Why NY Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau should win Coach of The Year
He turned the NY Knicks into a defensive juggernaut
In just one year under Thibodeau’s coaching, the Knicks have gotten better defensively by leaps and bounds. Just last season, the Knicks were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency. This season the Knicks are one of the top defensive teams in the league, ranking 4th in defensive efficiency as this is being written.
That is a huge improvement and it really speaks to the defensive culture and winning mindset that Tom Thibodeau has brought to the Knicks. The Knicks are doing several things great defensively which has led to their top-5 ranking.
The NY Knicks rank first in the league in opponents’ team 3 point percentage, holding opponents to just 32.9% from 3, the Knicks rank 1st in the league in opponents field goal percentage, holding the opposition to just 43.4% shooting from the field and they rank 4th in the league in defensive rebounds per game.
Many writers have speculated that the Knicks defense would drop off because of the amount of 3 pointers they allow, after all the Knicks allow the 10th highest amount of 3 pointers in the league. It was assumed fans that eventually opposing teams would start knocking down the 3-point looks they’re getting. On the contrary, in reality, the Knicks have statistically defended the 3-point shot better than anyone.
They may allow a lot of 3 pointers but teams don’t get quality looks because the Knicks closeout and contest 3 pointers very well. Thibodeau doesn’t mind the Knicks giving up 3 point shots as long as they’re well defended and the Knicks defensive ranking would suggest that strategy is a success. Thibodeau does have some very good defenders to make his team strategy.
Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel are great defensive bigs, and Elfird Payton, Barrett, and Bullock are all good perimeter defenders. The Knicks have the personnel to defend great but excellent coaching is just as important. Thibodeau established the defensive culture from day one of practice. Because he’s turned the Knicks into a great defensive team, Thibodeau should be Coach of The Year.