Knicks’ mistakes in loss to Clippers highlight flaw that must be fixed to win NBA title

The Knicks are generally careful with basketball. They average 13.7 turnovers per game, eighth-fewest in the NBA. However, when they turn the ball over their performance obviously suffers.

Knicks must limit bad turnover game

New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) reacts to his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

In 25 losses this season, the Knicks are averaging 15.5 turnovers per game. When they commit 14 or fewer turnovers they are 30-12, and when they commit 15 or more turnovers they are 11-13. Granted, this is a problem for most teams, as turning the ball over has a zero-sum effect on a team’s ability to score relative to the chances given to their opponents. But the problem isn’t just that New York performs poorly when turning the ball over, which is essentially the case for most teams; This is how many times they exceed their average.

For context, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder committed 15 or more turnovers only 17 times last season. And the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics did so only 18 times in 2023-24. By comparison, New York has done it 24 times this season with 15 games remaining.

Why does high turnover lead to poor performance?

The Knicks clearly thrive in a low-turnover, high-efficiency model. Under head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks maintain the fourth-lowest turnover rate in the league. They have an average turnover rate of 10.5% in wins this season; However, in losses this figure has increased to 13.1%.

especially, The points they give up from turnovers present a major problem. When New York turns the ball over, it often turns into scoring opportunities for their opponents. And when the Knicks defense is suffering, which was the case. 2-9 expansion in January 2026, their turnover problems become unsustainable, as they begin to bleed points.

Jose Alvarado could be the key to the Knicks taking care of the basketball

One reason for the Knicks’ inconsistent ball security may be their lack of a true backup point guard. The Knicks’ 2025-26 identity is built on being an offensive juggernaut who makes efficient shots, especially corner threes. When they turn the ball over above their season average, they lose possession games. And because they play on one Slow pace (ranked 21st according to ESPN)Every lost property is magnified.

Fortunately, the addition of Jose Alvarado may have solved this problem. Alvarado has helped New York get a more consistent rotation, taking over playmaking duties when Jalen Brunson needs a break. And it does so efficiently and productively. Alvarado has turned the ball over just 11 times in 14 games with the Knicks. And in those 14 games, New York is 10-4. And if you ignore the last two games – in which the Knicks have turned the ball over 39 times – they are averaging just 13 turnovers per game since adding the New York native.

Ultimately, it seems as if the Knicks’ path to a championship depends on maintaining elite ball protection. If they can take care of the basketball regularly, they will have very few problems in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Conversely, if they fall victim to poor play – as they have recently on a two-game losing streak – it could be a challenging spring for everyone involved.


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Real Madrid wants to sign Manchester City player – price fixed, decision possible after the World Cup

rodri
Madrid, Spain – October 21, 2025: The Champions League match between Villarreal FC and Manchester City played at Villarreal. Rodrigo Hernandez wins the Ballon d’Or. Tribute to Rodrigo in La Ceramica.

Real Madrid are considering signing Manchester City star Rodri in the summer.

At least that’s what Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon is reporting. he took xFormerly known as Twitter, to cover Real Madrid’s interest in the Manchester City player.

Rodri suffered a serious injury in September 2024, a month before winning the Ballon d’Or. He had beaten Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to the prestigious individual award two years ago.

On 11 February, Game Witness disseminated spanish claims “Something broke” between Real Madrid and Rodri after winning the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, the La Liga giants did not pursue him.

A day later, Rodri’s father said He had “no idea” when asked about his son’s future at Manchester City. The defensive midfielder has less than 18 months left on his contract at the Etihad.

Last week, former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta insisted He does not expect players to leave because of their attachment to Pep Guardiola’s team.

U-turn on Manchester City star

While earlier claims ruled out a move for the 29-year-old, Alvarez de Mon has now said that Real Madrid are still keen.

According to the journalist, ‘Rodri is the midfielder Real Madrid want’ Next season.

The former Atletico Madrid player has struggled with injuries in the first half of this season as he recovers from a serious concussion he suffered in 2024. However, he has been fit this calendar year and has played 14 times so far.

Alvarez de Mon reports that the Spanish capital club will continue to monitor his fitness until the World Cup.

This would mean that Real Madrid could make a final decision on the purchase after the World Cup. He further added that the Manchester City man would cost around €50m.

strategy needs to change

Over the past few years, Real Madrid have decided not to invest in players who are either 30 or nearing 30. Los Blancos are spending big on young players.

The last time the La Liga giants made a big investment on Eden Hazard was in 2019. The Belgian was 28 years old at the time, and the transfer was a disaster.

Rodri will turn 30 next June and Real Madrid will have to abandon their plans to sign him.

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