Knicks Discovering Formula to Dominate

For the first time in franchise history since 1965, the 31-16 New York Knicks 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 feels like a statement win.

Before now, questions arose over the Knicks pronounced struggles against elite opposition.

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.

Lets dive into the Knicks recent success and what it means for the team going forward.

Knicks Discovering Formula to Dominate Getting OG Anunoby Involved Early There are a lot of mouths to feed in the Knicks starting lineup, but OGs aggressiveness is key to the Knicks running and opening up the court.

For 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.

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 and Mikal Bridges 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.

During the postgame interview on MSG Network after dropping 33 points against the Kings, OG Anunoby admitted his offensive approach has changed recently: I definitely try to be more aggressive, there was a spell when I wasnt getting touches or shots.

And just trying to be more aggressive and trying to insert myself into the game.

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.

OGs ability to jump the passing lanes for a steal in transition is similar to a DB reading a quarterbacks eyes in Football for a pick.

He uses his huge frame to disrupt anything in his path.

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.

While his stellar defense has long been praised, getting Anunoby involved offensively is a key formula to dominate games.

Improved Defense The Knicks on-ball defense and rim protection have been much more aggressive lately.

Against Memphis , the Knicks racked up an impressive 20 steals and seven blocks.

Their rim protection has also improved markedly.

In their win against the Brooklyn Nets, they put up nine blocks.

Plus four blocks against the Kings, while outrebounding them 53-38.

Along with OG and Bridges, Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa wreaked havoc against Memphis.

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.

pic.twitter.com/ZNAH9ZONt2 Strickland Vids (@StricklandVids) January 28, 2025 This offensive formula for how the Knicks can dominate moving forward.

As one of the slowest half-court teams in the league, they are susceptible to zone defenses.

However, getting out in transition and running downhill opens various attacking opportunities that zone defenses would have trouble stopping.

Improved Bench Play Not coincidentally, Tom Thibodeau increasing his rotation to nine in the last three games has provided tangible results.

Particularly against Memphis, where they scored 52 points from the bench alone.

This is a huge improvement from the 30th-ranked bench in the league.

The underrated Achiuwa particularly benefits from increased playing time.

Hes incredibly versatile and loves to get out and run while providing rim protection and rebounding.

He filled up the box score with 14 points, four steals, and two blocks in just 20 minutes against the Grizzlies.

Its quite incredible how much of a steal the Anunoby and Achiuwa deal from Toronto was in hindsight.

Combo-guard Miles McBride also had a terrific game off the bench with 14 points, four boards, four assists, three steals and one block.

Showing his tremendous defensive ability particularly.

Before our eyes, the Knicks are discovering the formula to dominate moving forward by increasing bench minutes.

Josh Harts Impact Nevertheless, Harts influence cannot be understated.

Hes the best rebounder for his size in the NBA, averaging around 9.8 rebounds per game this season, and offers a ton of value as a secondary playmaker averaging 5.8 assists per game.

Hart plays an invaluable role.

Hes their energizer bunny playing relentlessly on both ends of the court.

His playmaking is underrated, as well as his ability to finish downhill at the rim.

Against the Kings, Hart notched his sixth triple-double of the year, with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.

This takes him to 12 for his Knicks career.

Impressively, this is the fourth all-time in Knicks franchise history, Walt Frazier leads the way with 23.

Hart may top Richie Guerin s 16 by the end of this season at this current rate.

The Knicks have the most productive starting lineup in the league; against Memphis Brunson, Towns, and Bridges each had 20 points or more.

Against the Kings, all five starters had 18 points or more.

When all Knicks starters are contributing, the Knicks are hard to stop.

Combined with improved defense and bench play, the Knicks might make serious noise in the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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