Tom Thibodeau disagrees with the idea that the Knicks have problems on defense.
Yes, there are areas that can be improved, but the team's coach believes they are making progress.
“I think we’re in the top 10 in points allowed. [12th] “We're fifth in points in the paint, fifth in fast break points and top five in second chance points, so those are all good indicators,” he said. “Defensive field goal percentage over the last 10 games has been good. I think we're 13th. [overall]. Everything is going in the right direction. Could it get any better? Yes, that's what we're aiming for. ”
One of the reasons the Knicks' numbers are where they are is because the Knicks play at the fourth-slowest pace in the league, resulting in fewer possessions per game.
The Knicks were 16th in defensive rating, allowing 113.7 points per 100 possessions. A year ago, it was 9th with a score of 112.4.
Obviously this is a new team with different strengths.
The Knicks rank second in the league in offensive rating with 120.2 after losing Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein while adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. They are one of the best offensive teams.
Also missing is Mitchell Robinson, a key rim protector and offensive rebounder, who has yet to play in a game as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery.
That's one reason the Knicks went from leading the league in offensive rebounding percentage a year ago to 19th this season.
But Thibodeau believes they are in a good spot, all things considered, and thinks their defensive numbers will improve as the year goes on.
“There are a lot of metrics that I look at,” Thibodeau said. “I've always said that the most important thing for me is the NET rating or scoring margin. So how many points are we scoring and how many goals are we giving up? We're sixth in the league with plus-6.5. That's the most important thing. It's difficult to judge things like defensive evaluation systems because different people have different values.
He added: “When we rate you on the NET, it shows you're doing good.”
It's only been 25 games.
The Knicks got off to a slow start every year under Thibodeau.
In fact, this is the highest mark of the season to date under Thibodeau.
Last year's team was 14-11 at this point, but things will look a lot different after the OG Anunoby trade.
These Knicks will obviously be better with a healthy Robinson at defensive end and on the glass.
“This group is still figuring it out. We're progressing every day,” Jalen Brunson said. “The season has had its ups and downs, and we're just finding our way. We're a fairly new team. We'll continue to get even better throughout the year until April.”
“Yes, we're still 25 games in, but it still takes some time to get used to it and understand it. I think the best thing about this is that we're still far from a finished product in every way. It's just a mindset. And we know we are not there yet and have a long way to go.”
