How the New York Knicks Became a Defensive Juggernaut
New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett talked about the team's defensive mindset early on in the season and credited one person with creating it.
"I think you could see by the numbers that we're a really good defensive team," Barrett said after Monday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers (h/t SNY). "It's hard to play for Thibs and not play defense. I think we're doing a solid job, we just got to continue working better on that and make sure that our offense is tight."
Through seven games this season, the Knicks have the second-best scoring defense in the league, giving up just 102.4 points per game. They are also sixth in blocks with 6.6 and seventh in opponents' field goal percentage at 45.1. Mitchell Robinson has once again proved effective in the interior while newcomer Donte DiVincenzo has proven effective off the bench.
RJ Barrett (L) and the Knicks have upped the defensive pressure to start this season
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Despite the early defensive showcase New York sits under .500 on the season at 3-4 in large part due to its offensive struggles. Through seven games, the Knicks are averaging 104.4 points, ahead of only Portland.
The reason is simple: shots aren't falling. As a team, New York is shooting just 40.8 percent from the field, the worst mark in the NBA. Many of its players have gotten off to slow starts such as big man Julius Randle, who is shooting 29.9 percent from the field on 16.7 attempts per game, though he managed to get back on track in a Monday win over the Los Angeles Clippers with a team-best 27 points. Barrett was right behind with 26 in his return to the floor after two games off due to knee soreness.
The Knicks will look to put on another defensive showcase on Wednesday night when they face the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
