Knicks’ Road Nightmare Continues as They Face Dallas Without Brunson and Anunoby
The New York Knicks are set to clash with the Dallas Mavericks in what marks their sole visit to the American Airlines Center this season. With the Knicks still seeking their first road win, the challenges they face loom large. To gain insights into this matchup, we consulted with Jayesh Pagar, a contributor for New York Knicks On SI.
Struggles Away from Home
The Knicks have yet to taste victory on the road, holding a troubling 0-4 record. Their struggles stem from a series of defensive lapses and a noticeable dip in intensity outside the familiar confines of Madison Square Garden.
One glaring issue has been their inability to defend the three-point line effectively. The energy and cohesion that characterize their home games have not translated well when playing in hostile environments. Until the Knicks can replicate their home performance on the road, this troubling trend is likely to persist.
Coping Without Key Players
The absence of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby due to injury has forced the Knicks to adapt quickly. Despite these setbacks, they’ve managed to produce some encouraging performances. Miles McBride has stepped up, delivering bigger scoring nights, while Landry Shamet has seen increased playing time.
Karl-Anthony Towns has also taken on a significant offensive role in Brunson’s absence. While the depth of the roster offers some reassurance, losing two starters disrupts the team’s rhythm and thrusts role players into situations that can be uncomfortable as they adjust to elevated expectations.
Potential Solutions in the Trade Market
With Brunson sidelined, the Knicks may find themselves in the market for a backup point guard. D’Angelo Russell has been mentioned as a potential trade target, but pursuing him may not be realistic. After signing with Dallas on a two-year deal in the offseason, his availability is questionable. Furthermore, his recent struggles raise concerns about whether he would be the solution the Knicks need.
Instead of chasing Russell, the Knicks would be wiser to explore alternative backup point guard options through trade or to simply wait for Brunson’s return.
Road Mentality and Game Predictions
If the Knicks falter in Dallas, it could be attributed to the psychological toll their road losses have taken. Falling to five straight defeats away from home could breed doubt and hesitation among the players. With Brunson potentially out, the responsibility to initiate the offense will fall heavily on McBride and others, increasing the pressure on them to deliver.
Allowing easy three-point shots and failing to match Dallas’ desperation—given their own struggles—could lead to another missed opportunity for the Knicks.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism. The Mavericks, currently sitting at 4-11 and missing Kyrie Irving, are grappling with their issues. The Knicks possess enough talent, even in Brunson’s absence, to seize the moment. Predictions lean toward a Knicks victory, with a final score of 118-108, as they aim to break their road curse. Towns is expected to dominate in the paint, and the Knicks’ determination to secure that elusive first road win could provide the spark they need to overcome their travel woes tonight.
