Becoming a playoff schedule killer? The Knicks' suffocating nightmare.

Iti9

This NBA season has been one of offensive explosion. Teams have averaged 114.9 points per game this season, the highest average scoring since the 1969-70 season. However, the Knicks have achieved suffocating defense in three consecutive games, a level of consistency in defense not seen since the Patrick Ewing era...

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers had one of the ugliest NBA games in recent years on 3/10, with the 76ers winning 79-73. It was the first game since 2016 where both teams failed to score over 80 points. The two teams met again on 3/12, but unlike the previous game, this one was a disaster for only one team.

Led by Josh Hart's triple-double, the Knicks defeated the 76ers 106-79. Following a 98-74 win against the Orlando Magic, this marked the third consecutive game where the Knicks held their opponents under 80 points. Since 2015, no team has accomplished this feat. Granted, two of these games were against a 76ers team without Joel Embiid, who holds a record of 10 wins and 21 losses when he's absent, but it's still an impressive achievement for the Knicks.

This NBA season has been one of offensive explosion. Teams have averaged 114.9 points per game this season, the highest average scoring since the 1969-70 season. However, the Knicks have achieved suffocating defense in three consecutive games, a level of consistency in defense not seen since the Patrick Ewing era.

Interestingly, besides the Ewing era, the last time the Knicks held their opponents under 80 points for three consecutive games was during the 2000-01 season, the year Ewing left the Knicks. Can you guess who was on that team? The answer is Rick Brunson, the father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Clearly, it's been a while since such a record was achieved. While the Knicks may not be able to hold their opponents under 80 points for the remainder of the season, their defensive prowess is undeniable. They currently allow only 108.3 points per game on average, ranking second in the NBA, behind only the Minnesota Timberwolves. As the final month of the regular season begins, we can start to think about which teams have the ability to shake things up in the playoffs, and the Knicks' defensive ability will make them a threat to anyone. Another key is the return of O.G. Anunoby, who missed the past 18 games due to an elbow injury. Since being traded to the Knicks from the Toronto Raptors in December, Anunoby has performed well in his first 14 games, especially on the defensive end, making his return crucial before the playoffs. With his return, the Knicks have improved to a record of 13 wins and 2 losses with Anunoby playing.

The Knicks have faced several major injuries this season, with the most significant impact being the absence of All-Star forward Julius Randle since January 27 due to a shoulder dislocation. Center Mitchell Robinson has been sidelined with an ankle injury since December 8.

Imagine how much stronger the defense would be if one of the league's premier shot-blockers like Robinson could play. (Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau previously stated that both players are close to being able to participate in full practices but there is still no definite timetable for their return.)

However, the Knicks have enough depth to cope with such an injury wave. In the Anunoby trade, they also acquired Precious Achiuwa, who has unexpectedly contributed to the Knicks during this injury wave. In 38 games for the Knicks, Achiuwa has averaged 8.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, all career highs for him. Achiuwa has made the most of these opportunities, performing better than he has in the past three seasons. He grabbed eight rebounds and two blocks against the 76ers. Additionally, Donte DiVincenzo's addition in the offseason has been crucial. This season, he ranks fourth in the league in three-point shooting, behind only Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and Klay Thompson.

Josh Hart's emergence is the real reason the Knicks have been able to remain competitive in Randle's absence. Randle's injury gave Hart the opportunity to enter the starting lineup, where he not only received more playing time but also elevated his performance to a completely different level.

In the 45 games before Randle's injury, Hart averaged 28.2 minutes per game, with 7.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. In the 19 games since Randle's injury, Hart has averaged 40.7 minutes per game, with 13.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. In the game against the 76ers, Hart recorded 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was his fourth career triple-double, and all of these triple-doubles came after Randle's injury.

The overwhelming victory against the 76ers demonstrated the Knicks' full strength. If they can welcome back Randle and Robinson before the playoffs, other teams need to be cautious.

Ritu77

Every game is exciting.

Samiksha

Comebacks are impressive too.

Jayne94133

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