Knicks dismiss concerns over recent trade battles

CHARLOTTE, NC — Even after back-to-back games in which his offense struggled against a fully transitioning defense — and also after a long admission from Josh Hart that the Knicks aren’t handling the defensive strategy properly — Tom Thibodeau pushed back on the idea that it is 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 switch is nothing new. Every team we’ve played has switched. Most teams switch 1-4. If you have size at the point, you switch 1-to-4. Some teams will switch 1-to-5. … So we’ve seen it all year. That’s why I say the work says what you are. The numbers say what you are.”

Two days earlier, Hart said the shift has caused the Knicks fits and bogged down the offense, citing losses to the Celtics, Rockets and Mavericks. Those opponents went 1-for-5 and succeeded while leaving a smaller defender in Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Hornets did the same on Friday, and the Knicks managed just 15 points in the opening quarter — two days after putting up 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 loss.

Mikal Bridges snapped a seven-game streak without making a free throw and fouled out midway through the third quarter before going 1 of 2 from the line.

Bridges’ lack of foul shooting has become symbolic of his struggles and anti-aggression. He averages fewer than one free throw attempt per game. game.

“Just trying to find ways within our offense to try to get to the line,” he said.

Added Thibodeau: “I just want him to play his game. Take your shots. Mikal’s not a specialist. He’s an all-around player.”

Russell Westbrook flipped the Knicks this week and was fined $35,000 on Friday, the NBA announced.

Westbrook, a backup Nuggets guard, made 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 left and the Nuggets trailing by 23.