The New York Knicks currently sit with a 2-4 record, but without a doubt are playing much better basketball. New York finished last season with a dismal, 17-65 record. The Knicks played without Carmelo Anthony after the All-Star break due to a knee injury. New York also traded away Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which further depleted the roster of talent. No talent led to a stagnant, unproductive offense and poor interior and perimeter defense. Last year, it became the norm for New York to get blown out by 20+ points on a nightly basis. Whether it was a lack of talent, or lack of effort that 2014-15 team was historically bad.
This year is a different story, and here are 5 main reasons why the Knicks are and will continue to be much better than last year’s team:
5) Carmelo Anthony
Anthony played the first part of last season hurt, and was shut down after the All-Star Game in the Garden. This Knicks team is immediately better when Anthony is on the floor. It has been encouraging to see Anthony play within the triangle offense, and has shown chemistry with the new Knick players. Anthony is averaging 21.0 points per game, and that number will go up when he gets his legs back under him. Anthony also leads the team in assists per game at 4.0. In addition, his effort on the boards has been great to start the season, as he is averaging 7.2 rebounds per game. Anthony’s play will only get better as the year goes on.
4) Defense
The Knicks were really bad last year on the defensive side of the ball. Whether is was getting beat back door or allowing consecutive offensive rebounds, New York had no clue defensively. To start the year, it seems like the Knicks are attempting to finally play defense as a unit. Players are getting in passing lanes, and actually boxing out. Every game they have played this year, the Knicks have had a chance to win. When you play good defense, you give yourself an opportunity. Opponents have only scored over 100 points in two games this season. Having Robin Lopez as a rim protector also helps, whereas last year there was none present.
3) Langston Galloway
Galloway has been a great story to follow. Last year, Galloway was on a D-League roster and worked his way up to the NBA. Galloway started 41 games for the Knicks last season, and has now embraced his new role coming off the bench. Being an effective bench player has helped the Knicks out immensely, especially from the offensive side of the ball. Galloway is 3rd on the team in scoring with 11.5 points per game, and still is grabbing 5.2 rebounds a game . The most encouraging thing Galloway has brought, has been his three point shooting. Galloway is shooting 59% from behind the arc this season.
2) Ball Movement/Triangle Offense
The Knicks seem to finally get what Phil Jackson has been asking from them since last year. Ball movement has been one of the biggest changes we have seen this season. Players are trusting the offense and it is leading to much better quality shots. Anthony is leading the team in assists with 4.0 a game, which tells you that he has bought into the system as well. If the Knicks continue to run the triangle and make the extra pass, they will surpass 17 wins before the All-Star break.
1) Kristaps Porzingis
Not many knew what to expect for the 4th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. His selection drew many boos from the Knick faithful. Many questioned his ability to play in the NBA, due to his lack of visible strength. However, Porzingis has done nothing but help the Knicks with his versatility. Porzingis is 2nd on the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game, and has started every game for New York. Rebounding has been a strength, as Porzingis is averaging 8.3 rebounds a game. Last game against the Bucks, Porzingis had a double double (14 points, 13 rebounds) with 9 offensive boards. The future looks bright for the Knicks moving forward with Porzingis.
Barry Holmes is a Feature Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732