National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Says Defense Is Everything For NYK

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Starting point guard Derrick Rose understands that defense is everything for the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, the defense hasn’t stepped up.

Much criticism has gone to the polarizing system that is the triangle offense. The New York Knicks have been one of the least efficient offensive teams in the NBA over the past three seasons, which implies that there’s some form of merit to the condemnation.

Fair as that all may be, the Knicks’ success and failure will be defined by their play on the opposite end of the court.

The Knicks blew what was shaping up to be a win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, November 6. Despite entering the fourth quarter with an 80-78 lead, the Knicks fell 114-109 after allowing 36 points in the fourth quarter.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, starting point guard Derrick Rose is quite aware of the fact that the Knicks’ defense will define its success or failure.

“Our defense is everything with this team, nothing else,” he said. “Offensively we’re going to be fine, we’re going to find spots. We’re going to find spots to really play our game. It’s defensively, everybody playing on a string, everybody communicating, and everybody being on the same page [that is important].”

People can knock the offense all they please, but it’s the defense that will determine whether or not New York is successful.

New York has allowed at least 100 points in all six games it’s played, including five with at least 110 points let up. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis both scored 28 points, and Rose added 18 points and eight assists.

Though there were a variety of issues with the Knicks against Utah, it’s hard to blame the offense when it produces 109 points.

It’s worth noting that New York is 2-0 when it allows less than 105 points and 0-4 when it allows more than 105.

The Knicks have 10 new players, three new starters, and a new sixth man, which excuses some issues this early in the season. The reality is: New York is closing out slowly on shooters, rotating poorly against slashers, and expending lackluster energy on the boards.

That was never more clear than against the Houston Rockets, when the Knicks lost the rebounding battle by a count of 54-34.

Rose and the offense is coming along well after six games, but it’s the defense that’s letting games get away from the Knicks.