The New York Knicks are enjoying their best start to a season in decades. Here they are, sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. A big part of their rise has just been the fortunate convergence of some smart acquisitions and the health of some key stars. With an impressive 48% of their shots coming from beyond the arc, the Knicks now rank fifth in the league for 3-point attempt rate. That’s a complete 180-degree change from a year ago, when they ranked 28th in the league in that metric.
Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart’s health plays a critical role in the team’s success. Both players are fundamental to the Knicks’ defensive project and their rebounding restoration on the whole. Instead, they’re still on the mend from their undercutting wounds. Their additions are sure to bolster the Knicks’ ability to continue to be a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
Shifting Strategies and Key Player Contributions
The Knicks have become a much more fluid, ball-movement-oriented team on offense under Coach Mike Brown, shooting at a quicker pace. This season, they have dramatically increased their handoff plays, executing 43 handoffs per 100 possessions—an increase from 14th place last season, where they averaged only 23.
Jalen Brunson’s emergence as a primary ball-handler has completely changed the script. His possession numbers have tanked on pretty much every metric. Dribbles per game have fallen to 431, and he currently averages 7.7 minutes/4.8 seconds with the proverbial rock per game. Brunson is still the key figure though as the drop-off took place. Last season, he was the second most effective ball handler in the entire NBA on pick plays.
Mikal Bridges just about quadrupled his rate of handoffs from last season. This extraordinary transformation underscores his flexibility as an outlier in the new, upended system. He’s on pace for career bests in field goal and 3-point percentage as well. This improvement is similarly skewing the Knicks’ offensive efficiency in their favor.
“They’ll get by, and win a bunch of games because of talent,” – Western Conference scout.
Health Concerns and Performance Expectations
As the Knicks look toward the future this season, health will be the biggest x-factor. Josh Hart is still getting used to a full-time bench role and dealing with a nerve problem in his right shooting hand. His ability to contribute off the bench could be key as the team hopes to build on their explosive start.
Even with a sizzling beginning, the Knicks have been one of the most disappointing teams based on their lack of scoring productivity. They’ve missed their projected point total by a downright laughable 47 points. This gap is due to both shot quality and the identity of those shooters. Their opponents have scored an astonishing 45 points over their expected point totals, which suggests the need for some defensive adjustments.
Eastern Conference scouts have said these tendencies are central to their success, with health to their most important players being a necessity. “Do they have the legs to get there in the end? So much of that comes down to having Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart healthy,” one scout remarked.
Defensive Challenges and Future Outlook
Getting outpaced on 3s Defensively, the Knicks allowed the league’s sixth-lowest 3-point attempt rate last season but are now giving up the fourth-most this season. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of their shot quality allowed is this — an alarming 46% of their opponents’ shot attempts are three-pointers.
The current trajectory poses questions about whether the Knicks can sustain their success. Coach Mike Brown remains optimistic about improvement. “Knowing that we’ve got a lot of room to grow,” he mentioned, highlighting a focus on refining their approach as the season progresses.
The Knicks are quietly changing their approach. Over the next few weeks, they will have some important matchups that will put their metal and flexibility to the test. With a mix of talent and strategic adjustments, they aim to capitalize on their current position and solidify their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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