Stars-absent Knicks receiving boost from bench contributions
New York Knicks Face Challenges in Eastern Conference Playoff Race
The New York Knicks are currently navigating a critical period in their season, with every game pivotal in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. Over the past four games, Josh Hart has been struggling, shooting 31% from the field and 13% from beyond the arc. This slump comes as the Knicks face a tough schedule, with upcoming games against the Dallas Mavericks, Pacers, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic before the All-Star break.
The absence of key contributors OG Anunoby and Julius Randle, due to injuries, has significantly impacted the Knicks' rotation and lineup decisions. Anunoby remains day-to-day with an elbow injury, requiring the other players to maintain their production. In the absence of Randle, Precious Achiuwa has seen his minutes increase, playing nearly 40 minutes a night. Achiuwa has been filling Randle's role on the defensive end masterfully, and even made a key offensive contribution in the clutch, tipping in a DiVincenzo miss to help secure a win against the Indiana Pacers.
However, it's important to note that Donte DiVincenzo is no longer on the Knicks roster. Traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Julius Randle in a transaction that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, DiVincenzo's role and performance for the Knicks in the current context is effectively non-existent. Previously, DiVincenzo had a notable role for the Knicks, becoming the franchise’s single-season record holder for three-pointers made, contributing significantly alongside players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Despite the losses of Randle and Anunoby, the Knicks have managed to maintain a steady pace, winning 3 out of their last 4 games. Achiuwa's increased minutes could indicate a potential role as a rotation piece later in the season. Hart is taking nearly 10 shots per game and averaging less than nine points in the last four games, but has been valuable defensively, earning praise from coach Tom Thibodeau.
As the Knicks await the return of their rehabbing players, including OG Anunoby, they need to finish this stretch with authority to maintain their pace without key contributors. The fight for playoff seeding in the East is intense, and the Knicks need to rely on their available players to get the job done.
Sources: 1. ESPN 2. New York Post 3. NBA.com 4. The Athletic 5. SNY
The New York Knicks' upcoming games against the NBA teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Pacers, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic pose a significant challenge for the team in their Eastern Conference playoff race, as they continue to navigate this critical period without key contributors like OG Anunoby and Julius Randle. Despite Hart's struggles in recent games, shooting 31% from the field and 13% from beyond the arc, his defensive contributions have been lauded by coach Tom Thibodeau.
