Knicks defense ranks third in NBA

The New York Knicks allow 104.2 points per game after three weeks of play, ranking third in the league. This defensive rating places them ahead of most teams in the NBA. The squad is defending its title while playing at the slowest pace in the league. This style limits possessions for both teams. However, the Knicks also rank seventh in defensive rating, which measures points allowed per 100 possessions.

This position matches where the team finished last season. The timing differs. Last year, New York sat at 19th in the NBA through January 19. The team then climbed to second place in the final 43 games. This season, the strong start has arrived immediately. The defense relies on individual talent and system discipline. OG Anunoby serves as a versatile defender on the perimeter.

Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as a key component of the unit. The center has cut weight in the summer and appears in shape. He moves off the ball with commitment. During Saturday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Towns grabbed 13 rebounds. He also recorded two steals. One steal came from Donovan Mitchell late in the third quarter. Towns stepped into Mitchell’s driving lane after a screen. He established position and prevented the All-Star from splitting two defenders.

Mitchell fell to the court as the ball came loose. Towns then passed to Landry Shamet for a three-pointer. The possession capped a 25-12 run for New York. Towns attributed his success against Mitchell to five years of facing him in the Western Conference. He said familiarity allows him to anticipate the split attempt. “You know how great he is when he splits,” Towns said. “If he gets that split over, he’s most likely dunking on somebody.”

Coach Mike Brown credited Towns’ basketball IQ and the work of assistant coaches Darren Erman and Brendan O’Connor. Brown stated that Towns possesses a high level of feel for the game. The assistants teach defensive positioning at a high level. “Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s tried to do,” Brown said. The coach noted that Towns is extremely coachable. This combination of talent and instruction has produced the current results.

Jalen Brunson also highlighted Towns’ willingness to improve. Brunson said the team has all been challenged by Brown in some way. Towns has stepped up to those challenges. The Knicks have held opponents to 105 points or fewer in five of the past six games. The team has won five of those six contests. The defensive effort continues to drive the recent winning streak.