The New York Knicks have been on a remarkable winning streak, having won seven consecutive playoff games, a franchise record, by a combined 185 points, an NBA record. This transformation has been particularly notable in the play of Karl-Anthony Towns, who has become a key facilitator in the team's offense. Since the Knicks' loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, they have rejigged their strategy, with Towns taking on a more prominent role as a passer and facilitator. This shift has seen him average 11.0 assists per 36 minutes during the winning streak, a remarkable statistic that surpasses even the single-season record held by Nikola Jokić. The Knicks' success is not just about Towns' passing; it's also about the team's commitment to screening and defense. Jalen Brunson, the point guard, has emerged as a key screener, laying 12.3 off-ball screens per 100 possessions during the winning streak, a significant increase from his regular-season average. This has opened up lanes for Towns and the rest of the team, allowing them to run effective plays and score efficiently. The Knicks' defense has also been a key factor in their success, with Mikal Bridges emerging as a dominant off-ball defender. He has been particularly effective against smaller, quicker point guards, such as Tyrese Maxey, who averaged less than a point every other minute against the Knicks. The Knicks' ability to force shot-clock violations and disrupt the opposition's offense has been a significant factor in their success. Overall, the Knicks' transformation has been a result of a more balanced approach to the game, with a strong emphasis on both offense and defense. This has allowed them to become a formidable force in the NBA playoffs, with a strong chance of making a deep run.
