Knicks resemble legit title contenders in back-to-back routs

The Knicks (31-16) have been one of the most frustrating teams to assess this season. Some nights, Jalen Brunson and Co. have looked like legitimate title contenders. On others, they've been beaten handily by lowly teams such as the Jazz, Bulls and Hawks.

That inconsistency is why analysts alike have been unwilling to put them in the same echelon as East powerhouses such as the Cavaliers and Celtics. But Tom Thibodeau's team is starting to make a believer out of its doubters. On Monday, the Knicks crushed the Grizzlies, 143-106, two nights after routing the Kings, 143-120, as part of a four-game winning streak.

Both blowout wins came against red-hot teams. The Kings had won 10 of their last 13 before running into the Knicks. The Grizzlies walked into Madison Square Garden on a six-game winning streak. Remarkably, the Knicks had both games on ice within three quarters. 

The latter win was all the more impressive as the Grizzlies, the league leader in points with 123.3 per game, were held to just 106 points by a Knicks team ranking No. 14 in defense. Unlike traditional Thibodeau-led teams, these Knicks have built their identity on their explosive offense, as evidenced by the ease with which they scored 143 points in back-to-back games. However, the Knicks are starting to pick up the intensity on the defensive end, led by three-and-D stars Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.