New York Knicks: The Key To Success Is Commitment

Defense

The New York Knicks were once known as the most feared defensive team in the NBA. Between the 1990s with Patrick Ewing, the 1980s with Bernard King, and the 1970s with Walt Frazier and Willis Reed, the teams built around the stars were all about defense.

If New York is going to rise from the ashes and become a factor in the postseason picture again, then the first step will be rediscovering the passion for defense.

Executing on offense may have been an issue for the Knicks in 2016-17, but it’s far outweighed by the defensive woes. That much is proven by the fact that New York was 14-2 (.875) when it allowed 100 points or less and 16-49 (.246) when it allowed 101 points or more.

Offensive execution remains a point of emphasis, but New York allowed averages of 99.6 points per game during its 30 wins and 112.8 points per game during its 51 losses.

The numbers tell a story that’s easy to follow: when the Knicks commit to playing defense at a high level, they win. Though one could argue that stronger personnel is necessary, at no point in 2016-17 did the players buy in on defense for a sustained period of time.

The likes of Carmelo Anthony, Jeff Hornacek, Brandon Jennings, and Kristaps Porzingis all criticized the players’ unwillingness to give 100 percent on a nightly basis.

Rather than focusing so much on offense, the Knicks need to allow the defense to create efficient scoring opportunities from hereon out.