The Big Apple is buzzing with how the New York Knicks started the 2024-25 season. The overwhelming way the Knicks handle their opponents this season gives fans hope they’ll make an NBA Finals appearance.
Karl-Anthony Towns‘ move to the Madison Square Garden played a part in the rise. Jalen Brunson and the rest of the Villanova core also help place the Knicks in the best position possible to win.
However, it takes the Knicks more than individual talents to secure a solid 13-8 record in a league as competitive as the NBA. Tom Thibodeau’s work in setting the Knicks offense also plays a major role in the success the team is enjoying.
Tom Thibodeau talks about the New York Knicks’ efficiencies as they rank 1st in team offense
Thibodeau is more known to be a defensive guru than an offensive mastermind, but that doesn’t mean he has no clue in putting together an offense. The Bulls teams he coached with Derrick Rose indicate his familiarity with effective offensive schemes.
.While not at the same level, he has a terrific guard in Brunson and a talented squad of players who understand how to perform their roles. The fact that they also welcomed his coaching style is contributing to their effectiveness against strong teams in the NBA.
He talked about the team’s offensive effectiveness after their win against the Charlotte Hornets, per SNY’s Ian Begley:
“They’ve made a conscious effort to move the ball and to create advantages,” Tom Thibodeau said after the win on Thursday. “I think the more you help somebody else, the more you’re helping yourself. I think the cuts have been decisive; driving the ball off the cut, and then relocating, and just being unselfish, making the extra pass to get a great shot. That takes everyone working together, and I think they’re all doing that. The unselfishness has been terrific.”
Brunson chipped in the conversation, adding that the mentality Thibs drilled into them adds to their success:
“I just think we have the basketball IQ and everything to go out there and do what’s asked of us,” Jalen Brunson said. “We know we have a lot of weapons out there. We know we have a lot of threats all over the court. And, we just have to play off each other.”
The Knicks currently have an offensive rating of 121.6, which puts them as the best squad in the league. While their 114.6 defensive rating holds them back, it’s always great that a team like New York is performing to standard.
It’s important to remember that the NBA season is long, and things can change at the drop of a hat. However, a great offense can cover a multitude of defensive sins if you outscore your opponents. The Knicks are doing more than enough of that at the moment.
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