IMPERFECT 10, BUT PROGRESS
Fizdale sees improvement during the current 10-game evaluation
The Knicks have declared they’re assessing their season in 10game increments, a philosophy that prompted team president Steve Mills — at the urging of James Dolan — to essentially apologize in a surprise press conference after starting 2-8.
In those opening 10 games, the Knicks were objectively blown out five times.
During this second increment, which will finish with Sunday’s matinee at MSG against the Celtics, the
Knicks are 2-7 with three non-competitive defeats.
It all translates to the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but coach David Fizdale — whose job is on the line — believes he’s meeting Mills’ mandate of progress and consistency.
The coach made his pitch after Saturday’s extended practice, a session that lasted over three hours.
“We’ve played better basketball. It may not show up in wins, but I think overall, consistency and effort, giving ourselves a chance to win these games, has been much better,” Fizdale said. “Other than the Toronto game, I feel like all of the games we’ve been right there with these teams.”
The last part of Fizdale’s statement is debatable because the Knicks were also worked pretty good by the Spurs and Bulls.
Regardless of Fizdale’s interpretation of competitive results, there is at least one tangible sign of consistency. The coach, having waffled on his starters for most of his first season and the beginning of this campaign, finally settled on a lineup with Frank Ntilikina, RJ Barrett, Marcus Morris, Julius Randle and Taj Gibson. And while the results are largely the same, roles are more defined lately.
The team’s offensive and defensive ratings have improved in the second 10game increment. Fizdale, understanding his roster’s speed weakness, has tried to establish a defensive identity of protecting the paint.
You could argue that equates to an uptick in consistency.
“I feel like the way we’re playing, there is absolutely huge progress,“Ntilikina said. “We’re improving as a team, playing better basketball now. The wins are not there.”
But will baby steps be enough for Fizdale to hold onto his job? His record as a Knicks coach stands at 2180, giving him the worst winning percentage in fran
chise history.
Fizdale, however, believes the Knicks can turn it around with some small improvements.
“Just trying to figure out what little pockets of the game can we tighten up to give ourselves that next chance,” he said. “So free throws obviously is a big one.” (The Knicks are last in the league as 67% foul shooters.) “Not fouling as much is a big one for us right now. Fourth quarter trusting, really continuing to have the ability to trust each other when it gets tight.”