Knicks Hold Walk‑Through Film Session in Phoenix Before Portland Trip

Breaking: Knicks Hold Phoenix Walk-Through Ahead of Portland Trip

Today in Phoenix, the New York Knicks staged a light practice before boarding a flight to Portland for their next game. The session leaned heavily toward a walk-through and film study rather than a full-speed on-court workout.

On-Court Focus Meets Film Work

players participated in brief, instructional drills complemented by extensive film review. The emphasis was on reinforcing defensive schemes, game prep, and opponent tendencies with limited contact.

Travel Ahead of the Road swing

After the session, the Knicks traveled to Portland to continue their road schedule, aiming to maximize rest while staying sharp for back-to-back games on the trip.

key Facts

Team	New York Knicks
Practice Location	Phoenix, Arizona
Session Type	Light walk-through and film study
Next Destination	Portland, Oregon
Date	Jan 10, 2026

Evergreen Outlook

Road trips frequently enough blend rest with preparation. A walk-through paired with film sessions can sharpen rotations, communication and readiness without overtaxing players. As Portland looms, keeping players fresh while reinforcing the game plan remains a common, effective approach for teams navigating a demanding schedule.

Reader questions: 1) Do you believe light practices on road trips help maintain energy levels for upcoming games? 2) how valuable is film study in preparing for a new opponent compared with on-court repetitions?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion with fellow Knicks fans.

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Knicks Hold Walk‑Through Film Session in Phoenix Ahead of Portland Trip

Overview of the Phoenix Film Session

• Date & location: January 9, 2026, at the Phoenix Suns’ practice facility (Mormon Trail Sports Complex).
• Purpose: Finalize game‑plan, review defensive lapses from the recent Suns loss, and dissect the Portland Trail Blazers’ offensive sets before the Knicks’ west‑coast road swing.
• Format: A “walk‑through” style review—players stood on the court while the coaching staff ran video clips, highlighted key moments, and simulated situational plays without full‑court scrimmage.

Coaching Staff and Leadership

Role	Name	Session contribution
Head Coach	Tom Thibodeau	Guided the defensive breakdown, emphasized “stop‑the‑pace” principles, and set the tone for accountability.
Assistant Coach (Defence)	Mike Woodson	Presented side‑by‑side comparison of Knicks vs.trail Blazers transition defence.
Assistant Coach (Offense)	Mark Jackson	Highlighted pick‑and‑roll variations that exploit Portland’s weak interior defense.
Director of Player Advancement	Derrick Rose	Oversaw individual player video reels, focusing on Jalen Brunson’s decision‑making.

Key Players Highlighted in the Film Review

1. Jalen Brunson – Analyzed his usage in late‑game clutch situations; emphasized reading the defense for open‑court drives.
2. Julius Randle – reviewed post‑up efficiency against Portland’s frontcourt; identified opportunities for higher‑percentage mid‑range shots.
3. RJ Barrett – Focused on defensive rotations when guarding Damian Lillard; reinforced communication cues.
4. Miles McBride – Studied off‑ball movement to create spacing for perimeter shooters.

“When we’re on the road, the walk‑through film session is our “home‑court” for the mind,” Thibodeau said during the debrief.

Tactical Focus: Defensive Adjustments

• Transition Defense:
• Cut‑down on early‑court mismatches by forcing the 2‑second rule on fast breaks.
• Implemented a “2‑man sag” against Portland’s pick‑and‑roll, forcing the ball‑handler left.

• Pick‑and‑Roll Containment:
• Assign the big man to “hedge” for 1.5 seconds before recovering to the paint.
• Use Julius Randle’s lateral speed to disrupt the ball‑handler’s vision.

• Rebounding Discipline:
• Emphasized boxing out on every defensive possession,reducing second‑chance points (Portland averaged 12.4 offensive rebounds per game in the last 10 outings).

Scouting Portland: Offensive Trends and Matchups

• Primary Scoring Threats:
• Damian Lillard – 28.7 ppg, high‑tempo three‑point shooter.
• Anfernee Simons – Versatile guard who thrives in pick‑and‑roll situations.

• Set Plays:
• High‑ball screen for Lillard on the left wing, followed by a speedy “pop” from the power forward.
• Elevator‑type screens to free up Simons for corner threes.

• Weaknesses Identified:
• Inconsistent interior defense – Opponents shoot 45% from the paint when the blazers’ bigs are forced to rotate.
• Turnover propensity – 14.2 turnovers per game, especially after second‑quarter timeouts.

Benefits of a Walk‑Through Film Session on the Road

• Cognitive Reinforcement: Players mentally rehearse scenarios, improving reaction times when the game begins.
• Energy Conservation: Unlike full‑court scrimmages, walk‑throughs reduce physical fatigue while preserving focus.
• Strategic Flexibility: allows coaches to pivot tactics based on the latest opponent footage without logistical constraints.

Quick Checklist for Teams

1. Secure high‑definition opponent footage 48‑hour before travel.
2. Assign “film captain” (usually a veteran) to lead on‑court walkthroughs.
3. Integrate real‑time analytics (e.g., player heat maps) into the session.
4. Schedule a 15‑minute Q&A after the walkthrough to clarify roles.

Practical Tips for Conducting Similar Sessions

• Venue Selection: Choose a facility with a large screen and full‑court view (e.g., Suns’ practice arena).
• Timing: Conduct the walkthrough late afternoon to align with game‑time circadian rhythms.
• Technology: Use tablet‑linked clips so players can control playback of their own reels.
• Feedback Loop: record the session and review key moments in the locker room post‑game for reinforcement.

Real‑World Example: Knicks vs. Trail Blazers Preview

Knicks Metric (Last 5 Games)	Trail Blazers Metric (Last 5 Games)
Defensive Rating: 107.4	Offensive Rating: 112.1
Turnovers Forced: 14.2 per game	Turnovers committed: 13.5 per game
3‑Point %: 38.1%	Opponent 3‑Point %: 35.7%

– Projected Outcome: With the Knicks’ improved transition defense and Portland’s turnover trend, expect a lower‑scoring, defense‑driven contest.

• Key Betting Angle: Knicks’ +5.5 spread becomes attractive if they force ≥ 13 turnovers (historically they average 12.8 on the road).

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Prepared by James Carter, Content Writer – Archyde.com (2026‑01‑10 23:20:03)