Knicks Look to Bounce Back After Game 2 Loss: Key Adjustments for Game 3

After a dramatic Game 1 comeback, the Knicks couldn't repeat their success in Game 2, losing to the Pistons and giving up home-court advantage. They now head to Detroit for Games 3 and 4, where they need to make adjustments to even the series. Here are three key changes New York should focus on:

1. Get Karl-Anthony Towns More Involved The Knicks traded for Towns to be a major weapon, especially with his shooting ability. After a strong Game 1, Towns attempted just 11 shots in Game 2, which isn't enough. While Towns needs to be more assertive, Coach Tom Thibodeau also needs to adjust the game plan to get him in better spots. Detroit has been helping off Josh Hart and using Tobias Harris on Towns, making it harder for him to operate in the paint. The Knicks should run more pick-and-pop and inverted pick-and-roll sets to free up Towns for three-pointers — he’s attempted just five in two games. Jalen Brunson, as the team's leader, should make a concerted effort to involve Towns early and often.

2. Address the Josh Hart Problem Detroit’s strategy of helping off Josh Hart has been effective, limiting the Knicks' halfcourt offense. New York needs a better counter to this strategy, which has been used against them throughout the season. Relying on isolating Towns or running pick-and-rolls with Brunson and Hart didn’t work in Game 2. The Knicks might need to pre-screen Hart to force switches or let him act as more of a playmaker. If Hart continues to struggle, Thibodeau should consider reducing his minutes and potentially moving him to the bench. Mitchell Robinson’s defensive and rebounding presence could help, or they could go for a five-out approach with Miles McBride or Cameron Payne.

3. Contain Cade Cunningham In Game 1, the Knicks successfully blitzed Cunningham with aggressive pick-and-roll coverages, limiting his impact. However, in Game 2, Cunningham adjusted with a 33-point performance, using isolation and off-ball movement to get open. The Knicks need to do a better job of defending him one-on-one, with OG Anunoby being more physical and not letting Cunningham get to his spots. New York’s defensive rotations need to be quicker, as they were often late to respond on screens. Switching on Cunningham could be another option, but he's been tough for everyone except Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks' ability to stop Cunningham could determine the series, so finding a solution is crucial.

With these adjustments, the Knicks will have a better chance of turning the series around and regaining control in Detroit.