Knicks Offense Detonates in Denver

New York has leapfrogged the Celtics and currently ranks second in the NBA in Offensive Rating. The Knicks also lead the NBA in assist percentage (20.6%) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.36).

Final Score: Knicks 145 - Nuggets 118
Record: 10-7

After arguably their worst first half of the season Saturday in Utah, the Knicks responded with arguably their most impressive half Monday vs. the Nuggets. 

New York came out focused, playing with far more effort and attention to detail. They cleaned up many defensive mistakes that have plagued them in recent losses. Offensively, NY started the game on fire and never took their foot off the gas. 

In a record-shattering performance, the Knicks sent a message to the rest of the NBA: When New York is locked in, they can flat-out embarrass any team in the league. 

If I had told you before the tip that the 'Bockers would pour in a season-high 145 points, you'd have likely guessed that KAT or Brunson would have led the way with a monster night. Instead, it was OG Anunoby who paced the Knicks, scoring a career-high 40 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, one block, and five 3-pointers.

There have been plenty of highlights and pleasant surprises from New York this season, but arguably, the most encouraging takeaway from the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign has been the emergence of Anunoby into one of the game's genuinely elite two-way stars.   

Over the Knicks' last nine games, OG is averaging 23.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 made three-pointers and 1.3 steals while shooting a blistering 57.6% from the floor, 45.6% from downtown and 85% from the free-throw stripe. 

We know he can dominate defensively, but OG's efficiency on the offensive end this season has been mind-boggling. Consider this: Among all players in the NBA who have attempted 100+ three-pointers thus far this season, OG is the ONLY player in the league shooting above 50% from the floor, above 40% from 3PT range, above 60% on two-point FG's and above 80% from the FT line.

Per Basketball Reference, Anunoby is just the third player in NBA history to average more than 2.5 made three-pointers and five rebounds while slashing at least 52/42/82% over the first 17 games of an NBA season. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are the other players in this elite club.

It's important to remember that OG just turned 27 this past summer. He's played fewer than 500 games in his career and is just now entering his prime. What's the ceiling for this 3-and-D Demon??

Yet, Anunoby isn't the only Knick playing the best ball of his career and making a case for an All-Star nod.