New York Knicks: Encouraging statistics from 6-5 start

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BROOKLYN, NY – NOVEMBER 7: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot against the Charlotte Hornets on November 7, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Dominating The Interior

The New York Knicks have opted to go against the grain and build a traditional lineup. That may be the last word one uses to describe Frank Ntilikina and Kristaps Porzingis, but New York has invested in centers who play an old school style.

With Porzingis operating alongside power-based centers, the Knicks have been able to dominate the interior early in 2017-18.

Perhaps the most important number is that the Knicks rank No. 4 in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game. No two players have played a more significant role in that level of success than Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn—New York’s resident shot-blockers.

Credit must also go to the Knicks’ vastly improved perimeter defenders, but Porzingis and O’Quinn have combined to average a dominant 5.2 blocks per 36 minutes.

Where Enes Kanter comes into the equation is the manner in which New York has obliterated teams along the offensive interior. Porzingis currently ranks No. 3 in points via post ups per game, while Kanter is No. 2 in points per possession out of post ups.

Throw in the fact that New York is No. 1 in the NBA in points in the paint per game, and the Knicks have been unequivocally dominant down low.

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