Knicks Make Impressive Franchise History During Win Streak

The streak started with a historic 120-66 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. 54 points is the largest single-game margin the team has ever won by. The Philadelphia 76ers are the only team during this stretch to lose by single digits, being defeated 112-109 on Jan. 24.

Every other victory has been by at least 12 points. Along with the Nets, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards were also beaten by at least 30 points.

Had Wizards guard AJ Johnson not made a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining in that game, the Knicks would have kept another impressive streak alive. Heading into the matchup with Washington, they had held opponents to 100 points or fewer in four straight games.

It was the longest streak in the NBA thus far this season. Alas, it came to an end with his jumper to give the Wizards 101 points scored.

Historically, performing at this level in the regular season has led to great success in the postseason for the Knicks. As shared by Tommy Beer via Basketball Reference, in the other seven-game stretches the team has been nearly this dominant for, they have advanced to the NBA Finals, twice winning the championship.

What has helped New York build up such massive margins of victory over this seven-game winning streak? Scoring efficiently has certainly helped, but it is their performance on the defensive end that is making a true difference.

Since head coach Mike Brown cut the rotation down and made an adjustment to the scheme, the team’s performance has taken off. Landry Shamet has played incredibly well off the bench along with Tyler Kolek and Mitchell Robinson.

Everything looks more cohesive defensively. Even Jalen Brunson deserves some recognition for his turnaround on that end of the court.

Guys are willing to sacrifice and do the things necessary to help the team win. Those sacrifices are being rewarded with historic levels of domination on the court.