New York Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek wants forward Kristaps Porzingis to get the ball more, especially during mismatches, after suffering a loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
Hornacek pointed out that there were several times that the 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis was being guarded by players who are 6-5 to 6-6 but they were not able to take advantage of the situation, ESPN reported. Kristaps Porzingis only had four field goal attempts Wednesday, which he all missed. It was only the second time in 76 games that Kristaps Porzingis failed to convert on a field goal. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 14.5 points per game on 11.5 shots this season. The previous season, Kristaps Porzingis averaged 14.3 points on 12.3 shots.
Some expected the Latvian Kristaps Porzingis to get attempts and touches with new-acquired New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose running the plays. Derrick Rose, along with Carmelo Anthony, got a huge percentage of the New York Knicks' plays when on the floor. Furthermore, with Joakim Noah at center, Kristaps Porzingis is forced to play stretch 4 and guard the perimeter, which is something he is not used to, according to Bleacher Report.
Other than not taking advantage of Kristaps Porzingis in mismatches, the New York Knicks also struggled in defense, allowing the Houston Rockets to shoot 47 percent from the field and score 66 points in the first half. Defense has been an issue for the club early in the season. Against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, the New York Knicks allowed 64 points in the first half. The Knicks have yet to keep a team from scoring under 100 points.
New York Knicks center Joakim Noah said the team needs to understand the game plan, to build better habits, take pride in playing defense, and be better defending on one-on-one plays.
