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New York Knicks: The five keys to NYK’s recent success

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 29: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fights to maintain control while under pressure from Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 29, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 29: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fights to maintain control while under pressure from Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 29, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Hustle On Defense

When the New York Knicks aren’t playing defense, they aren’t winning games. That isn’t just true about the 2017-18 team, but virtually every roster in franchise history—a truth that can be summarized by one word: Identity.

The identity of the organization has long been developed on the defensive end of the floor, and head coach Jeff Hornacek is attempting to follow that proven pattern.

New York struggled mightily on the defensive end of the floor during the first three games of the season. Since that disappointing start, however, Hornacek has led the Knicks to a significant turnaround on the defensive end of the floor.

During the current three-game winning streak, the Knicks have allowed an average of 98.7 points per 100 possessions—good for No. 10 in the NBA.

New York held the Brooklyn Nets to 86 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers to 95. It allowed the Denver Nuggets to score 110 points, but it held Nikola Jokic and company to 41.2 percent shooting from the field, albeit while struggling to defend the three-point line.

If the Knicks continue to hustle on defense and limit second chances, wins should be accrued and, more importantly, a healthy culture should be built and created.

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If the New York Knicks are going to turn the organization around, then the keys to the recent winning streak must be embraced on a full-time basis.

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