The Knicks’ offensive struggles are throwing the spotlight on Jalen Brunson.
The biggest issue on the Knicks’ roster is becoming increasingly clear, as the Hawks utilise it to put the clamps on Brunson.
Brunson’s Burden in the Knicks’ Offence
One of coach Mike Brown’s main objectives for the season involved Brunson playing off the ball more, to let others facilitate the offence more often. The aim was to ease the pressure on Brunson, generate easier shots for him, and keep his supporting cast involved.
But in the first three games of the first-round series, that element of the offence has been largely absent.
“We called it a few times, you gotta give Atlanta credit,” Brown said. “They did a nice job of defending it the few times we called it. But we gotta keep trying to implement it, whether it’s play call or within the flow of what we’re trying to do conceptually on the offensive end of the floor.”
Outside of Brunson, the Knicks lack ball handlers who can create and orchestrate the offence. Josh Hart can, but it’s not his ideal role. OG Anunoby is best as a spot-up shooter. Karl-Anthony Towns is a good passer, but he’s not someone who can break down a defense by himself. Mikal Bridges has floundered as a ball handler, particularly in Game 3 when he had four turnovers and was benched for the majority of the second half.
There are no true backup point guards in the rotation either. McBride and Landry Shamet play there at times, but neither is a natural. Jose Alvarado is on the fringe of the rotation due to his limited offensive ability. Tyler Kolek is completely out of the rotation.
Defensive Focus on Brunson
It’s all falling on Brunson again, leading to less movement on offence. As the four other players on the court stand and wait for Brunson to create everything, it allows the Hawks to blitz him, send double-teams, and make it difficult for him to take high-quality shots. Dyson Daniels or Nickeil Alexander-Walker are usually guarding him, with help from a second defender.
In Game 3, Brunson shot 3-for-11 — and 0-for-3 from 3-point range — when guarded by Daniels or Alexander-Walker.
“They both are great defenders,” Brunson said. “You have to be smart, you have to be kind of tactical in what you do. Just being able to not really focus on what they’re doing but focus on your shot and doing the things that I need to do to make sure I’m comfortable shooting the shots I want to shoot and be in positions I want to be in. But you gotta give them credit. They make things very difficult.”
- Nobody has had the ball in his hands more than Brunson during these playoffs across the league.
- He’s having to work incredibly hard for his shots.
- Almost none of his shots are open.
The Knicks barely have anyone who can even bring the ball up the court, which would allow Brunson to collect.
The Knicks are “playing for our lives,” as Miles McBride said.