TITLE: Knicks Seek Defensive Focus for Towns; Porter Jr. Plays Through Knee Issue; Poeltl Remains Sidelined
SLUG: nba-updates-knicks-towns-porter-jr-poeltl
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — Head coach Mike Brown is reshaping the New York Knicks’ offense to accommodate Karl-Anthony Towns, but forward Josh Hart says the real priority is on the other end of the court.
Knicks
Brown told reporters he has adjusted sets to make Towns more comfortable, the latest tweak during the transition from former coach Tom Thibodeau. Hart acknowledged that the team is still finding its rhythm, yet stressed that Towns’ defensive engagement matters most. The guard noted that the All-Star center is already “a good offensive player” and added he would rather hear about Towns “blocking shots” than about how many attempts he gets.
Nets
Brooklyn forward Michael Porter Jr. revealed he is managing soreness from a minor MCL sprain suffered earlier this month while facing heavier defensive pressure. The injury, he said, has limited his burst and separation, and opposing teams are sending extra help to contain him. “That’s on me,” Porter explained, citing a need for smarter shot selection and easier looks.
Head coach Jordi Fernández said the staff is experimenting with earlier slip screens and second-side actions to free Porter, who has been held out of the first game of recent back-to-backs. The club continues to downplay the severity of the knee issue.
Raptors
Toronto center Jakob Poeltl remains out indefinitely with a lower-back strain after additional treatment and a specialist visit, the team announced. Poeltl has now missed 17 straight contests and more than half of the Raptors’ games this season.
In his absence, head coach Darko Rajaković has patched together minutes at the five, turning to Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili. While the Raptors have stayed competitive, they have posted slightly better numbers when Poeltl is available, underscoring the desire to get their starting center back as soon as possible.
Source: Hoops Wire
