Knicks Modern Front Court

The Knicks’ front court had a modern new look this season with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns sharing the floor for their first full year together. Let’s look into their impact.

In today’s NBA, teams are moving away from the traditional power forward and center front court in favor of lineups built around three wings, one center, and one guard — prioritizing switchability, spacing, and versatility. The Knicks followed that trend this season, rolling out a modern front court of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The result? A 51-31 record and the franchise’s first back-to-back 50-win seasons since 1995. The new-look front court showed real promise — but it also left fans wondering how much better it could’ve been. Especially me, but that’s a story for another day.

This season, the Knicks established a clear identity built on efficient offense and disciplined defense. Offensively, they ranked ninth in points per game (115.8), seventh in field goals made (43.3), and fifth in both field goal percentage (48.6%) and free throw percentage (80%), showcasing their ability to score efficiently from all areas of the floor. They also ranked eighth in three-point shooting at 36.9%, proving their spacing and shot selection were strengths. With 27.5 assists per game (11th) and only 13.3 turnovers per game (5th fewest), the Knicks played a controlled and unselfish style of basketball. Defensively, they were physical and opportunistic, ranking 13th in steals (8.2), 12th in defensive rebounding percentage (71%), and ninth in opponent points per game (111.7). They limited second-chance opportunities (4th in opponent second-chance points) and minimized damage off turnovers (3rd in opponent points off turnovers). Their +4.1 net rating (8th overall) reflected their balanced approach on both ends. Altogether, these stats paint a picture of a team that played smart, physical, and efficient basketball, embracing a modern identity focused on versatility, toughness, and execution.

Before I discuss the individual players on our new starting front court regular season impact, let’s talk about the pairing stats with OG, Mikal, and Kat. According to Data Ball here’s the numbers:

The Knicks’ new frontcourt trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby gave the team a modern, flexible look this season. When all three shared the floor, they played 1,307 total minutes together. That lineup had a strong 120.2 offensive rating and a 116.0 defensive rating, resulting in a solid +4.1 net rating. This means that while they gave up points at times, they still outscored opponents overall. The balance of spacing from Towns, perimeter defense from OG, and two-way impact from Bridges made them a reliable core unit.

The most successful pairing in the frontcourt came from Towns and Bridges. In 475 minutes together, that duo produced a 125.5 offensive rating and a 113.2 defensive rating — good for a +12.3 net rating. That’s elite-level efficiency and shows how well they complement each other. Other combinations like Towns and Anunoby (+12.1 net rating in 288 minutes) and OG with Bridges (+4.4 net rating in 640 minutes) also performed well, giving the Knicks options depending on matchups and rotations.

However, when none of the three were on the floor, the Knicks struggled. In just 111 minutes without Towns, Bridges, or OG, the team’s offensive rating dropped to 111.5 while the defense allowed 115.2 points per 100 possessions, resulting in a -3.8 net rating. That gap proves how important at least one of these players is to maintaining balance on both ends. Moving forward, it’s clear that keeping one of the three on the court at all times is key to the Knicks’ success, especially in high-stakes playoff moments.

Let’s start off with Karl Anthony Towns aka Big Bodega aka Kat aka Big Purr. Karl-Anthony Towns had an incredible first season as a New York Knick in 2024–25. He was named an All-Star starter and earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Towns set the record for the most three-pointers made by a center in Knicks history. He also finished second in the NBA in rebounds per game and ranked ninth in points in the paint. His 58 double-doubles were the third-most in a single season in franchise history, behind only Patrick Ewing and David Lee. Towns played the most games he has in a season since 2021–22 and had the most 30-point, 10-rebound games by a Knick since Ewing in 1995.

Statistically, Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He added 1.0 steal and 0.7 blocks while holding opponents to 50.9 percent shooting when he defended. The Knicks were +5.3 when Towns was on the floor. He shot 52.6 percent from the field, 82.9 percent from the free-throw line, and 42 percent from three. On catch-and-shoot threes, he shot 46.2 percent. He also shot 36.4 percent from the corners and 42.9 percent from above the break. My biggest grip with old ass Thibs on this season is Karl Anthony Towns 3 Point Attempts, this season was the lowest of his career in attempts per game despite shooting 42% from 3.

Towns showed strong finishing ability across different shot types. He made 50 of 63 cuts (79.4%), 75 of 85 dunks (88.2%), and 58 of 73 putbacks (79.5%). He converted 12 of 15 reverse layups (80.0%), 21 of 31 transition shots (67.7%), and 33 of 51 finger rolls (64.7%). His layups went in at 60.8 percent (270 of 444), and he made 21 of 39 bank shots (53.8%). On drives, he shot 53.1 percent (221 of 416), and on hook shots, he went 57 for 105 (54.3%). Floaters were less efficient at 42.7 percent (56 of 131), and jumpers dropped to 37.7 percent (77 of 204). Fadeaways were at 26.8 percent (11 of 41), while turnarounds came in at 48.4 percent (44 of 91). He made 26 of 44 tip shots (59.1%), 2 of 3 pull-ups (66.7%), and missed all four step-back attempts.

For the playoffs, coach Tom Thibodeau needs to take advantage of specific five-man lineups featuring Towns. One top group includes Towns, Cameron Payne, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride. In 45 minutes together, they have a +40.7 net rating, with an offensive rating of 32.9 and a defensive rating of 7.8. Another strong lineup is Towns, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and McBride, which has a +40.4 net rating across 79 minutes, with a 22.6 offensive rating and a 17.8 defensive rating.

A third lineup to unleash is Towns, Payne, Hart, Bridges, and McBride. They hold a +33.2 net rating over 67 minutes, with a 23.9 offensive rating and 9.3 defensive rating. A fourth group — Towns, Payne, Anunoby, Hart, and Bridges — comes in at +17.6 in 81 minutes, with a 9.9 offensive and 7.7 defensive rating. Lastly, the unit of Towns, Hart, Bridges, Brunson, and McBride has a +12.2 net rating across 56 minutes, posting a 15.8 offensive rating and a -3.5 defensive rating. Thibodeau should prioritize these combinations to maximize Towns’ impact and give the Knicks their best shot at a deep playoff run.

Next up is everybody’s favorite Knick Og Anunoby aka Paperman. OG Anunoby had a strong first full season with the New York Knicks, helping the team finish with a 51-31 record. Although in my opinion, when you give a guy 200+ million dollars he has to become an allstar, OG still played well. He played in 74 games, the most he’s played since his rookie year, and was ninth in the NBA in dunks made with over 120 dunks—showing off his athleticism and bounce. The reason why I nicknamed OG Anunoby Paperman to begin with is because he just was never healthy. He’s trying to beat the allegations.

OG Anunoby averaged 18 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting from the field and 81 percent from the free-throw line. He also contributed 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. His on-court impact was clear, as he finished the season with a +4.1 plus-minus. I wish he averaged more than 18 points per game, I know it’s possible and he has the ability it’s just Thibs is the coach, the ball will be in Brunson hands.

From three-point range, Anunoby shot 37.2 percent overall. He knocked down 39.3 percent of his shots from the left corner and 37.9 percent from the right. From above the break, he shot 37.3 percent, and he was excellent in transition, hitting 43.8 percent of his threes in those situations. On pull-up threes, he connected at a solid 34.8 percent clip. Defensively, Anunoby continued to be a standout, holding opponents to just 44.8 percent shooting.

OG Anunoby’s 2024–25 shot profile shows why he’s one of the NBA’s most valuable 3-and-D wings. Offensively, he was dominant around the rim and highly efficient without needing the ball in his hands all the time. He shot an outstanding 91.5 percent on dunks (130-for-142) and 84.4 percent on cuts (54-for-64), which shows his ability to find space and finish efficiently when moving without the ball. He also made 81.2 percent of his finger rolls and 66.7 percent of his bank shots, proving his touch around the rim. In transition, he converted 72.9 percent of his shots, showing how valuable he is when the Knicks push the pace. While his layup percentage was lower at 48.2 percent, his overall paint scoring was still elite thanks to his athleticism, timing, and off-ball movement.

From the perimeter, Anunoby fits the 3-and-D role perfectly. He shot 37.2 percent from three overall, but especially excelled from the corners—39.3 percent from the left and 37.9 percent from the right. His strength as a catch-and-shoot threat (37.9 percent) pairs well with his cutting and driving game, making him hard to predict and defend. While his pull-ups (39.3 percent) were solid, his step-backs (19.4 percent) and fadeaways (31.0 percent) were much less effective, showing that he’s at his best playing within the flow of the offense rather than isolating. Anunoby’s combination of strong corner shooting and elite rim efficiency makes him a dangerous offensive weapon, especially when surrounded by playmakers. Add in his top-tier defense, and it’s clear why he’s one of the best two-way wings in the league.

Speaking of defense, OG Anunoby posted a defensive rating of 112.3 and added a 2.0 steal percentage and 2.2 block percentage. His crafted defensive plus-minus was 1.4.

Anunoby also made his mark defensively by shutting down some of the league’s top stars. Against Jayson Tatum, he held him to 4-of-16 shooting (25 percent) over 19.5 minutes of direct defense, including just 3-of-12 from three. When guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo for 16 minutes, Giannis shot only 8-of-23 (34.8 percent) and missed all four three-point attempts. Anunoby also held Pascal Siakam to just 5-of-14 shooting (35.7 percent) in nearly 14 and a half minutes, including 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Across all these matchups, Anunoby not only disrupted scoring but also limited playmaking by forcing turnovers and reducing assists. Knicks will probably have to play 1 of these 3 guys in the playoffs so I believe those numbers are important.

Now onto lineups OG excelled in during the regular season. OG Anunoby has thrived in several key five-man lineups this season, and these should be a major part of the Knicks’ playoff rotation. One of the most effective units features Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride. In 79 minutes together, they have a +40.4 net rating, with an outstanding 137.7 offensive rating and a strong 97.2 defensive rating. Another elite group includes Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Brunson, McBride, and Jericho Sims. Though used only for 60 minutes, this lineup posted a 125.0 offensive rating and a 93.5 defensive rating for a +31.5 net rating. A third unit that could be very effective in the playoffs includes Towns, Cameron Payne, Anunoby, Hart, and Bridges. In 81 minutes, that lineup has a +17.6 net rating with a solid 125.0 offensive rating and a 107.4 defensive rating.

Another group to watch is Anunoby, Bridges, Brunson, Precious Achiuwa, and McBride, which has played 64 minutes with a 113.0 offensive rating, a 105.4 defensive rating, and a +7.6 net. There is also a more balanced lineup of Towns, Anunoby, Hart, Bridges, and McBride that has played 167 minutes, posting a 117.5 offensive rating, a 112.5 defensive rating, and a +5.1 net rating. The most-used lineup with Anunoby this season includes Towns, Hart, Bridges, and Brunson alongside him. This group has logged 843 minutes with a 118.8 offensive rating and a 117.1 defensive rating, resulting in a +1.6 net rating. In the playoffs, Tom Thibodeau should lean into these combinations that surround Anunoby with defenders and playmakers, maximizing his two-way impact while giving the Knicks versatility and toughness on both ends.

Now let’s but not least the 3rd member of the Knicks new front court and first year as a Knick Mikal Bridges. After the Knicks traded five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges last summer, I expected a bigger impact in his first season. While the team finished 51-31, Bridges’ performance was a bit underwhelming compared to what I hoped for. I can’t lie I wanted Mikal Bridges, I was all in with that trade, I hoped for Thibs to make him a focal point of the offense, my blind faith in Thibs changing his ways failed me yet again. Mikal averaged 17.6 points on 14.4 shot attempts per game, shooting 50 percent from the field, which is efficient, but not quite the scoring leap I wanted to see. He added 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. From three-point range, he shot 35.4 percent overall, with strong percentages in catch-and-shoot situations (37.2 percent) and from the corners—especially the right corner, where he shot 45.8 percent. Defensively, he held his own, and he played in all 82 games, continuing his iron-man streak to 556 straight.

Looking at the lineups he was part of, Bridges still made an impact in specific combinations. The best five-man unit featuring him—Towns, Payne, Hart, Bridges, and McBride—had a +33.2 net rating in 67 minutes, with excellent balance on both ends. Another solid lineup with Towns, Payne, Anunoby, Hart, and Bridges posted a +17.6 net rating in 81 minutes. But in some lineups, the offense didn’t flow as well, like when he played with Anunoby, Brunson, Achiuwa, and McBride, where the unit had a -2.1 offensive rating but still managed a positive net due to solid defense. Overall, maybe I’m being too harsh on Bridges, especially given the pressure of the trade, but with how much was given up, I expected more standout performances and a stronger presence in the biggest moments. His biggest moment this season is a game winner vs Portland that nobody gave a rats ass about.

What I did love about Mikal Bridges is his steadiness, he doesn’t take bad shots, elite from midrange especially on Jumpers (my favorite basketball shot), and doesn’t hog the basketball. I’m ok with my Knick players being boring and efficient what I’m not ok is that coming from a guy we paid 5 1st for, I need some zing, some zang, some boom. Bridges is one of the most efficient midrange and paint scorers in the NBA this season, shooting an elite 59.6 percent from two-point range. His touch around the basket is exceptional—he converted 28 of 30 dunks (93.3%), 159 of 228 layups (69.7%), and 32 of 39 finger rolls (82.1%). On cuts, he scored on 57 of 68 attempts (83.8%), and in transition, he finished 67 of 87 plays (77%). His floaters (62.3%), reverses (65.2%), and bank shots (59.3%) also highlight his versatility as a finisher. Where he really separates himself is the midrange area, particularly with his jump shooting. Bridges hit 202 of 397 midrange jumpers (50.9%), 89 of 187 fadeaways (47.6%), 58 of 121 pull-ups (47.9%), and 37 of 60 turnarounds (61.7%). He even knocked down 10 of 24 step-backs (41.7%).

Bridges should continue to lean into this strength, especially in the playoffs, where defenses often take away easy perimeter looks and force teams into tough, contested shots. Having a reliable midrange scorer like Bridges becomes crucial in half-court settings when the pace slows and every possession matters. His ability to create and convert in the midrange can be a release valve when the offense stalls, giving the Knicks a dependable shot-maker outside of Jalen Brunson. With this level of efficiency, Bridges ranks as one of the top seven midrange shooters in the league, and the Knicks need to take full advantage of it when the postseason begins.

Now defensively, Mikal Bridges held opponents to 46.4% shooting as the primary defender and recorded a 1.2% steal percentage. These numbers reflect his discipline and ability to stay in front of his man without gambling. In matchups against potential playoff opponents, Bridges showcased his value as a versatile defender who can take on multiple roles. Against Trae Young over five games, he spent 30 minutes and 25 seconds matched up with him, holding Young to 29.8% from the field and 35% from three while forcing 8 turnovers and allowing 19 assists. He guarded Cade Cunningham in four games for 21:05 of matchup time, limiting him to 38.1% shooting (though Cunningham hit 60% of his threes), with just 2 turnovers and 12 assists. Coby White scored only 12 points in 19:05 of matchup time while shooting 28.6% from the field and 40% from deep, adding 4 assists and 1 turnover.

Bridges also made life difficult for Tyrese Haliburton, who shot 50% from the field but just 16.7% from three in 18:26 of matchup time, with 12 assists and only 1 turnover. Darius Garland, in four games, scored 32 points on 59% shooting and 40% from three in 16:34, but only had 3 turnovers. The one player who gave Bridges trouble was Jayson Tatum, who scored 35 points on 68% shooting and 57.1% from three in 18:38, though Tatum is a matchup nightmare for almost anyone. Still, Bridges’ ability to guard lead guards and wings while forcing low efficiency from most of them shows his defensive importance. He doesn’t need high steal totals to make an impact—his effectiveness lies in contesting shots, keeping scorers in check, and making opposing offenses work harder.

Thank you for reading another edition of State’s article, and shoutout to all the loyal Knicks fans who’ve been riding with this team through every high and low. As we celebrate another postseason berth—our fourth in the last five years—it’s only right we give credit to the modern frontcourt that helped make it happen. With OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges locking down wings and creating chaos on both ends, and Karl-Anthony Towns bringing scoring versatility, this trio has redefined what a Knicks frontcourt can be in today’s NBA. Their blend of size, switchability, and skill is the backbone of this new era, and it’s finally translating into sustained playoff basketball. Let’s keep this momentum rolling.