New York Knicks: What is and isn’t working through 15 games

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 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 – NOVEMBER 15: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pro: Offensive Rebounding

The New York Knicks have an uncanny ability to dominate the offensive glass. Through 15 games, the Knicks have turned that invaluable strength into one of the foundational aspects of one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA.

The upside of what the Knicks have been able to achieve early in the 2017-18 regular season is that it should be entirely sustainable.

New York ranks No. 6 in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game with a tone-setting 11.1. More importantly, it’s No. 1 in the Association in second chance points per game at 16.5—nearly a full point more than the No. 2 team.

Thus, while the lackluster three-point shooting may be concerning, it’s a testament to the players’ will power that they consistently fight on the boards.

Thus far, the likes of Enes Kanter, Kyle O’Quinn, and Kristaps Porzingis have led the charge on the offensive glass. It’s also worth noting that, even if one of those players is on the bench, absent, or even traded, Willy Hernangomez is waiting in the wings.

The Knicks plan to be one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA, and they’re halfway to that status—and the other half is next on the list.