The third quarter of Game 5 between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat offered a really good window into what has gone wrong for the Knicks this series. The big problem with the Knicks is that their offense is so isolation-heavy.
The Knicks Go With Isolations, Just Like The Heat Want
This works fine against a lot of defenses, but it’s a huge problem against a Heat team that is so aggressive defending the ball. It’s their trademark, and it’s designed to take away teams with one top scoring option. The Knicks really only have Carmelo Anthony as a top offensive option, and they aren’t moving the ball, so they’re having issues scoring.
That relates defensively, too. Because the Knicks aren’t moving the ball, a lot of the other players besides Anthony aren’t engaged. Therefore, they haven’t given the kind of defensive effort we’re used to seeing. This is especially true of Tyson Chandler, who has not had a good series even after getting over his sickness.
The Knicks might get hot and steal this game, but unless they move the ball -- which they won’t -- this is an awful matchup for them.
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