Are Knicks Best Defense in NBA?

The New York Knicks have one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 6, 2024

May 10, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks pride themselves on the defensive end of the floor.

That's where they have built their identity and it has led them to become one of the better teams in the league.

The Athletic insider Fred Katz believes the Knicks could walk away with the top defense in the NBA in the upcoming season.

"The Knicks have a chance to own the NBA’s most ruthless defense," Katz writes. "Can they get there? A season ago, they finished 10th in points allowed per possession, according to Cleaning the Glass, which eliminates garbage-time statistics, but that was with injuries to two of their best defenders: Anunoby, who played only 23 games with New York last season, and Robinson, who played only 31. Now, they add Bridges to the fray."

The Knicks had the 9th-best defensive rating in the league last season. The only teams with better defensive ratings were the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves, all of whom made the postseason.

The NBA is simple. If you have a good defense, chances are you have a good team. The Knicks often times can force turnovers that lead to points on the fast break and it becomes their offense.

Given the team's injury history last season, there is reason to believe that they can improve. Will they make it all the way to No. 1? It will be difficult, especially considering the Timberwolves pose a unique challenge with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, while the Magic added one of the league's best defenders in free agency in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, the Knicks will have a shot if they continue to buy into coach Tom Thibodeau's system and work as a team.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published Sep 6, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.