CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even after the offense struggled against a full-switch defense in back-to-back games — and even after Josh Hart admitted at length that the Knicks didn't handle that defensive scheme properly — Tom Thibodeau , pushed back against the idea that it was a problem. I have concerns.
“If you look at the numbers, you can see how good our offense is. We're No. 1 in the league in points per possession,” Thibodeau said during Friday's 99-98 win over the Hornets. He added that his low score was also a product of “fatigue.”
“Switching is nothing new. Every team we played has switched. Most teams switch from 1 to 4. If you have size in points, you switch from 1 to 4. The team in the division is going to be replacing numbers 1 through 5. So we've been looking at that all year. That's why I say the content of your work speaks volumes about what you are. Your numbers tell you who you are.”
Two days earlier, Hart cited losses to the Celtics, Rockets and Mavericks, saying the switch caused a seizure for the Knicks and stalled the offense. Those opponents switched from 1 to 5 and were successful while leaving a smaller defender in Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Hornets had the same performance on Friday, but the Knicks only scored 15 points in the first quarter, two days after scoring 15 points in the first quarter in Dallas.
The 99 points total was the Knicks' second lowest of the season, behind the 97 points they scored against Houston.
Mikal Bridges snapped a winning streak at seven without making a free throw, making 1 of 2 from the stripe after drawing a foul midway through the third quarter.
Bridges' lack of foul shooting has become a symbol of his struggle and anti-aggression. He averages less than one free throw attempt per game.
“I’m just trying to find a way within the offense to get to the line,” he said.
Thibodeau added. “I just want him to play his game. Take his shots. Mikal's not an expert. He's an all-around player.”
Russell Westbrook was fined $35,000 on Friday for his fumble with the Knicks this week, the NBA announced.
On Monday, Nuggets backup guard Westbrook made a “despicable gesture” in the fourth quarter of Denver's blowout loss, the league said. With about six minutes left and the Nuggets trailing by 23 points, he appeared to be giving the Knicks bench the middle finger after sinking a 3-pointer.
