New mindset, rotation carry surging Knicks
New York's five-game winning streak may come as a surprise, but it's no accident. Coach Tom Thibodeau has implemented a youth movement, and as a result, the Knicks defense has blossomed into one of the league's top units.
Since switching to their revamped rotation on Dec. 4, the Knicks (15-13) have a 101.2 defensive rating, second in the league. They've held opponents under 100 points three times during their winning streak.
Before the change, the Knicks were 10-13 and ranked 26th in team defensive rating, allowing 115.7 points per 100 possessions. In the wake of an embarrassing blowout loss to the Mavericks, New York needed a spark to avoid a downward spiral.
Embracing his team's youth and emphasizing defense, Thibodeau trimmed the rotation to nine, with no player over 28 included.
Former league MVP Derrick Rose saw his minutes given to second-year guard Miles "Deuce" McBride. In addition, starting SG Quentin Grimes' minutes were increased after healing from a preseason foot injury, while Cam Reddish, who was inconsistent on defense, was taken out of the rotation.
New York's newest defensive tandem has been sharpening each other's skills for some time, said Grimes.
Despite allowing their most points in nearly two weeks in Wednesday's thrilling 128-120 win, the Knicks held Chicago (11-16) to just one field goal made in overtime.
With its defense tightened, New York sits 12th in defensive rating on the season.
The team’s 45% opponent field goal percentage is third best. And after being torched from deep to begin the season, the Knicks are fourth in opponent three-point percentage (33.7%).
Along with Grimes and McBride, Immanuel Quickley has been another anchor on the perimeter. (Quickley, who is eligible for an extension after the season, may be on the trading block, per Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer.)
The pesky trio hasn't been the only catalyst for the Knicks' improved defense. They've also improved in the paint.
Over the past five games, Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein have provided elite rim protection (98.2 and 99.8 DRtg, respectively). Like Grimes, the two big men fought through injuries at the beginning of the season but appear to be getting back to full speed.
Fellow center Jericho Sims has also seen action since Obi Toppin went down with a knee injury.
While they probably won’t be able to defend at a top-two level the rest of the season, the Knicks' young core has established a tenacious mindset that is here to stay.
If Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett can carry the offense and the supporting cast continues to defend well, something special may be brewing in New York.
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