Things have not gone as well for the New York Knicks in the 2021-22 NBA season as they had hoped for. They got off to a hot start, opening the season 5-1, but they have struggled mightily since. They are now 12-13 and in 11th place in a very competitive, tightly packed Eastern Conference.
But, that is not as bad as it would seem to be. New York is only five games behind the first-place Brooklyn Nets. 1.5 games separate the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, who are currently holding down sixth place, which is the final spot outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
A big reason for the team’s struggles is on the defensive end. New York is struggling to slow anyone down, especially at the 3-point line. They are surrendering way too many open looks, as stretch big men are having their way with the Knicks.
As a result, head coach Tom Thibodeau has made some adjustments to his lineup. Kemba Walker, who signed with the team to a lot of fanfare in free agency, was removed from the rotation after starting 18 games. Mitchell Robinson has been moved to the bench as well in favor of Nerlens Noel.
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Those moves haven’t paid off much in the way of victories yet, but hopefully, they will provide the team with the jolt they need. What would really help get New York back on track is if Julius Randle returned to his All-Star form of the 2020-21 season.
Randle has not been as productive this season as he was last season. His numbers are down across the board as he is struggling with his efficiency. 19.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists is impressive, but the Knicks need more and he knows it.
Julius Randle is taking responsibility for the team’s disappointing play.
“I have to be better,’’ Randle said. “Everybody has to be better. And I’ll take responsibility from the team. I’ll take responsibility for myself. That doesn’t bother me. At the end of the day, I just want to win. We’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and decide what we want the season to be. I know what I want it to be. I know what the guys want it to be. But we have to commit to it.”
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Last season, New York had so much success because they were bought in defensively. They were in every game because they consistently got stops and made things difficult for opponents. That same intensity has not been there yet, at least consistently, this season.
Oftentimes the New York Knicks have to dig themselves a deep hole before they turn up the intensity on the defensive end. They are not a good enough team to be doing that and need to lock in from the opening tip through the final whistle.
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Julius Randle, as the leader of the team, needs to help set that tone. While taking responsibility was admirable, the struggles are not solely on him. His teammates have to step up their game as well, but Randle setting that precedent will make it easier for everyone else to follow suit and fall in line.
