Analyzing Karl-Anthony Towns’ dominant offensive start with Knicks

The Knicks may still be fighting their way through a mixed start to the season, but a few facets of their game have been major positives to build on in the coming weeks and months. Perhaps none have kept New York in the win column more than Karl-Anthony Towns’ dominant offense.

The Knicks acquired Towns with hopes that his shooting ability and dynamism from the five paired with Jalen Brunson could unlock an offense that befuddles the league, while the defense would hold up enough to make them a true contender. While the latter is still very much in question, even the trades most ardent supporters might have understated what kind of scoring punch Towns would bring.

In 11 games, Towns is averaging 26.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 54.7 percent from two and 50.8 percent from three. Nearly half his games have been a 30-or-40+ point performance, the Knicks are third in the league in offensive efficiency, and it’s happened before all parties have fully clicked.

Let’s take a deep dive into Towns’ offensive impact to see just how high his and the Knicks’ ceiling goes.

Towns is one of the greatest shooting big men of all time, and that moniker has proven itself with his early play. His three-point percentage makes him one of five players converting at that level of accuracy (among players with 30+ attempts on the year), and the only center doing it not named Nikola Jokic.

Virtually all of his attempts have been catch-and-shoots from above the break but with varying degrees of difficulty. He’s shown no resistance to pulling from a few steps behind the arc or with a defender in his space – most have trouble getting out to contest.

Outside of the remarkable efficiency, Towns’ shooting has been fundamental to opening up attacking lanes for his teammates. OG Anunoby is on his way to a career year thanks to his ability to aggressively drive without having to worry as much about help.

Mikal Bridges’ effective field goal percentage jumps from 45.9 percent to 59.4 percent when Towns is on the floor compared to off. Brunson is taking advantage with his highest output at the rim in years.

Not only does Towns’…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/analyzing-karl-anthony-towns-dominant-170934244.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-11-17 17:09:00

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