Play with pace, take advantage of transition opportunities

Aside from roster changes, the New York Knicks need to address the problem with the talent that they currently have. Rotations and personnel are one thing, but pace is a huge part of the Knicks’ problems right now. 

They have always been a slower-paced team under Tom Thibodeau, which is fine, but always taking their time and letting the opposing defense get set is not always favorable. This ended up being a problem against the Bucks early on this season and most recently, the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. 

That night was all about Steph Curry breaking the All-Time Three-Point record, but the Knicks gave this game away on a silver platter to Curry and Co. The Warriors turned the ball over 12 times, but the Knicks only came away with 6 fast break points. 

Now, a lot can be said about the Warriors’ transition defense, but the Knicks did not make an effort to push the pace when they could have. On the season, New York ranks 20th in the league in fast break points and as a result, they only rank 23rd in the league in points off of opponent’s turnovers. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Pacers Trade Lands Intriguing Wings In New York

This is not a coincidence and for the Knicks to get better offensively, they need to play off of their defense. New York ranked last in fast break points a season ago and they were not a threat to push the pace whatsoever, but their defense was also a lot better than it is this season. 

Stepping out of their comfort zone to push the pace a little bit in transition could go a long way in helping the Knicks turn things around and they definitely have the players to be able to do so. Julius Randle can run in transition, as can guys like Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and R.J. Barrett. 

Maybe this is something they try to incorporate with their bench unit only, but if the Knicks can speed things up a little more, especially off of opponent’s turnovers, they will be able to not only dictate the pace of the game, but become a better overall defensive team.