Knicks must find way to combat Pistons’ effective Jalen Duren plan

The ongoing playoff series between the Pistons and the Knicks has been nothing short of a strategic battle. Coaches on both sides are constantly adjusting and trying to outmaneuver each other to gain the upper hand. One particular decision by Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has quickly exposed a weakness in the Knicks’ defense.

Instead of having center Karl-Anthony Towns guard Josh Hart, Bickerstaff has opted to have Jalen Duren take on that defensive assignment. This move has allowed Tobias Harris, a wing player, to guard Towns. The result is that Duren can now protect the paint and act as a help defender, often doubling up on Towns and Jalen Brunson when they have the ball.

For the Knicks, this defensive strategy has posed a challenge. Hart, who is not known for his 3-point shooting abilities, has been left open on the perimeter by Duren. Despite being given the opportunity, Hart has not been able to capitalize on his outside shooting. While he has managed to make a couple of shots from beyond the arc in the series, it has not been enough to force the Pistons to change their defensive approach.

In the regular season matchups between the two teams, Duren primarily guarded Towns, who is a threat from the 3-point line. This forced Duren to defend Towns on the perimeter, creating more space in the paint. However, the quicker Harris has been more effective at limiting Towns’ 3-point attempts in the playoffs.

Towns, with his size and skill, should have the advantage against Harris in the paint. He has been successful when operating close to the basket, making a high percentage of his shots from inside. However, Towns’ ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a difficult matchup for any defender.

Coach Tom Thibodeau may need to consider adjusting his lineup to counter the Pistons’ defensive strategy. Giving more minutes to McBride, who is a better 3-point shooter, could force the Pistons to rethink their approach. However, this could come at the cost of rebounding, an area where the Knicks have struggled in the series.

Overall, the Pistons’ defensive tactics are not unique, as other teams have employed similar strategies against Towns. Thibodeau acknowledges the challenge but remains focused on learning from each game and making adjustments moving forward.

In the end, the playoff series between the Pistons and the Knicks is shaping up to be a test of strategic wit and tactical adjustments. Both teams will need to adapt and find ways to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses to come out on top.