{"id":120489,"date":"2025-01-29T06:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T11:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=120489"},"modified":"2025-01-29T01:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T06:21:13","slug":"knicks-discovering-formula-to-dominate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/29\/knicks-discovering-formula-to-dominate\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks Discovering Formula to Dominate"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the first time in franchise history<\/a> since 1965, the 31-16 New York Knicks<\/a> scored 143 points in back-to-back games. In doing so, they are discovering the formula for dominating games. Indeed, this recent win against the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> feels like a statement win. Before now, questions arose over the Knicks’ pronounced struggles against elite opposition.<\/p>\n

This question is merely a whisper after they torched the resurgent Sacramento Kings and the defensively excellent 31-16 Grizzlies. Racking up an eye-popping combined 286 points in the process.\u00a0Let’s dive into the Knicks’ recent success and what it means for the team going forward.<\/p>\n

Knicks Discovering Formula to Dominate<\/h2>\n

Getting OG Anunoby Involved Early<\/h3>\n

There are a lot of mouths to feed in the Knicks starting lineup, but OG’s aggressiveness is key to the Knicks running and opening up the court.\u00a0For example, with his ability to get downhill, dunk in transition, and knock down shots from the perimeter, the Knicks lineup is nearly impossible to defend against when everything is clicking. There are no weaknesses in the starting lineup offensively.<\/p>\n

Before the Kings game, OG was slightly passive. He erased all that by going an efficient 12-18 from the field against the Kings including 4-7 from three-point range. It was noticeable from the jump that Josh Hart<\/a> and Mikal Bridges<\/a> were looking to get him involved early with extra passes inside for easy uncontested dunks. From that point on, the court opened up to him.<\/p>\n

During the postgame interview on MSG Network<\/a> after dropping 33 points against the Kings, OG Anunoby<\/a> admitted his offensive approach has changed recently:<\/p>\n

“I definitely try to be more aggressive, there was a spell when I wasn’t getting touches or shots. And just trying to be more aggressive and trying to insert myself into the game.”<\/p>\n

Carrying that forward into a typical all-around OG performance against the Grizzlies; Anunoby notched an impressive six steals on the night. Contributing in every category; 15 points, five boards, six steals, one block, and a +41 on the court. OG’s ability to jump the passing lanes for a steal in transition is similar to a DB reading a quarterback’s eyes in Football for a pick. He uses his huge frame to disrupt anything in his path.<\/p>\n

OG gives opposing offenses fits with his huge 7-foot 2-inch wing span. He is blessed with an uncanny ability to get in positions in the passing lane.\u00a0While his stellar defense has long been praised, getting Anunoby involved offensively is a key formula to dominate games.<\/p>\n

Improved Defense<\/h3>\n

Over the last two games, the Knicks’ defense has markedly improved, especially at the point of attack. Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant<\/a> was held to only 10 points, two assists, and a -41 on the court. Bridges, who is often tasked with defending the best guard, is to be credited for this improvement.\u00a0The electric De’Aaron Fox<\/a> was also held to only 14 points. Stopping the star guards at the point of attack has allowed the Knicks to be aggressive in the passing lanes. Impressively, the Knicks have posted a 105.9 defensive rating<\/a> in the last three games.<\/p>\n

The Knicks’ on-ball defense and rim protection have been much more aggressive lately. Against\u00a0Memphis<\/a>, the Knicks racked up an impressive 20 steals and seven blocks. The<\/span>ir rim protection has also improved markedly. In their win against the Brooklyn Nets, they put up nine blocks. Plus four blocks against the Kings,<\/a> while<\/span>\u00a0outrebounding them 53-38.\u00a0Along with OG and Bridges, Miles McBride<\/a> and Precious Achiuwa<\/a> wreaked havoc against Memphis.<\/p>\n

One incredible sequence saw Precious block a layup, McBride then went up the court and assisted a Bridges three-pointer. From the resulting inbound, OG soon jumped the passing lane and set up a Garden-shattering transition dunk for Precious Achiuwa.<\/p>\n

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pic.twitter.com\/ZNAH9ZONt2<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Strickland Vids (@StricklandVids) January 28, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n