CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even after back-to-back games in which his offense struggled against a completely inconsistent defense — and also after a lengthy admission from Josh Hart that the Knicks aren’t handling that defensive strategy well — Tom Thibodeau pushed back on the idea that it’s a concern.

“The numbers tell you how good our offense is. Points per possession, we’re No. 1 in the league,” Thibodeau said, adding that the low production in Friday’s 99-98 win over the Hornets was also a product of “fatigue.”

“The switch is nothing new. Every team we have played has been changed. Most teams will switch from 1 to 4. If you have size at the moment, you will switch from 1 to 4. Some teams will switch from 1 to 5. … So we’ve seen it all year. That’s why I say that the oeuvre says what you are. The numbers say what you are.”

Two days earlier, Hart said the move has slowed the Knicks’ offense and bogged down the offense, citing losses to the Celtics, Rockets and Mavericks. Those opponents switched from 1 to 5, succeeding while leaving a smaller defender in Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Hornets did the same thing Friday, and the Knicks managed just 15 points in the opening quarter — two days after scoring 15 points in the first quarter in Dallas.

The total of 99 points was the second-lowest of the season, compared to the 97 the Knicks had in the loss in Houston.

Mikal Bridges snapped a seven-game streak without shooting a free throw and drew a foul midway through the third quarter before hitting 1 of 2 from the stripe.

Bridges’ lack of foul shooting has become symbolic of his struggle and anti-aggression. He averages less than one free throw per game.

“I’m just trying to find ways to get to the limit within our offense,” he said.

Thibodeau added, “I just want him to play his game. Take your photos. Mikal is not a specialist. He is an all-round player.”

Russell Westbrook threw the bird at the Knicks this week and was fined $35,000 on Friday, the NBA announced.

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