A New Era for the Knicks: The All-Star Duo
After years of searching, the New York Knicks have finally found two stars to build their future around: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Together, they form a potent one-two punch that has propelled the Knicks to new heights. The duo is currently second in scoring (50.8 points) among any tandem in the NBA, and both players were named as All-Star starters in the Eastern Conference. This is a significant milestone for the team, as it’s been half a century since New York had two All-Star starters, a feat accomplished by the legendary Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier in 1975.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Knicks have built an elite offense around Brunson and Towns, and the results are evident. The team ranks second in offensive efficiency, scoring 119.9 points per 100 possessions. This offensive prowess has been a major driving force behind the Knicks’ 36-18 record at the All-Star break, tied for the fourth-best mark in the NBA. Both All-Stars have put up jaw-dropping numbers this year. Towns, the versatile big man, wrapped up his pre-All-Star break performance with two consecutive 40-point games. He has already achieved five 40-plus point nights this season and ranks second in the NBA in rebounds, averaging an impressive 13.4 per game. Meanwhile, Brunson, the skilled guard, is ninth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 26.1 points, and has recorded at least 40 points on three different occasions, including a remarkable 55-point performance against the Washington Wizards in December.
Chemistry and Synergy
When the Knicks traded Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected 2025 first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Towns, it was clear that the combination of Brunson’s scoring ability and Towns’ perimeter shooting had the potential to be dynamic. The two stars have developed excellent chemistry, particularly in the pick-and-roll, which has given opponents fits. As SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley highlighted in December, the Brunson and Towns pick-and-roll is a significant asset for New York. Towns’ perimeter shooting opens up the court, providing more space for Brunson to attack one-on-one. However, Towns has been even more impactful when Brunson is on the bench. In 497 minutes with Towns on the floor and Brunson on the bench, the Knicks have outscored their opponents by 15.7 points per 100 possessions, according to PBP Stats. This demonstrates the depth and balance that the Knicks have achieved with their new lineup.
Defensive Challenges
Despite their offensive dominance, defense remains the central question for a Knicks team featuring Brunson and Towns as its stars. Neither player is a great individual defender. Brunson, standing at 6-foot-2 with a 6-foot-4 wingspan, has limited defensive capabilities and can only do so much on the defensive end. Towns, while adequate in some matchups, struggles with lateral movement and perimeter defense, which can create vulnerabilities for the team. The Knicks have attempted to mitigate these weaknesses by surrounding their stars with a strong nucleus of defenders. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart form a formidable trio on the wing, while rotation pieces like Precious Achiuwa and Miles McBride also contribute solid defensive efforts.
Defending the Elite
The Knicks’ defensive weaknesses have often been exposed on the largest stages, particularly against the elite teams in the NBA. Stars like Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have targeted Brunson or Towns in every pick-and-roll scenario. Other stars, such as Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young and Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, have similarly exploited these defensive matchups by involving Brunson and Towns’ assignments as screeners. Both players have struggled under the constant pressure of being picked on, a problem that is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. If the Knicks face an elite pick-and-roll player in the postseason, they will need to find a strategic solution to counter these challenges.
A Promising Future
Despite the defensive concerns, the combination of Brunson and Towns has gotten off to a strong start in Year 1. There is still room for improvement, and the Knicks are poised to remain in contention for the next few years, given the long-term deals signed by both players. The addition of Mitchell Robinson, who is yet to play this season but is a strong rim protector and defensive rebounder, could further bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. For now, the Knicks are riding high on the offensive brilliance of their All-Star duo and the hope that their defensive strategies will evolve to meet the challenges ahead. With a solid foundation and a promising future, Knicks fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects in the coming years.
