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Knicks' Winning Streak Ends: Old Habits Die Hard
11 Jun
Summary
- Knicks reverted to old offensive habits during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
- Team's pace, ball movement, and shot selection declined under pressure.
- Jalen Brunson's usage rate increased significantly in the Finals.
The New York Knicks' 13-game postseason winning streak concluded as old offensive habits resurfaced in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Coach Mike Brown expressed disappointment, noting that the ball stopped moving and players resorted to individual play, hindering their pace and spacing.
These issues mirror concerns from earlier in the season, highlighting the difficulty of breaking long-standing tendencies. While the Knicks developed new habits leading to their Finals appearance, pressure in Game 3 caused a regression, evidenced by increased dribbles per touch, slower pace, and fewer passes compared to their dominant streak.
Jalen Brunson's usage rate spiked in the Finals, with a significant portion of possessions involving him holding the ball for extended periods. Even Karl-Anthony Towns saw a reduced role and fewer touches despite increased minutes, impacting the team's assist numbers and overall offensive flow.
The San Antonio Spurs also contributed to the Knicks' struggles by adjusting their defensive strategy and limiting transition opportunities. Foul trouble further disrupted New York's rotations, exacerbating the issue of reverting to old, less effective offensive patterns under stress.
