Knicks’ Defensive Assets Shine in Recent Victory
Miles McBride and Landry Shamet have become quite known for their prowess in shooting 3-pointers, with impressive accuracy rates of 43.7% and 43.5% respectively. However, it’s easy to overlook their equally crucial contributions on the defensive end.
After the Knicks’ narrow 112-109 win over the 76ers in Philadelphia on Saturday, Shamet emphasized the importance of defense, remarking, “Sometimes the shot falls, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s not something you can control as much as effort. Defensively, you’ve got to find a way to win games when the ball isn’t going in. It’s about guarding and taking pride in our principles. It’s personal.”
Coach Mike Brown has consistently recognized McBride and Shamet as the Knicks’ standout point-of-attack defenders. When injuries sidelined them, the Knicks struggled defensively, highlighting a significant weakness in their lineup. Mikal Bridges, for example, has faced challenges in this role, allowing opponents to penetrate the lane too easily.
In a decisive moment of the game, it wasn’t Bridges on the court at the end, but rather McBride and Shamet. While Bridges had an off night, shooting just 3-of-16, it was evident that McBride and Shamet were far more effective at containing threats like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecomb.
Maxey and Edgecomb had previously led the 76ers to victories in their early-season matchups against the Knicks, with McBride missing one game and Shamet absent for both. The improvement in Saturday’s outcome can largely be attributed to a healthier roster.
Brown noted their significance, stating, “You won’t stop those guys, but it takes a player like Landry and Deuce coming off the bench. They’re physical when defending against picks and screens, and their athleticism and toughness make a huge difference. We need them.”
Bridges has not been able to excel in that role since joining the Knicks last season in a blockbuster trade. He’s quick in a straight line but lacks some lateral movement, while McBride and Shamet are effective at keeping ball handlers in check.
It wouldn’t be surprising if their minutes increase in crunch time, potentially at Bridges’ expense.
Josh Hart praised Shamet’s impact, stating, “He was huge. Credit to him for handling the pressure from Tyrese.”
The increased offensive pressure might also help mask defensive lapses from players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. OG Anunoby contributes effectively, disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers, almost playing the role of a free safety.
Shamet mentioned the contagious nature of good defense, saying, “I think he’s still coming into his stride. Observing the game from the bench, how to quickly integrate into what’s happening is essential. Sometimes, just increasing pressure on the ball can trigger really good outcomes.”
Brown has frequently underscored the absence of McBride and Shamet, and there’s a clear reason for his repetitive emphasis. Their presence could very well be a game-changer for the Knicks.
