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NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Frank Ntilikina is type of player NY needs

By Maxwell Ogden

Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball as Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1) Embrace Defense

Over the past 50 years—1970 to 2020—New York has made five NBA Finals appearances. During those runs, the Knicks ranked No. 1 (1970), No. 6 (1972), No. 4 (1973), No. 1 (1994), and No. 4 (1999) in Defensive Rating.

New York has made five additional Eastern Conference Finals appearances during that time, ranking no worse than sixth in Defensive Rating in any of those seasons.

Taking it a step further: New York has won 50-plus games in 12 separate seasons since 1970. During those 12 campaigns, the team ranked in the top 10 in Defensive Rating every time but in 2012-13—admittedly the most recent example of a 50-win team in New York.

In saying that: New York was 6-0 when it allowed 80 or fewer points during the 2013 NBA Playoffs and 0-6 when it allowed 81 or more.

In short: Every time the Knicks have won 50-plus games, reached the Eastern Conference Finals, or made the NBA Finals, they’ve done so by playing elite defense. That includes 2013, when smothering defense won games in the Playoffs and anything less did not.

It’s time to stop ignoring what needs to be done for a return to prominence.

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