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.
Knicks Mid-Season Report Card: Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges Under the Spotlight
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
As we hit the first quarter mark of the NBA season, it’s time to evaluate the New York Knicks’ performance. Jalen Brunson has been a standout, showcasing his growth as a playmaker. Averaging 25.2 points and 7.7 assists per game, Brunson’s ability to orchestrate the offense has been impressive. His shooting efficiency, with a 48.8% field goal percentage and 40.9% from beyond the arc, highlights his scoring prowess. Despite a slight dip in scoring compared to last season, Brunson’s increased playmaking role has been a positive development. His ability to adapt and lead the team, even when facing intense defensive pressure, has been commendable. While his defense may not be elite, his effort on that end is undeniable, making him a crucial asset for the Knicks.
Mikal Bridges: A Work in Progress
Mikal Bridges, on the other hand, has had a more challenging start. Leading the team in minutes, Bridges has struggled with consistency, particularly in his shooting. His 33.1% three-point shooting on 6.8 attempts per game is below expectations. Additionally, his reluctance to drive to the basket and draw fouls has been a concern, with only 14 free throw attempts in 21 games. Despite these struggles, recent performances suggest Bridges is finding his rhythm. His defensive contributions remain vital, but there’s room for improvement in maintaining aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. Bridges’ potential is evident, and with continued effort, he can elevate his game significantly.
Karl-Anthony Towns: A Stellar Season
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a revelation this season, seamlessly integrating into the Knicks’ system. Averaging 25.1 points and shooting an impressive 52.8% from the field, Towns has been a dominant force. His three-point shooting, at 45.2%, adds a crucial dimension to the Knicks’ offense. Towns’ rebounding prowess, with 13.1 boards per game, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His ability to adapt to the defensive demands of the team has been noteworthy, making him a key player in the Knicks’ lineup.
Player Grades
Jalen Brunson
Gavin Grade: A-
Mikal Bridges
Gavin Grade: C-
Karl Anthony Towns
Gavin Grade: A-
OG Anunoby
Gavin Grade: A
Stats: 17-5-2 on 49-38-84, 2 Stocks, 57.5% EFG
-All-Defense season, with expanded and efficient offensive repertoire
Josh Hart
Gavin Grade: A
Stats: 14-8.5R-6A-1.4S, on 59-36-86, 66% EFG
-2nd in the NBA at the rim behind Wemby, shooting 77%
-Shooting an absurd 72% inside the arc
Deuce McBride
Gavin Grade: A-
Stats: 11-3R-2.5A, 46-43-89, 59%EFG
-Elite shooting, elite screen navigation, no dramatic leap on the ball/finishing
Cam Payne
Gavin Grade: A-
Stats: 8-3A-2R, 44-44-82, 56.5% EFG
-3rd in the NBA with 5.7-1 AST-TO Ratio
-Shooting absurdly well from three
Jericho Sims
Gavin Grade: B+
Stats: 2-4-1, 73% FG, .4 BLK
-Best rim protecting big in the NBA allowing 37.5% at the rim
-Setting some bone crushing screens for Jalen
Team
Grade: B+
-Historically good offense
-Some of the underlying metrics for the defense suggest that they’re turning around
-Would have been a B- before the last two games so maybe I’m putting a little too much weight on those
-They’ve looked like a championship-caliber team on three nights this year, but right now they have the statistical resume of a team that goes down 2nd or 3rd round
-Too inconsistent against bad teams, but 8-2 in their last 10 so maybe that’s shifting?
Christmas lights are springing up, you can’t go anywhere without hearing Mariah Carey, and football players are making snow angels in the end zone. That means, somehow, the first quarter of the 2024-25 NBA season has come and gone. Let’s hand out some hardware!
Note: these aren’t forward-looking projections for the year-end choices. These are merit-based awards for the first 20-ish games that every team has played so far.
Eastern Conference MVP: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
There isn’t a single superstar in the game as well-rounded as Tatum. His headline ability, scoring, is understated and mathematically elegant. He’s averaging 28.4 points per game by taking advantage of the most valuable areas on the floor: he’s finishing at career-best levels (74% shooting at the rim, the same number as Giannis and a smidge above Anthony Davis), launching a monstrous 10.6 three-pointers per game, and earning the second-most free throws of his NBA life.
But all the high-wattage guys can score. It’s everything else that sets Tatum apart. He’s become an elite positional passer, as we saw in last year’s NBA Finals; he eats defensive rebounds with startling voracity; he’s a mean-as-hell pick-setter:
While star forwards around the league complain about having to guard centers, Tatum is quietly defending bigs more often than ever before (20% of the time, to be exact).
His one surface-level deficiency, offensive rebounding, has more to do with schematic choices than personal flaws.
With apologies to Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing his best to bring the Bucks back to relevance, Tatum is a no-brainer choice.
Western Conference MVP: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic is currently third in scoring, second in rebounding, second in assists, eighth in steals (!), and second in three-point percentage. You already know who’s on top of every advanced metric leaderboard. The Nuggets post a 129.1 offensive rating with Jokic on the floor, miles ahead of the Knicks’ league-leading 123.7; they post a 96.4 offensive rating without him, a Mariana Trench-length beneath the Wizards’ anemic 103.8.
Frankly, I’ve been writing about the NBA for a while, and despite my pharaonic vocabulary (and access to online thesauri), I’ve run out of ways to describe why and how Jokic is the MVP. When we’re talking about the league’s most videogenic player, just listing stats feels wrong, but it’s also the best way to convey his overwhelming dominance.
Not even Tatum can reach the oxygen-deprived heights that Jokic routinely (and literally!) resides in. The Nugget is the MVP of the conference and the quarter, without question.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Must Read It was more than 1,000 days between games for Lonzo Ball. A look inside his grueling recovery and unprecedented return to the league. (ESPN)
Analysis Handing out early hardware for the 24-25 NBA season, including the rarely-seen “Unluckiest Team of the Quarter” award. (Basketball Poetry)
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
The Knicks Stupefy the Magic and Advance To the NBA Cup Tournament Round
Alex goes solo to break down the Knicks’ big win over the Magic to advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup as the No. 2 seed. Karl-Anthony Towns had one of his swaggiest performances, Mikal Bridges continued his ascent, and OG Anunoby got his shot back. All that and more on today’s episode!
Are Jalen Brunson & Mikal Bridges Ready To Attack One Of The NBA’s Best Defenses? W/ Locked On Magic
Gavin Schall is joined by Locked On Magic Host Philip Rossman-Reich to dive DEEEEEEEEEEEEP on Knicks-Magic! How will the NBA’s best offense fare against the Eastern Conference’s best defense? Can the Knicks finally find success against a switch-happy team full of elite athletes? Can Jalen Brunson punish the Magic’s aggressive pick and roll coverage? And what about the other side of the ball? What’s behind Franz Wagner’s ascension? And can the Knicks play off pretty much everyone else? Don’t miss this preview of a season defining game for both teams!
MIKAL BRIDGES BREAKS OUT!!! And The Knicks Rampage Over The Pelicans!
That’s how you turn it around! Mikal Bridges coming off arguably his worst game of the season responded in a big way dropping a season high 31 points as the Knicks rolled a decimated New Orleans Pelicans side.
Gavin Schall is joined by Ariel Pacheco (follow on X @APachechoNBA) to break down Bridges big night, how the Knicks put together their best defensive effort of the season, Brunson’s timely takeovers, Josh Hart’s underrated shotmaking and so much more!
