2) Julius Randle’s Defense
The Thibs effect is real. The Knicks are playing better defense, at least in spurts, and have even survived with Randle playing big minutes as a small-ball five. Per Basketball-Reference, Randle is also posting the best defensive box-plus-minus of his career.
Indiana Pacer forward Domantas Sabonis has been on a tear, averaging over 20 points per game, while shooting 56 percent from the floor. But during the second matchup with the Knicks, Sabonis was held in check, with just 13 points on four made field goals and four free-throw attempts. The reason…Randle’s defense.
Just more Julius Randle appreciation, cause why not? All three clips include a masterclass of positioning/effort. Two of the clips include Randle playing a small-ball five, which might be a huge advantage on the offensive end, but no doubt taxing to Randle's energy. Sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/AONFYnzkHm
— Geoffrey Campbell (@geoff_boy_ardee) January 7, 2021
Even on Melo’s best day in a New York Knicks uniform, he posted a defensive box-plus-minus of -0.2, significantly less than Randle’s 1.0, albeit with a small sample size. Current assistant head coach Mike Woodson was probably the most successful at getting Anthony to buy in on the defensive end, and it seems that the partnership of Woody and Thibodeau has paid a similar dividend for Randle.