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 Midseason Report: Exceeding Expectations and Areas for Improvement
Jan 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As we hit the midpoint of the NBA season, the New York Knicks are in a promising position. With a 26-15 record, they are tied for fourth overall in the league and comfortably hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference. But what’s driving this success, and where can the team improve?
Karl-Anthony Towns: A Game-Changer
Alex Wolfe: So, Gavin, here we are at the midseason mark, and the Knicks are sitting pretty at 26-15. What do you think has been the biggest surprise so far?
Gavin Schall: Alex, I have to say, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a revelation. He’s second in the NBA in rebounds per game and leads all top 25 scorers in effective field goal percentage. Shooting 55% from the field, 44% from three, and 85% from the line while averaging 25 points per game, Towns has exceeded even the wildest expectations. His ability to dominate offensively has really set the tone for the Knicks this season.
Alex: Absolutely, his offensive prowess has been a game-changer for the team. And let’s not forget Jalen Brunson. He’s shown significant improvement, especially in his playmaking. Averaging a career-high 7.6 assists per game, Brunson has elevated his game beyond just scoring. His ability to read defenses and make the right pass has been crucial.
Gavin: Right, and the chemistry between Brunson and Towns in the pick-and-roll has been particularly impressive. They’ve quickly become one of the most effective combinations in the league. It’s like they’ve been playing together for years. And we can’t overlook Josh Hart. At just 6'4", he’s averaging 9.5 rebounds per game, ranking 18th in the league. That’s exceptional for his height and speaks volumes about his effort and tenacity.
Alex: Hart’s rebounding is definitely a standout. It’s rare to see someone his size dominate the boards like that. His hustle and determination are infectious, and they set a great example for the rest of the team.
Challenges Against Elite Teams
Alex: But it’s not all smooth sailing, is it? The Knicks have struggled against elite competition, failing to secure signature wins against top-tier opponents. That’s an area that needs improvement as the season progresses.
Gavin: Exactly, Alex. With upcoming games against powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks need to step up. Another concern is the lack of on-ball creation outside of Brunson. While Towns is a good passer, the team needs more players who can create advantages off the dribble. It’s crucial for the Knicks to develop more offensive threats to keep defenses honest.
Alex: And the play of the wings, particularly Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, has been inconsistent. They need to improve for the Knicks to reach their full potential. Consistency from the wings could be the key to unlocking the team’s success against tougher opponents.
Gavin: For sure. There’s a lot to look forward to and work on. The Knicks have shown they can compete, but to truly contend, they need to iron out these issues. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ midseason performance, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Mitchell Robinson’s potential return and impact
- Team chemistry issues and minutes management concerns
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
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.
NBA East Squad: Luka Doncic Shocking Trade, Jimmy Butler Rumors, and a Bulls Full Reset
In this episode of the Locked On NBA Eastern Conference Squad Show, hosts Sean Woodley, Tony East, Danny Cunningham, Wes Goldberg, and others discuss the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers. They analyze the Mavericks’ decision-making process and potential motivations behind the trade. The conversation shifts to Eastern Conference trade rumors, focusing on Jimmy Butler’s potential move from the Miami Heat. The panel explores possible destinations for Butler and speculates on other teams’ trade deadline strategies, including the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round where hosts predict player-team pairings for the upcoming trade deadline, offering insights into potential moves across the league.
Jalen Brunson ANNIHILATES The Houston Rockets In A Big New York Knicks Win
Gavin Schall is joined by Geoff Rasmussen the co-host of the fantastic Hot Hand Theory Podcast to discuss Jalen Brunson’s heroics in a thrilling Knicks win over the Houston Rockets. Gavin and Geoff dive deep into a lineup change that helped key Brunson’s electric final minutes, the health, play and long term plan for Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges propping up the Knicks with his two way play and a scintillating 1st half run for Ariel Hukporti.
OG Anunoby Seemingly Avoids Serious Injury... And LUKA IS A LAKER???
Alex and Gavin break down the weekend that was for the Knicks, which featured a let-down loss to the Lakers and an OG Anunoby injury scare -- luckily, one that seems to be more of the “sprain” variety than something more severe. But first, the guys need to talk about maybe the most shocking NBA trade of all time, with Luka Doncic going to the Lakers and Anthony Davis heading to the Mavericks.
