Knicks Morning News (2025.03.15)

New York ranks fifth in the NBA in defensive rating (107.3 points per 100 possessions) in that span, holding two of their last three opponents under 106 points. The Portland Trail Blazers only eclipsed that mark in overtime, where Mikal Bridges’ buzzer-beater sealed a dramatic 114-113 victory on the road.

Before Brunson’s injury, the Knicks’ defense was middle-of-the-pack, ranking 17th in defensive rating through the first 62 games of the season.

Brunson’s injury led to Miles McBride stepping into the starting lineup, and his defensive impact has been immediate.

The fourth-year guard has energized the perimeter alongside Bridges and OG Anunoby, forming a relentless trio that pressures ball-handlers, forces turnovers and creates easy transition opportunities.

In just three games as a starter, McBride has been a defensive menace:

He logged four steals and two blocks in Portland
He has at least one steal in each of his last five games
The Knicks are holding opponents to 99.5 points per 100 possessions when he is the floor
And he leads all guards in defensive rating over the last seven games
The results speak for themselves.

The Knicks lead the NBA in both turnovers forced (18.3 per game) and points off takeaways (24.3 per game) since inserting McBride into the lineup. They’ve also held opponents to just 41.3 points in the paint per game, tied for fourth-fewest in the league over that stretch.

https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/03/14/knicks-defense-since-jalen-brunson-injury-mitchell-robinson/