Knicks Take a Surprising Hit in Power Rankings Despite Strong Start and Anunoby’s Return
The New York Knicks are riding high on a three-game winning streak, currently perched at No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings, just behind the Detroit Pistons. Yet, in a puzzling twist, their position in the weekly power rankings has dipped, as noted by NBA.com writer John Schuhmann, who has them ranked seventh, down from sixth last week.
Anunoby’s Impact and Recent Success
The return of OG Anunoby, who had been sidelined for nine games, has been a significant boost for the Knicks. His presence was felt immediately, contributing to the team’s impressive run, which includes winning seven of their last eight games. Schuhmann highlighted their recent victory against the Orlando Magic, marking their first win in three tries against the team.
“The Knicks’ first meeting with the Raptors—a commanding 22-point win eight days ago—was the only instance in which they held their opponent under a point per possession,” Schuhmann noted. The Knicks are set to face the Raptors again on Tuesday, with a potential trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals on the line.
First-Quarter Dominance
A key factor in the Knicks’ success has been their formidable starting lineup. Throughout the season, they’ve demonstrated an ability to jump out to early leads, forcing opponents into catch-up mode. Schuhmann pointed out that the Knicks have won the first quarter by more than 10 points in four consecutive games. Notably, their 23-0 lead over the Jazz on Friday stands as the largest lead built by any team before the opponent scored in the past 30 seasons, according to available play-by-play data.
Despite only winning the first quarter in 12 of their 23 games, the Knicks still rank as the league’s second-best first-quarter team, boasting an impressive plus-16.2 points per 100 possessions thanks to their ability to achieve double-digit margins eight times.
Injury Concerns and Depth
While the Knicks celebrate Anunoby’s return, they are also facing challenges with injuries on their roster. Karl-Anthony Towns is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and backup guard Miles McBride is dealing with an ankle issue. Fortunately for the Knicks, their depth has proven resilient, allowing them to navigate these setbacks effectively during this crucial stretch of games.
As they gear up for the pivotal matchup against the Raptors, the Knicks have a prime opportunity to showcase their capabilities on a national stage. With aspirations of solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the league, this game could be a defining moment in their season.
In the midst of this competitive landscape, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the Knicks respond, particularly with the NBA Cup semifinals looming. The organization continues to build momentum, and the coming days could reveal just how far this team can go.
