Josh Hart often joked during his responses, but there was a significant point underneath it all.
In the latter part of the Knicks’ first-round series win over the Hawks, he took on the task of guarding CJ McCollum. This strategic switch, moving Hart to McCollum while Jalen Brunson was reassigned, really disrupted McCollum’s game and shifted the dynamics of the series.
Looking ahead, the Knicks now face two formidable guards from the 76ers: Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecomb.
So, how do they plan to contain them?
“I might just tell Tyrese to take it easy for a bit,” Hart commented after practice on Sunday. “That could be good. Our defensive style will change entirely. C.J. lacks that explosive speed, especially at his age, which allows for more physicality against him. But Tyrese and Edgecomb? They’re young and quick. We’ll need to encourage them to slow down a tad so I can get a hand on them and really play tough. It’ll be an exciting matchup.”
There’s no certainty Hart will match up against either Maxey or Edgecomb directly.
Mikal Bridges might seem like an easier option, but his performance in the first round was subpar, leading to him sitting for extended periods during the second half of Games 4 and 5.
These matchups could allow for more playtime for Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado as substitutes.
It’s possible Landry Shamet might also find his way back into playtime.
Despite all this, Hart proved to be a crucial defender for the Knicks across the first round, initially matching up with Jaylen Johnson and then McCollum near the series’ end.
Perhaps he’ll see time against either Maxey or Edgecomb as well.
The Knicks have shown that quick, agile guards fit their style best this season.
Maxey is known for his speed, often leaving defenders behind to create opportunities for 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Edgecomb, a Rookie of the Year finalist, is explosive close to the basket with an impressive first step.
The Knicks’ defensive approach to stopping players at the point of attack garnered a lot of attention throughout the regular season. Initially a weakness, their defense improved considerably after some adjustments.
Maxey and Edgecomb will certainly pose major challenges. In four regular season games against the Knicks, Maxey averaged 30.0 points, shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc; the teams ended up splitting the series at 2-2. Edgecomb averaged 19.3 points with a field goal percentage of 52.5 and 33.3 from three-point range.
Head coach Mike Brown summed it up well on Sunday: “They’re all athletic, fast, and dynamic. They can score in several ways, run the pick-and-roll, and they excel in transition. Maxey is known for being the top transition player in the league. Defensively, they present significant challenges for us.”
It’s also expected that Edgecomb will take on the responsibility of defending Brunson. Over the season, he defended Brunson more than any other player.
Statistics show that Brunson had a solid shooting night against Edgecomb, going 10-of-15 from the field, making 4-of-6 from three-point range, and delivering three assists without any turnovers while Edgecomb was around.
Nonetheless, Edgecomb has become a formidable defender in his own right.
And even though Maxey might not seem intimidating, he plays an active role.
Brown noted, “They excel at creating turnovers through their active hands. Their long reach, quickness, and explosiveness lead to a lot of defensive disruptions. This can create problems for any team on both offense and defense.”
When both Maxey and Edgecomb are in sync, they form one of the most threatening backcourts in the league.
Controlling their pace will be essential for the Knicks.
