Critical Void: New York’s Second Unit Struggles Without…
The New York Knicks are tremendously feeling the absences of their two back centers. It is unclear when they will have Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery) back from their injuries, but the Knicks have struggled mightily on the interior without them.
The Knicks are struggling on the interior without Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson
On Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks lost the rebound battle 48-41 and allowed 16 offensive rebounds to the Hawks. Additionally, New York gave up 58 points in the paint, the second consecutive game that they allowed at least 50 points in that area of the court as their interior defense has stumbled.
The lack of size and depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns is starting to hurt the Knicks, who have now dropped two straight games for the first time this season and fallen to a 3-4 record on the season. Jericho Sims has been the primary backup big man but has provided very little on either of the floor.
Against the Hawks, Sims played just nine minutes and recorded two rebounds without scoring. Sims has now had a scoreless outing in three consecutive games and is averaging just 3.9 rebounds off the bench this season.
