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.
Ready For Battle?
Mar 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) looks to drive past New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks vs. Magic: A Crucial NBA Cup Showdown
The New York Knicks are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Orlando Magic, a game that promises to be a significant test for both teams. As the Knicks boasting the NBA’s top offenses prepare to face one of the league’s top defenses, the stakes are high, not just for the NBA Cup but for the team’s standing in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks’ Offensive Dynamics
The Knicks are off to their best statistical offensive start in modern team history. Buoyed by a five out offense and scalding hot starts from distance for Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby (prior to the last three games at least) they’ve had long stretches where they look unstoppable on that end of the floor. Josh Hart leveraging all that room to shoot 77% at the rim (second best mark amongst qualified players in the league behind only Victor Wembanyama) and Jalen Brunson’s career best passing certainly haven’t hurt things.
The one tactic that’s consistently thrown a wrench in the gears is a team capable of putting a bigger wing on Brunson and a mobile big on KAT and then switching their pick and roll. Earlier in the season this baited Brunson into repeatedly mismatch hunting and ensuing hero ball, which in the past has been a substantial part of the offense, but doesn’t really make sense as the end all be all anymore without the elite offensive rebounding infrastructure the Knicks have had in the past.
And without a top 10 defense like last season (that played more like a top three one when fully healthy) the requisite barometer for what constitutes sufficient offensive efficiency skyrockets. Hot shooting use to be the cherry on top of the sundae for the Knicks, now it’s necessary to survive against the best defenses in the sport.
Brunson and KAT need to leverage switches into doubles and ensuing easier shots for their teammates. And then Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart have to do their part to keep the machine moving and be willing to attack the rim.
Orlando has elite defensive personnel. They’re not quite as switchable across the board as the Celtics, but boast similar physicality and relentlessness that has bothered the Knicks this year. Their ability to fly around in rotation after showing two on the ball will push the Knicks to their limits.
Defensive Challenges and Opportunities
The Magic’s offense, has been buoyed by Franz Wagner’s star turn. In the wake of Paolo Banchero’s injury he’s averaged 26 PPG-7.5 APG-6RPG transforming into an All-NBA caliber talent before our eyes.
The Knicks have leaned into a more aggressive style of pick and roll defense of late, allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to hedge at the level of the screen (a style he’s consistently been more comfortable playing than Tom Thibodeau’s preferred drop defense) and allowing their defense to play in rotation behind the two defending the ball.
It could work against Orlando given the lack of shooting around Wagner, but will take the Knicks continuing to play on a string like they did against the Pelicans.
All in all this will be a great litmus test for a Knicks side that’s beaten just three teams over .500 (and only one in the Nuggets at full health) this year.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- The rise of the Orlando Magic and their impact on the Eastern Conference standings.
- An analysis of Mikal Bridges’ recent performance and his role in the Knicks’ lineup.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Fans Casual basketball fans may not fully appreciate the value of certain Knicks players. This article dives into the underappreciated contributions and impact these players have on the team’s success. (Posting and Toasting)
Honor Jalen Brunson has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. This recognition highlights his outstanding performances and contributions to the Knicks’ recent victories. (Posting and Toasting)
Preview The Knicks’ NBA Cup venture can serve as a rehearsal for crucial games ahead. This preview discusses the importance of the tournament in preparing for future challenges. (New York Post)
Opponent The Knicks face a tough challenge against the Magic’s strong defense in the upcoming NBA Cup clash. This analysis breaks down the key defensive strategies of the Magic. (New York Post)
Ticket Booth
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NBA Cup: Magic @ Knicks
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:30 PM | Madison Square Garden (New York, NY) | Get Tickets
Hornets @ Knicks
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Pistons @ Knicks
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
BBQ Pelican(s): Jalen Brunson And The New York Knicks TORCH New Orleans JALEN BRUNSON STAND UP!!!! The Knicks captain had his best game of the season on a night where the rest of the team struggled and carried them to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Join hosts Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe for a recap of Brunson’s electric 3rd quarter, the Knicks bench continuing to struggle on offense, Josh Hart’s big comeback and so much more! Don’t miss this engaging analysis of the Knicks’ evolving strategy and their path to success. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth discussions on the team’s journey.
Karl-Anthony Towns Decimates the Timberwolves in His Return To Minnesota As the Knicks Cruise To a W
Alex and Gavin break down the first matchup between the Knicks and Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns era, as KAT dominated his former team in his old arena. Plus, Mikal Bridges had his best all-around game as a Knick, the defense played as well as it has all season, Julius Randle was more than a little grumpy at the Knicks and his former teammates, and much more on today’s show!
Can Karl-Anthony Towns And The Knicks Knock Off Some Old Friends? With Locked On Wolves Ben Beecken
he New York Knicks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ transition to the Knicks taking center stage.
The boys are joined by Locked On Wolves Host Ben Beecken, to explore Julius Randle not yet being embraced in Minnesota, and Donte DiVincenzo’s ice-cold start before diving into the most surprising parts of Karl-Anthony Towns’ success with the Knicks.
