The New York Knicks at the 14 game mark last year, were sitting with a 4-10 record. During this stretch, the Knicks suffered their first seven game losing streak of the season. New York was on its way to its franchise’s worst season in team history (17-65). Phil Jackson has done a great job salvaging the usable pieces from last year’s team (Langston Galloway, Lance Thomas, Lou Amundson, Jose Calderon, Cleanthony Early), and combining them with low cost free agent additions. This has translated to the Knicks having an 8-6 record, and 2nd in the Atlantic Division behind the Toronto Raptors (9-6).
Currently the Knicks are on a four game winning streak, which includes two road wins to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. Last November, the Knicks lost to the Rockets by five points on the road, and the Thunder by twenty seven points on the road.
Last season, New York had a forgettable 7-34 record on the road. This season the Knicks are two wins from matching their season total of road wins from last year. Also, New York’s road record (5-2) is better than their record in the Garden (3-4). Most of those road losses from last season came from the Knicks coming out flat, and playing from behind most of the game. This year the Knicks seemed more focused right out of the gate, and it has translated to early success on the road.
The defense of the Knicks has gotten undeniably better, and has been the catalyst during this four game win streak. New York has only allowed 100 or more points one time during this win streak, and just four times this season. At this point last season, the Knicks had given up 100 or more points in six games. The team is playing together on the defensive end, and this stems from better communication. Players can be heard calling out screens and screeners. Galloway has shown great improvement with his perimeter defense, and is leading the team with 1.2 steals per game.
The play of Kristaps Porzingis can not go unnoticed. Porzingis currently leads the team in rebounds with 8.8 boards a game. The rookie sensation has had a double double in two of the last four games, and six double doubles on the year. Porzingis also notched his career high in points (29) last Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. The Latvian youngster drew serenades from the Garden faithful, “POR-ZING-IS!”. Porzingis with his tenacity on the defensive boards has made New York a much better rebounding team, as well as a better defensive team with his interior presence. The Knicks have a bright future with Porzingis suiting up in a Knick uniform, far beyond this current win streak.
Carmelo Anthony has been very encouraging to watch this season as well. Anthony also has two double doubles during this winning streak, and three games of 18 points or more in the last four games. The fact that Anthony is averaging 7.2 rebounds a game shows that he is working to get a body on someone. There have been several times where Anthony has been caught not boxing out in the past, and it has been costly at the crucial moments. You haven’t seen too much of that from Anthony this season.
However, we have also seen an asserted effort from Anthony to find the open teammate. Anthony on several occasions has made the extra pass, which shows he has confidence in his teammates. This confidence goes a long way, and will help Anthony to not have to carry so much of the New York scoring load. This will also keep Anthony fresh, come crunch time late in the 4th quarter.
The Knicks will look to extend their win streak to five tonight against the Miami Heat (8-4). New York will then go on to play the Orlando Magic (6-7) Wednesday night, for the final game of their four game road trip.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732