How good can Knicks be defensively during 2024-25 NBA season?

Over the last four years, the Knicks have enjoyed their best stretch of basketball in two decades, making the playoffs three times and winning two playoff series.

Defense has been a central theme of the club’s recent success. The Knicks have ranked in the top 11 in defensive efficiency in three out of the last four seasons.

Now, after trading for Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets, the Knicks have assembled on paper their best team in at least a decade. The addition of Bridges gives New York its best recent collection of talent, especially on the defensive end.

Last season, the Knicks finished ninth in defensive efficiency, giving up 112.4 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Stats.

The combination of Bridges and OG Anunoby will give offenses nightmares and should make the Knicks’ defense even better. Both players excel as one-on-one defenders against elite offensive players. And both players are effective in help positions as well.

Anunoby has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and in certain situations, can guard all five positions. When he joined the Knicks in the middle of the season, New York’s defense transformed instantly. In the 802 minutes Anunoby was on the floor, the Knicks gave up 100.9 points per 100 possessions — a number that would’ve ranked first in the NBA.

Bridges has a 7-foot-1 wingspan and can guard four positions. He can make an impact on smaller guards and gives the Knicks another versatile defender.

Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) warms up before a game against the Phoenix Suns at Barclays Center / Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports

Starting center Mitchell Robinson made an early case for the NBA’s All-Defensive team before an injury derailed his 2023-24 season. Backups Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa are all plus defenders. Only stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are average or subpar defenders in New York’s nine-man rotation.

A weakness of past Knicks teams was a lack of versatility to guard different lineups across the NBA. Now, New York is better equipped to deploy several defensive strategies. With Robinson on the floor, the Knicks…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/good-knicks-defensively-during-2024-143022328.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-09-09 14:30:22

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