Knicks senses the NBA’s emphasis on travel calls

The Knicks need to adjust — or, in this case, twist.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, the 14 trips and carries called during their win over the Cavaliers on Sunday were the most in an NBA game in 25 years. Of the 14 whistles, eight were blown against the Knicks.

A league source said no memo had recently been issued to crack down on travel, but players taking an extra step – or pulling or switching a pivot foot – have been a focus this season.

“The goal of [points of emphasis] are nothing more to mention. It’s about focusing on areas that we feel haven’t been named as specifically as we’d like,” the league source said. “Then we reinforce those points throughout the year to make sure we’re calling accurately.”

Through Saturday, travel calls increased from 1.3 per game last season to 2.9 per game this season, according to the league.

“I’ve never seen that in my life,” Julius Randle said on Sunday after the league’s focus peaked with a game undercut by violations.

“I want to watch the film and I think for the most part it’s good,” said coach Tom Thibodeau, who received a tech note for arguing what an additional travel injury against Cavs guard Darius Garland would have been. “Except – I think you have to be consistent, as you put it. When things get tight for one team, things have to get tight for the other team.”

RJ Barrett was called off for three walking injuries. Quentin Grimes was issued two, while Immanuel Quickley, Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson each went once.

“We have to adapt,” Jalen Brunson said of the Knicks, who will host the Hawks on Wednesday.

Brunson said the Knicks communicated more during Sunday’s win, which is a positive development.

“We have to talk every time,” the point guard said. “I think for us it’s a small thing that can make a big difference. Nobody tries to say nothing on purpose. We’re all running around, trying to cover for each other, but at the same time knowing where our man is.

“I feel like if we keep talking, we can help each other better. It’s just a work in progress.”

The Westchester Knicks traded Feron Hunt to the Birmingham Squadron, a Pelicans affiliate, for guard Justin Wright-Foreman. Wright-Foreman, a 25-year-old Queens native, starred in Hofstra.

Hunt, a forward who struck a two-way deal with the Knicks, was canceled last Tuesday.

The Knicks have assigned Westchester Jericho Sims, Svi Mykhailiuk and Miles McBride, with the trio available for Monday’s game against Capital City.

— Additional reporting by Zach Braziller