It’s easy to get frustrated with Jeffries’ offense, especially after Game 2′s game closing turnover, but what is barely being said is how the Knicks probably wouldn’t have had a chance to win without Jeffries defense and effort throughout the game. This video illuminates all the ways Jared contributes defensively, literally guarding every position on the floor.
As for the foiled last possession, my initial reaction was “What’s Jeffries doing out there?!” And, really, maybe D’Antoni shouldn’t have had Jared on the floor coming out of a timeout with 13 seconds left, down one. But, what other options did he have? Amare was injured. Turiaf was clearly hobbled by some sort of leg or knee injury. Shelden Williams hadn’t played all game. Billy Walker was 0-11. Landry Fields did not look up to the task earlier in the game. Perhaps Shawne Williams should’ve been out there — and to me, he was the only real option — but, Jeffries had done a great job with tipping the ball out on rebounds, etc and had actually played a competent offensive game to that point. It’s unfortunate. I just think Jared was caught in a tough position with a great defender in KG bearing down on him.
