The New York Knicks desperately need a win tonight as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Garden. Their schedule for the rest of November is not in their favor.
The Knicks have 2 games against the Sixers then ones versus Spurs, Nets and Raptors. They would be lucky if they were to get a victory in any of those games. The Cavaliers game tonight could be the only other win they have in the month of November.
However, last time the Knicks hosted the Cavaliers, they had their doors blown off on their home court. That game was coming off their 2nd victory against the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks are always good for a stinker of a game after a victory, that’s just who they are.
The Knicks should’ve had a victory Saturday against the Hornets but it appears that smaller guards are their kryptonite. First it was Trae Young then De’Aaron Fox, Terry Rozier, Kemba Walker, Coby White, now Collin Sexton and Darius Garland again.
Sexton torched the Knicks for 31 points in their first meeting leaving the Garden no choice but to boo. After that, the press conference happened where head coach David Fizdale was officially put on the hot seat. He’s possibly one blowout lose away from looking for a new job.
Even if they were to get a win tonight, their schedule upcoming is so brutal a blowout lose is inevitable.
If Fizdale was able to get the team up for a game like he did for the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks could be 4-9, trying to get their 5th win tonight. However, the play of Julius Randle in Hornets game hurt the Knicks from doing that.
Fizdale needs to stick to ball movement and not so much isolation because that is how they got 2 victories against the Mavericks. Their defense was above-average in those games then go away when they play a lesser opponent.
The defense needs to have a chip on their shoulder after the embarrassing performance last time the Cavaliers were in town. Keying on their guards will be the main focal point for the Knicks are to get a win. Adjustments need to be made quickly for Fizdale to remain employed.