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Knicks’ stout defense and ‘level of physicality’ fueling hot streak
The New York Knicks’ strong defence has helped drive a hot run, with coach Mike Brown crediting the team’s physical play and discipline. The improvement matters because defence was also a key part of the team’s championship push last season, after earlier struggles guarding the ball.
Before Wednesday’s game against Cleveland, the Knicks had the NBA’s fifth-best defensive rating at 107.3 and had held opponents below 100 points in five of their previous seven games. Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet have helped pressure ball handlers, while Josh Hart returned after missing three games. Karl-Anthony Towns has strengthened the interior: the team allowed 5.2 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the court, according to Cleaning the Glass.
In short
- New York’s defence has fuelled a six-win run in seven games.
- The Knicks ranked fifth in defensive rating before facing Cleveland.
- Physical, disciplined perimeter and interior play have helped the unit improve.