ Timberwolves
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
BBQ Pelican(s): Jalen Brunson And The New York Knicks TORCH New Orleans JALEN BRUNSON STAND UP!!!! The Knicks captain had his best game of the season on a night where the rest of the team struggled and carried them to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Join hosts Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe for a recap of Brunson’s electric 3rd quarter, the Knicks bench continuing to struggle on offense, Josh Hart’s big comeback and so much more! Don’t miss this engaging analysis of the Knicks’ evolving strategy and their path to success. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth discussions on the team’s journey.
Karl-Anthony Towns Decimates the Timberwolves in His Return To Minnesota As the Knicks Cruise To a W
Alex and Gavin break down the first matchup between the Knicks and Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns era, as KAT dominated his former team in his old arena. Plus, Mikal Bridges had his best all-around game as a Knick, the defense played as well as it has all season, Julius Randle was more than a little grumpy at the Knicks and his former teammates, and much more on today’s show!
Can Karl-Anthony Towns And The Knicks Knock Off Some Old Friends? With Locked On Wolves Ben Beecken
he New York Knicks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ transition to the Knicks taking center stage.
The boys are joined by Locked On Wolves Host Ben Beecken, to explore Julius Randle not yet being embraced in Minnesota, and Donte DiVincenzo’s ice-cold start before diving into the most surprising parts of Karl-Anthony Towns’ success with the Knicks.
