Entering the final leg of their three-game road trip on a three-game winning streak, the New York Knicks were unable to hold off the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the NBA Cup Finals, suffering a 134-132 defeat as the Spurs rallied late. Despite four 20-point scorers from the Knicks, Julian Champagnie, Victor Wembanyama, and De'Aaron Fox closed out 2025 with a massive win.

Looking at the box score, the Knicks were not necessarily outclassed in this matchup, finishing the game with fewer turnovers, more fast-break points, and more made three-pointers. However, the Spurs were able to achieve success at the free-throw line, converting 32 of 40 attempts, and were efficient from the field, shooting 44 of 89.

The Knicks might have one of the best offenses in the league, but their defense is still not up to par, ranking 12th in points allowed per game and 16th in defensive rating. After the game, head coach Mike Brown spoke to the team's struggles on that end of the floor.

"We haven't been able to sustain anything defensively 48 minutes…We've won a lot…but at the end of the day, if we don't sustain… it's gonna be a long year…We can score with the best of them…we go up…then three to four bad defensive plays in a row…Guys care… just haven't done it…physical…smarter…urgency," Brown said.

He also acknowledged the team is extremely talented, led by an MVP candidate in Jalen Brunson and All-Star level players in Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. However, just because your team has a lot of star power doesn't necessarily mean they are playing the right way.

When it comes down to it, it may be time for Brown to experiment with some different rotations and help disguise players like Towns and Brunson on defense, who are more offensive-minded players. Additionally, being without Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart doesn't help the situation, as both bring value on the defensive end of the floor.

If the team were to explore a trade, they do have the assets to go out and get a quality role player. Combining the contract of Guerschon Yabusele with a guard like Landry Shamet or Miles McBride could help the Knicks acquire another quality defender to add to their group.

The offense is there with the bench and starting units, but the defense needs to come full circle if they want to be viewed as legit title contenders by the season's end.