what we’ve been focusing on.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau echoed Barrett and Robinson’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of effort and communication in improving transition defense.
“It’s making multiple efforts,” Thibodeau said. “Your job is never done. You have to chase the play down.”
Thibodeau has a reputation for being a defensive-minded coach, and he’s brought that mentality to the Knicks. Last season, the Knicks ranked 12th in the league in defensive rating, allowing 109.9 points per 100 possessions.
Through the preseason, the Knicks have struggled to replicate that defensive success, but Thibodeau remains confident that the team will get better as they continue to work on their defensive principles.
“We got to get our system down pat,” Thibodeau said. “And then we got to keep working, work to improve.”
Transition defense is just one aspect of the Knicks’ overall defensive performance that needs improvement.
Another area of concern for the team has been defending the three-point line. In their preseason loss to the Timberwolves, the Knicks allowed 17 three-pointers on 36 attempts.
“That’s something we got to work on,” said Barrett. “Being in our gaps, not over-helping, stuff like that.”
The Knicks ranked 20th in the league last season in opponent three-point percentage, allowing opponents to shoot 36.6% from beyond the arc.
Thibodeau emphasized the importance of staying disciplined and sticking to the defensive game plan in order to limit opponent three-point shooting.
“It’s really the discipline of the team and understanding what our system is, and then applying it,” Thibodeau said. “And if we do that, I think we’ll be in good shape.”
In addition to Barrett, Robinson, and Thibodeau, other players have also spoken about the importance of defense and the need for improvement.
Julius Randle, last season’s Most Improved Player, emphasized the need for the team to bring energy and effort on the defensive end.
“I think that’s where everything starts for us,” Randle said. “It starts with the defensive end, getting stops, and getting into our offense.”
Evan Fournier, one of the Knicks’ new additions this season, has also stressed the importance of defense and the team’s need to improve.
“We’ve got to be better communicators,” Fournier said. “We’ve got to be there for each other.”
As the Knicks continue to work on their defensive deficiencies, they remain confident that they can improve and be a better defensive team this season.
“It’s a process,” Barrett said. “I think we’ll get there.”
The Knicks will have their first regular-season test on Wednesday as they take on the Boston Celtics. It will be a chance for them to showcase their defensive improvements and start the season strong.
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