Focus on defense
As teams improved in 3-point shooting (36.7%, highest ever) and made more and more shots at the rim or behind the 3-point line, the only way to bring the defense back was to remove small mistakes. Given this, the competition committee monitored trends and unofficially imposed “rule changes” after the All-Star break ended. This was to reduce the number of ticking fouls reported to defenses and reduce the fouls that were plaguing the league. In comparison, the offensive rating fell to 113.1 after the break from 115.2 before the break. Additionally, free throw attempts are also down, from 22.6 to 19.8 per game. The referees have been harsher on the offense and no longer whistle as easily as before. Furthermore, the defensive rating went from 115 to 112.
Knicks defensive plans
The Knicks went all-in on defense. Every player puts their body on the line, every play, and the Knicks love to clog the lane and make sure players don’t get easy layups or dunks. Additionally, the Knicks love to rush the passer and send a double team when the ball carrier enters the top of the key. By doing this, they force the handler to either switch to their left hand or make an awkward pass to the sides. Their rotations are very timely and players transition seamlessly through screens and cuts. The communication between teammates is brilliant and the chemistry between the players is evident, especially when the Villanova boys are on the court together.
The Knicks also have the added benefit of having an excellent rebounding guard in Josh Hart. Since the All-Star break, he is averaging 11.7 rebounds per game, 9th in the league. Deer is 6’4″ tall. Thanks to the security cover provided by Hart on the boards, Isaiah Hartenstein/Precious Achiuwa can step in and play closer to the perimeter when the Knicks play teams with bigs like the Celtics, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Magic, Pacers, etc. The Knicks’ most used lineup since the All-Star break is Hart, Hartenstein, Achiuwa, Jalen BrunsonAnd Donte DiVincenzo. In the 91 minutes they played together, they had a defensive rating of 103.4.
Knicks benefit from ‘rule changes’
The Knicks adopt a physical style of defense unique to the NBA. Directed by Tom Thibodeauan old-school coach, the Knicks play on grit and hustle defense. They like to get into the shooter’s space and prevent him from moving to one side or shooting. The Knicks benefited immensely from the “rule changes” after the All-Star break; this allows them to play their style without being cautioned for a foul. Teams are shooting just 18 free throws against the Knicks after the break, compared to 23.2 before the break. As a result, their defensive rating dropped to 108.4 from 112.8.
