Entering the 2024-25 season, Knicks fans were extremely excited about their team for many reasons. It looked destined to be their first true contending roster in over a decade after several transformative moves in the calendar year 2024. One of the sources of optimism was their pairing of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby on the wing. “Wingstop“, as they are called by some, looked to be arguably the league’s best defensive forward duo. In a conference with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Paolo Banchero, and many other scoring wings, these two hold the defensive keys to an NBA Finals run. Add in Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and Mitchell Robinson, and this team should be locking down opposing offenses. Unfortunately, this has been far from the case. New York ranks 14th in defensive rating due to a variety of issues, causing much concern for everyone involved. Luckily over the past two months, the Knicks defense has quietly shown signs of serious improvement.
Knicks Defense Showing Signs of Improvement
Over the first 18 games of the season, New York posted a 116.6 defensive rating, leaving them all the way at 24th in the league. Since then, in 27 contests, the Knicks have the eighth-best DRTG, at 110.4. This stretch of improvement produced a 19-8 record, good for third in the league. Their last two games showcased their incredible defensive potential when they’re fully engaged. In wins over Atlanta and Brooklyn on back-to-back nights, NY had a 106.2 rating, but it was the eye test that was so encouraging.
Mikal Bridges locks up Trae Young
pic.twitter.com/nzXDRicLbY
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 20, 2025
After an early Trae Young three that sparked trash talk between he and Bridges on MLK Day, the latter went to work defensively. For a rare time this season, Bridges played a physical brand of defense, getting up into Young’s personal space. He used his size and length advantage to stymie any foul-baiting attempts from the Hawks star. Bridges navigated screens well, always staying attached to the ball-handler, showing his hands, and sliding his feet. Young was 2-9 on field goals when guarded by Bridges in the game.
Bridges’ effort was a farcry from the last time Young came to the Garden, which ended in his “dice roll” on the Knicks logo as Atlanta clinched a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. On that night, and many others, Bridges and the rest of the Knicks allowed easy drives seemingly every time down the floor. These last two games from the Knicks are a perfect example of the difference in defensive intensity from this team. When they’re engaged consistently, they can overcome personnel weaknesses at two positions.
Is the Improvement Sustainable?
I’ve mentioned often, New York’s defensive ceiling in the postseason may be limited by their two below-average defenders. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson will always be in a majority of lineups. That reality is something New York simply has to get used to, as they are the perfect pick-and-roll duo to attack defensively. Brunson is undersized, not overly quick, and is typically exhausted from carrying a heavy offensive burden. Towns, while a solid post defender because of his stature, has slow feet and struggles to guard on the perimeter.
Teams can go at this pairing in several ways. Making Towns switch onto a quick ball-handler, getting Brunson onto a bigger forward, or attacking the rim when KAT drops. These possessions typically end in a bucket, a Towns foul, or an open three-pointer. Of course, both guys can give extra effort come playoff time, but the Knicks have to support them to be a better defense.
The easiest way for New York to successfully guard postseason opponents is for the rest of their talent to lock in. When focused, they have seven rotation players who can guard on the outside. Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, McBride, Achiuwa, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet are all capable perimeter defenders. If they all fly around in rotation and give maximum intensity on that end, the Knicks can definitely cover for their offensive-minded duo.
Knicks Badly Need Mitchell Robinson to Return
Of course, it is difficult to give constant effort when the team is so top-heavy. With four starters in the top-five in minutes, it’s understandable to take reps off on defense. New York is in the trade market for role players, but a surefire way to bolster their defensive depth is Mitchell Robinson’s return. Robinson gives Tom Thibodeau another body he trusts, but is also an elite rim protector.
Robinson is also an extremely versatile defender. He can protect the paint, guard in switches, and is a dominant rebounder. Thibs can run big lineups with Towns and Robinson at the four and five, giving NY a different defensive look. Whatever New York does at the deadline, they have the pieces to build a playoff-level defense. They just need their defensive talent to be engaged when the time comes. Remember, when you have a top-three offense, you only need to be competent defensively (2023 Denver Nuggets).
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