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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even after consecutive games in which his offense struggled against a full-switching defense — and also following a lengthy acknowledgment from Josh Hart that the Knicks aren’t properly handling that defensive strategy — Tom Thibodeau pushed back at the idea that it’s a concern.
“The numbers tell you how good our offense is. Points per possession, we’re No. 1 in the league,” Thibodeau said, adding that the low production in Friday’s 99-98 win over the Hornets was also a product of “fatigue.”
“The switching isn’t anything new. Every team that we’ve played has switched. Most teams are switching 1-through-4. If you have size at the point, you’re switching 1-through-4. Some teams are going to switch 1-through-5. … So we’ve seen it all year. That’s why I say the body of work says what you are. The numbers say what you are.”
Two days earlier, Hart said the switching has caused the Knicks fits and bogged down the offense, citing losses to the Celtics, Rockets and Mavericks. Those opponents were switching 1-through-5, succeeding while leaving a smaller defender on Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Hornets did the same Friday, and the Knicks managed just 15 points in the opening quarter — two days after getting 15 points in the first quarter in Dallas.
The 99 total points were the second-lowest of the season to the 97 the Knicks had in the Houston defeat.
Mikal Bridges snapped a seven-game streak without taking a free throw, drawing a foul midway through the third quarter before hitting 1 of 2 from the stripe.
Bridges’ lack of foul shooting has become symbolic of his struggles and anti-aggression. He’s averaging fewer than one free-throw attempt per game.
“Just trying to find ways within our offense trying to get to the line,” he said.
Added Thibodeau, “I just want him to play his game. Take your shots. Mikal is not a specialist. He’s an all-around player.”
Russell Westbrook flipped the bird at the Knicks this week and Friday was fined $35,000, the NBA announced.
Westbrook, a backup Nuggets guard, flashed the “obscene gesture” in the fourth quarter of Denver’s blowout loss Monday, according to the league. He appeared to direct the middle finger to the Knicks bench after burying a 3-pointer with about six minutes remaining and the Nuggets trailing by 23.
