In a jaw-dropping twist of fate, the New York Knicks have ignited a defensive revolution, and Anunoby’s impact following the OG Anunoby trade is emerging as the driving force behind this unexpected metamorphosis. In the past 11 games, the Knicks have clinched a remarkable 9-2 record, leaving opponents trailing by an astounding 190 points when Anunoby takes the court. This defensive surge not only establishes a new NBA record for impact in a player’s initial 11 games with a team but also unveils layers of narrative complexity that go beyond the surface.
Anunoby’s Impact and Hartenstein’s Unheralded Heroics Reshape the Knicks
While Anunoby has undoubtedly been phenomenal, the unsung hero of the Knicks’ defensive resurgence is none other than Isaiah Hartenstein. In the absence of Mitchell Robinson, Hartenstein has stepped onto the center stage and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. The Knicks’ recent defensive dominance is also attributed to a soft offensive schedule, with only the 76ers presenting a formidable challenge in January.
Critics argue that the Knicks have been feasting on weaker opponents, with teams like Houston, Orlando, Washington, and Chicago ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive ratings. Nevertheless, the Knicks’ defensive prowess cannot be overlooked. Anunoby, alongside a committed group of perimeter defenders, including Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes, and Jalen Brunson, has created a multi-level defensive effort.
The linchpin in this defensive masterpiece is Hartenstein, whose rim protection has been nothing short of outstanding. Since Anunoby’s arrival, teams are converting a mere 58.2% of their shots against the Knicks, with Hartenstein standing tall as the guardian of the rim. Remarkably, this defensive duo boasts the second and third stingiest marks in the league, respectively.
Hartenstein’s impact becomes even more evident when comparing the Knicks’ early-season struggles in rim protection with Robinson on the court. Despite Robinson’s All-Defense potential, the Knicks ranked 26th in rim protection, allowing a staggering 68% rim conversion rate. Since Robinson’s injury, Hartenstein has propelled the Knicks into the top three, raising eyebrows across the league.
Beyond rim protection, Hartenstein’s defensive stats align with the NBA’s elite rim protectors, including Rudy Gobert, Victorm Wembanyama, Joel Embiid, and Chet Holmgren. His 45.7% field goal conversion rate against defenders and 1.6 blocks per game since December 9 place him among the league’s best.
Hartenstein’s defensive prowess extends to rebounding, making him a force to be reckoned with in the paint. The Knicks lead the league in rebounding percentage, allowing a mere 12.2 second-chance points per game – the second-lowest mark in the league. His strategic approach, evident in a reduced foul rate, showcases Hartenstein’s calculated defensive style.
Looking ahead, if Robinson can return for the playoffs, the Knicks could boast the league’s best defensive-center rotation. Anunoby’s ability to defend top scorers and act as a versatile helper, combined with the relentless perimeter defense, positions the Knicks as a formidable playoff contender. The unsung hero, Hartenstein, continues to be the linchpin in this defensive resurgence, turning heads and potentially causing serious problems for playoff opponents. The Knicks’ defensive narrative is evolving, and it’s more captivating and controversial than anyone could have predicted.
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