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New York Knicks: 5 Statistics to Help You Remain Optimistic

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with center Robin Lopez (8) during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with center Robin Lopez (8) during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) high five against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) high five against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Most Dominant Interior Defense in the NBA

Kristaps Porzingis has elite defensive potential as a 7’3″ power forward with a 7’7″ wingspan and the ability to block shots without leaving his feet. Robin Lopez has never received the respect he deserves, but is a committed defender who puts his body to positively influential use.

Together, Lopez and Porzingis have created the most dominant interior defense in the NBA.

The Knicks’ lackluster perimeter defense has enabled teams to penetrate at virtual will, but Lopez and Porzingis are not to fault. Despite Lopez being in his first season with a new team, and Porzingis being a rookie, this duo has gelled without issue.

According to NBA.com, the Knicks are holding opponents to 48.3 percent shooting at the rim—the No. 1 mark in the NBA.

That’s an astonishingly encouraging truth when one considers how the much trouble the perimeter players have had with preventing penetration. Despite having never played together before, Lopez and Porzingis have experienced no trouble in protecting the rim.

New York’s interior defense should only improve as Porzingis gains more experience and Lopez further develops an understanding of his teammates’ tendencies.

More knicks: Dwight Howard wants to anchor the Knicks' interior defense in 2016-17. Should Phil Jackson sign him?

Objectively speaking, the Knicks are an improved defensive perimeter away from being a genuinely elite team on that end of the floor.

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