Karl-Anthony Cities put in a powerful defensive efficiency to assist the New York Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets.
After blunting the specter of Nikola Jokic when on the Minnesota Timberwolves final season, Karl-Anthony Cities issued a reminder of his defensive resilience on January 29.
Cities helped to close down reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who scored solely 17 factors because the Knicks gained 122-112.
But Cities’ defense-first strategy was closely criticized by former Defensive Participant of the 12 months Draymond Inexperienced, who accused him of promoting out his personal sport to deal with stopping Jokic.
It has created a debate that everybody is weighing in on.
Karl-Anthony Cities scored solely 14 factors, under his season common of 24.6 factors. He’ll see this as a worthy trade-off, for limiting Jokic to 17, under his common of 27.
Talking to Run It Again, former NBA champion Danny Inexperienced identified that Cities was doubtless simply following the directions of New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, “I’m certain this wasn’t KAT’s thought, this will have been Thibs’ thought.”
He additionally identified that Nikola Jokic is a rare participant, and Cities’ strategy was vindicated by the Knicks’ win.
“This man shouldn’t be an everyday participant. He’s the LeBron of massive males, going for his fourth MVP.
“It’s type of contradictory. They gained the sport, he did what he’s alleged to do, and this system gained the sport. So finally may assist them win a championship.
“KAT put his delight apart. It did work. They obtained the job performed, KAT obtained the job performed, different groups could use it going ahead.”
One other former NBA star, Lou Williams, added his backing for Karl-Anthony Cities, and had a message for Warriors veteran Draymond Inexperienced.
Lou Williams: “He got here away with the win and held Jokic to 17-6-6. KAT wins the battle. Guess what Draymond, be ready to see extra of this from different groups.”
“KAT was on the market simply making an attempt to do a job. When you see him on the market getting 30-20-18 and he’s coming your manner, you going to do something you possibly can to reduce him.
“And it labored, it labored. This can be a unhealthy case proper right here Dray.”
One date within the schedule to look out for is March 5, when Cities’ Knicks meet Draymond’s Warriors.
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