Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The New York Knicks Beautiful Offense
Knicks’ Dominance: A Look at Jalen Brunson’s Breakout
The New York Knicks showcased what they could become with commanding victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday. Jalen Brunson had easily his best game of the year draining his first five threes on his way to a 36 point night. Brunson was toying with Detroit, bombing from distance, blowing by defenders to leverage his new life with a constantly open lane and unleashing his clinical midrange game the few times it was called for
Jalen Brunson In The Pick And Roll
Brunson’s performance was not just about scoring; it was about how he orchestrated the offense. The Knicks’ pick-and-roll game was nearly flawless. The Knicks’ ability to space the floor with shooters has been crucial has opened up an aspect of Brunson’s game that was largely untested as a Knick excluding a short period last year when Precious Achiuwa manned the 5. With three shooters (if we’re being generous with Josh Hart) defenses are put in a bind where they have to send a third defender and leave someone open, let Brunson go one on one with a defender chasing (a recipe for disaster as poor Malik Beasley found out after getting out in Brunson Booty Jail) or show with the big without sending help and risk giving up a lob.
Another sign of health for the offense is their three point volume. After ranking last in the league for three-point attempts in their first few games, they have significantly ramped up their shooting taking a combined 78 attempts from deep their last two outings. This shift has been pivotal in wins over the Heat and Pistons and particularly encouraging is KAT getting in on the fun firing up a season high six treys in just 27 minutes against Detroit.
Future Outlook
The Knicks’ starting lineup has been a force, outscoring opponents by 20 points per 100 possessions, the second best mark of any five man group that has played at least 50 minutes on the young season.
That number will be tested tonight against a spry Houton Rockets fresh off a near upset of the Warriors and boasting top 11 offensive and defensive ratings. Houston’s still figuring out their identity sitting arguably their best player in Alperen Sengun the entire fourth quarter and overtime period against the Warriors and excelled with a small ball lineup that highlighted the talents of their young wings. Should be a fun challenge tonight.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Karl Anthony Towns’ role and impact on the Knicks’ offense
- The Knicks’ defensive strategies and key players
- Upcoming challenges against the Houston Rockets and other teams
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Rumors suggest the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, enhancing their competitive prospects. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Karl-Anthony Towns surpasses Nikola Jokic in a specific category, highlighting a unique advantage for the Knicks. (Sports Illustrated)
Feel Good Carmelo Anthony’s son describes his dad’s career in one word, spotlighting Anthony’s legacy and impact. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade The Knicks are frequently mentioned in potential trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, suggesting strategic moves. (Sports Illustrated)
Fans The New York Knicks engage fans with a thrilling match-up against Oregon and Michigan, boosting team support. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz The NBA intentionally scheduled no games on U.S. Election Day (E! News)
Analysis What happens to Damian Lillard if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? (CBS)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Something Or Nothing: Does The Knicks Defense Actually Suck? + Can Mikal Bridges Find His Shot?
Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe play a new Knicks theme’d version of “Something Or Nothing?” by running through six stats/trends (and one conspiracy theory) that have defined the team’s early season. Is the defense really this bad? Did Mikal Bridges really forget how to shoot threes while becoming Kevin Durant in the mid-range? Has Josh Hart transformed into an elite pick and roll operator?
The Knicks Cruise Past the Wizards | Are They Clicking At Just the Right Time?
Alex goes solo to break down the Knicks’ drubbing of the Wizards, including huge performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, some much-needed rest for the starters, and the continued emergence of Pacome Dadiet as the Knicks approach a very winnable part of their schedule.
Josh Hart And Karl-Anthony Towns Rip Through Brooklyn And The Knicks Win Again
Well that one was less dramatic! The Knicks again played like the Avatar and found perfect balance in the four elements as four starters finished with at least 20 points in 114-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets that was largely settled midway through the 4th quarter. Gavin Schall breaks down a third straight fantastic night from Josh Hart and the creative ways Tom Thibodeau used him to unlock the Knicks offense before exploring Karl-Anthony Towns deep Cheesecake Factoryesque bag and OG Anunoby punishing the Nets and the rim. We also touch on Pacome Dadiet flashing defensively and deserving more minutes and Mikal Bridges confident shooting.
