Who Is The New York Knicks Most Impactful Player this season so far?
With the destruction of the Denver Nuggets it made me think about the Knicks most impactful player? So far to me it’s OG Anunoby who looks like a first time All Star.
The Knicks at 10-7: A Promising Start Amid Adversity
The New York Knicks have started the 2024-25 season with a strong 10-7 record, showcasing impressive offensive and defensive performances. Despite dealing with injuries to key players like Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, the team has managed to maintain its competitive edge. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Knicks have performed so far, the historic milestones they’ve achieved, and why OG Anunoby is emerging as their best player and a legitimate All-Star candidate.
Team Success Built on Efficiency
The Knicks’ record is a testament to their balanced approach, combining offensive firepower with disciplined ball movement and efficient scoring. Key team stats include:
• 4th in Points Per Game: 119.1
• 2nd in FG%: 50.4%
• 2nd in 3P%: 39%
• 6th in Assists Per Game: 28.6
• 3rd in Turnovers Per Game: 12.1
• 2nd in Offensive Rating
• 1st in Assist-to-Turnover Ratio
• 1st in True Shooting %
Ball movement has been a key driver of their offense. Against Denver, the Knicks tied a franchise record with 45 assists, with four players recording at least five assists.
Notably, the Knicks have recorded six games with 30+ assists this season. To put that in perspective, the entire first decade of the 2000s (820 games) featured just five such games. In games where they have 30+ assists and commit 10 or fewer turnovers, the Knicks have consistently come out on top.
A Historic Night vs. Denver
The Knicks’ recent 145-118 win over the Nuggets marked a first in team history. Three different players accomplished the following in the same game:
• 40+ points
• 30+ points and 10+ rebounds
• 20+ points and 10+ assists
This remarkable feat underscores the depth and versatility of the roster, even as the team navigates injuries. Now getting into some of the individual players let’s start with Mikal aka Midkal Bridges. He’s been pathetic this season so far. When you trade 5 first round picks for a guy the expectation in my opinion should be an allstar in return. Not another role player, and that’s exactly how Mikal is playing. I’m glad it’s him struggling instead of the other players because he’s the one guy on the team who I trust can figure it out.
Mikal Bridges’ first season under Tom Thibodeau has been a mixed bag, with the forward struggling to find consistency in certain aspects of his game. While his overall field goal percentage of 46.3% is respectable, his three-point shooting has been far below expectations, hitting a career-low 30% on the season. This is concerning for a player who takes 14.3 shots per game and is expected to space the floor effectively. His struggles from deep are even more glaring when broken down: he’s shooting just 30.5% on catch-and-shoot threes, 26.7% on pull-ups, and 26.1% on tightly contested attempts. Even on wide-open looks, Bridges is hitting only 38.2%, well below league averages for such opportunities.
Adding to his offensive woes, Bridges is also shooting a career-low 63.6% from the free-throw line while averaging under two attempts per game. His reluctance to attack the basket and draw fouls has been a limiting factor, as it prevents him from establishing rhythm and putting pressure on opposing defenses. To reach his potential, Bridges needs to shift his offensive focus from playing outside-in to inside-out. A more aggressive approach, where he prioritizes getting to the basket and operating in the midrange, could unlock his game.
Players like DeMar DeRozan and Shaun Livingston have thrived by mastering the art of playing downhill and scoring efficiently in the paint, a model Bridges could emulate.
If Bridges starts attacking the rim with more frequency, it could lead to an uptick in free-throw attempts and allow him to develop more confidence. This, in turn, might improve his three-point shooting as defenses collapse to protect the paint. His athleticism and length make him well-suited to finish through contact, and a commitment to driving to the basket could create opportunities for higher-percentage looks. Additionally, this inside-out approach could make him less predictable offensively, allowing him to exploit mismatches more effectively.
Defensively, Bridges hasn’t quite lived up to his reputation as a lockdown presence. His defensive rating of 119.0 and defensive field goal percentage of 43.7% are putrid and fall short of the elite standards he’s set in the past. Bridges is still adjusting to Thibodeau’s demanding defensive system, which requires discipline and communication. We Run a lot of drop back coverage so it’s up to Mikal and Karl Anthony Towns to communicate more. While Mikal length and versatility are valuable assets, his current form suggests that his offensive struggles may be impacting his focus and energy on the other end of the floor. If he can rediscover his shooting touch and confidence, his defensive performance will likely follow suit.
For the Knicks to maximize their potential, Bridges will need to step up in both scoring and defense. He has the tools to be a highly efficient scorer and a defensive anchor, but a clear change in approach is needed. By embracing a more aggressive offensive mindset and attacking the basket more often, Bridges could not only elevate his own game but also become a more impactful player for the team. Reclaiming his defensive intensity will be just as important, as his ability to shut down opposing scorers is one of the reasons the Knicks invested in him. If Bridges can make these adjustments, he has the potential to become the two-way force the Knicks envisioned.
Player Spotlights: OG Anunoby Leading the Way
OG Anunoby has established himself as the Knicks’ best player on both sides of the ball. His two-way impact, consistency, and historic efficiency make him a vital piece of the team’s success.
Defensive Dominance
Anunoby has been the team’s most reliable defender, regularly taking on the toughest assignments. Key defensive metrics include:
• Defensive FG%: 47.5% Can be way better
• Defensive Rating: 115.9
His ability to contest shots, guard multiple positions, and force turnovers has been invaluable, particularly with Mitchell Robinson sidelined.
Offensive Brilliance
Anunoby’s offensive efficiency is equally impressive, and his versatility allows him to excel both in the paint and from beyond the arc:
• 8th in the NBA in Total Paint FG Attempts: Shooting 64.8%
• 50.5% from the Field and 40% from Three
Over the Knicks’ last nine games, Anunoby has elevated his game even further:
• 23.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.9 3PTM, and 1.3 SPG
• Shooting 57.6% from the field, 45.6% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line.
Anunoby is on pace to join elite company. The only player in NBA history to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and average over 1.5 steals per game for a full season is Steph Curry during his unanimous MVP campaign in 2015-16.
Karl-Anthony Towns: Dominance in the Paint
Our other major trade pickup this summer was Karl-Anthony Towns aka Bog Bodega and he’s been a game-changer for the Knicks, delivering some of the best performances of his career. He has quickly become one of the most impactful players in franchise history:
• Fastest Knick to Reach 400 Points and 200 Rebounds
• Recent vs. Denver:
• 30 Points, 15 Rebounds, 12-15 FG (80%)
• The first Knick to post a 30/15 game on 80% shooting since Kurt Thomas in 2002.
Over the last 13 games, Towns has been dominant:
• 28.8 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, and 2.8 3PTM
• Shooting 55.4% from the field, 45.6% from three, and 82.4% from the free-throw line.
This stretch puts Towns in rarefied air. The last Knick to average at least 28 PPG, 13 RPG, and 55% FG over any 13-game span was Patrick Ewing in April 1990. Shoutouts to
for some of these Stats.Jalen Brunson’s Career Night
Jalen Brunson continues to prove why he is the heart of the Knicks’ offense. His ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball, and score efficiently makes him invaluable. Against Denver, Brunson delivered one of the best games of his career:
• 23 Points on 8-14 FG (57.1%)
• 4-5 from Three (80%)
• Career-High 17 Assists (Most by a Knick Since 2009)
Brunson became the first player in Knicks history to record such a stat line, further cementing his role as the team’s leader on the floor. Jalen Brunson also has the most 35 Points 10 Assist games in franchise history. Since I crashed out on Jalen Brunson on Twitter on November 7th after the horrific Atlanta Hawks loss he’s averaging 9.5 Assist per game I love that. Jalen Brunson in my opinion should be judged on what players he makes better around him not his individual stats or accolades. In his last 7 games his fewest assist total is 7 that’s great, using all the weapons he has around him.
Let’s not forget the ultimate hustle player in Josh Hart. Josh Hart has been a critical piece for the Knicks this season, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Through 17 games, Hart is averaging 13.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting an incredible 58.9% from the field. His efficiency inside the arc has been particularly impressive, as he leads the entire NBA in two-point shooting percentage at 76.8%.
Hart’s ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him invaluable to the Knicks’ system. His rebounding numbers are exceptional for a guard/wing, and his playmaking has added another layer to the team’s offense. Hart has also etched his name in Knicks history, ranking 5th in franchise history for triple-doubles—a testament to his all-around impact.
As the season progresses, Hart’s unique combination of hustle, efficiency, and versatility continues to elevate the Knicks, solidifying his role as one of their most reliable players.
Adversity with Injuries
The Knicks have been forced to adapt to injuries to key players like Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa. Robinson’s absence has been felt on the defensive end, where his rim protection and rebounding are critical. Achiuwa’s versatility and energy off the bench have also been missed. Despite these setbacks, the team has managed to remain competitive, with players like Anunoby and Towns stepping up to fill the void.
Looking Ahead
At 10-7, the Knicks have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league, even while battling injuries. With players like Anunoby, Towns, and Brunson leading the way, this team has the potential to continue climbing the standings. As the season progresses, their ability to maintain their efficiency and overcome adversity will be key to their success.
The foundation is strong, the stars are shining, and the Knicks are poised for a special season. Let’s continue with the good vibes and thanks reader once again for the support.
Peace and blessings
Knicks season so far looks like the Game Of Death movie and we still on the first floor fighting.