Knicks’ Fourth Quarter Shift
Last year, the Knicks’ performance in the playoffs set a significant tone for their series. In their Game 1 victory over the Pistons, they managed to outscore Detroit 40-19 in the fourth quarter, executing an impressive 21-0 run to overcome an eight-point deficit. This was crucial, as losing the opening game at home—and thus home-court advantage—would have been disastrous.
Interestingly, this came as a surprise given their regular season stats from 2024-25. The Knicks had one of the weakest fourth-quarter net ratings, finishing sixth worst at minus-4.2. In clutch situations—the final five minutes of tight games—they ranked 17th in the league with a minus-1.6. So, expectations were low.
Fast forward to this season, when they kicked off their series against the Hawks on Saturday. Most of their core players remained, but with a new head coach. And notably, their fourth-quarter performance, especially in the second half, transformed into a significant strength.
Their net rating of plus-11.7 in the fourth quarter topped the league, marking the highest since tracking began in the 1996-97 season.
In terms of clutch situations, their rating of 20.5 is second in the league, just behind the Lakers, who sit at 25.4. Jalen Brunson is the standout leader for the Knicks, having earned the title of Clutch Player of the Year last season. He continues to shine in crucial moments, indicating a deeper change in the team’s identity.
Josh Hart remarked, “This showcases our focus and attention to detail. I know I have the capability to perform; it’s about sustaining that for the full 48 minutes.”
Yet, there’s a lingering concern. While they shine in the fourth quarter, the coaching staff, led by Mike Brown, emphasizes the need for more consistency throughout the entire game. Brown pointed out that in high-pressure playoff situations, maintaining a consistent performance is critical for greatness.
He emphasized that excellence is measured not just by the ability to play well, but to do so over time. It’s kind of about showing up when it matters and doing it consistently—something that separates the great from the elite.
Notably, the Knicks secured four wins against the Pistons last postseason by a combined margin of just 17 points, while they outscored the Celtics by 30 points in the final quarter of their recent win.
In the previous series against Detroit, players like Karl-Anthony Towns rose to the occasion, delivering clutch shots at pivotal moments, while Brunson sealed the series with a critical three-pointer in Game 6.
Those late-game scenarios played a significant role in their narrow win against the Hawks earlier this month, with Brunson scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, hitting a decisive jumper, and making two free throws to secure a slim lead.
He is undeniably central to the Knicks, capable of shifting the momentum at any moment. His role has become crucial for the team, solidifying his status as a reliable leader.
This season, the Knicks have really flipped the narrative on fourth-quarter performances, transforming what was once a weakness into a team-wide asset. It raises questions about how well they might perform during the playoffs.
Hart summed it up well: “If we focus for the first 36 minutes, we might not need to worry about the last 12.” The key, according to him, is maintaining that concentration throughout the game.
