The Knicks put on a defensive clinic against the Denver Nuggets.
The New York Knicks have persisted as one of the best teams in the NBA even during times of severe struggle this season and that's because they know how to take care of the ball on both ends of the court.
The first thing that comes to mind is the Knicks offense, led by Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are third in offensive rating and ninth in points per game, and their efficiency from the field and their tightness when ti comes to not turning the ball over have been major assets.
But the other half of the game has been steadily improving as well and there are a few. notable names on the roster that have been powering it. The Knicks have the ninth-best defensive rating as a team and while Karl-Anthony Towns stands out as the team's rim protector, there's another player that really leads the team's defense.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) releases the ball over Denver Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in the second half at Ball Arena.Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesAnunoby Making An Impact
OG Anunoby is the kind of gritty defender that makes the Knicks so hard to score against. In the team's 142-103 blowout of the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Anunoby was all over the floor guarding whoever needed guarding, regardless of position or matchups.
Head coach Mike Brown praised the defensive versatility of Anunoby, who leads the team with 1.7 steals per game, but when the forward had his own chance to speak after the game, he credited the whole team with the defensive effort.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The play was reversed to an offensive foul on Anunoby after an Oklahoma City Thunder challenge. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images"I think we just want to be aggressive and get stops and that's what we've been doing lately," Anunoby said to the media. "It started with KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns] pressuring him, then Mitch [Mitchell Robinson] came in, then Josh [Hart], everyone just pressuring each other, pressuring the ball low, Landry [Shamet], so it's infectious."
Defense Spreads
Anunoby had a point when it comes to defense. While a player has the potential to take over an entire game on the offensive end with a great performance, defense is truly reliant on the entire team pitching in.
It's more effort related than any other skill on the basketball court and effort spreads. It's hard for a team to see just one or two players giving it their all and not do it themselves, so soon enough there's an entire team making it difficult on the opposing offense.
With Anunoby setting the tone and the rest of the Knicks following, they can come together to be a pesky and formidable offense that can stand up to some of the best offenses in the league.