Knicks deny concerns over recent trade issues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even after several games in which his offense struggled with a complete shift in defense — and after Josh Hart’s lengthy admission that the Knicks weren’t executing that defensive strategy properly — Tom Thibodeau dismissed the idea that it was a concern .

“The numbers tell you how good our attack is. We’re No. 1 in the league in points per possession,” Thibodeau said, adding that the poor performance in Friday’s 99-98 win over the Hornets was also a result of “fatigue.”

“This switch is nothing new. Every team we’ve played has changed. Most teams are switching from 1 to 4. If you have size at the moment, you’re switching from 1 to 4. Some teams are going to switch from 1 to 5. … So, we’ve seen that all year. That’s why I say the amount of work you do speaks volumes about who you are. The numbers tell who you are.”

Two days earlier, Hart said the move caused the Knicks to have temper tantrums and bog them down offensively, citing losses to the Celtics, Rockets and Mavericks. These opponents switched positions from 1 to 5, finding success but leaving the smaller quarterback to Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Hornets did the same on Friday, and the Knicks scored just 15 points in the first quarter, two days after scoring 15 points in the first quarter in Dallas.

The 99 points total was the second-lowest of the season behind the 97 points the Knicks scored in their loss to Houston.

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Mikal Bridges had his seven-game streak of missing a free throw snapped by picking up a foul midway through the third quarter before hitting 1 of 2 from the stripe.

Bridges’ lack of penalties became a symbol of his fight and anti-aggression. He averages less than one free throw attempt per game.

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

Thibodeau added: “I just want him to play his game. Take pictures. Mikal is not an expert. He’s a versatile player.”

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

Westbrook, the Nuggets’ backup guard, made an “obscene gesture” in the fourth quarter of Denver’s blowout loss on Monday, according to the league. He appeared to point his middle finger at the Knicks bench after hitting a 3-pointer with six minutes left and the Nuggets trailing by 23 points.