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New York Knicks: Takeaways from the loss to the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 22

By Maxwell Ogden

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts thinking he was fouled on a second half shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts thinking he was fouled on a second half shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 22: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Detroit Pistons on December 22, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 22: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Detroit Pistons on December 22, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Enes Kanter Is Improving Defensively

When the New York Knicks traded for Enes Kanter, it was hard to look at anything but the per 36 numbers. Per 36 statistics don’t always translate, but the advanced metrics made Kanter look like a borderline superstar on the offensive end of the floor.

For as impressive as his offensive contributions and rebounding numbers may be, the key to Kanter’s success was his improved presence on defense.

Matched up against All-NBA center Andre Drummond, Kanter turned his valued per 36 numbers into his his actual production. The double-double machine posted 22 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists on 11-of-17 shooting from the field.

Perhaps most important of all, however, was the fact that Kanter recorded three blocks and a steal in a generally solid defensive performance.

Kanter’s past three games have featured impressive defensive stat lines: three blocks and a steal, two blocks, and three steals. That’s a direct result of the work that he’s put in on the defensive end of the floor, where he’s sought out the advice of former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah.

If Kanter can join Kristaps Porzingis as shot-blocking big men who can deter teams from driving, he should thrive individually and help the Knicks win overall.

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