The Knicks are off to a blazing start this season, boasting the top offense in the NBA with an impressive 121.0 points per 100 possessions.
Dynamic Duo: Brunson and Towns
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been unstoppable, each scoring over 25 points per game with shooting percentages above 60%. Only two other duosโDurant and Curry, Bird and McHaleโhave matched such efficiency while scoring this much. Out of 30 duos who averaged over 25 points, Brunson-Towns ranks third in efficiency.
Interestingly, while they are the fourth highest-scoring duo in Knicks history, they are by far the most efficient. Here’s a look at some of the top Knicks duos:
1. Richie Guerin & Willie Naulls (1961-62): 54.5 PPG, .493 TS%
2. Brunson & Julius Randle (2023-24): 52.7 PPG, .581 TS%
3. Carmelo Anthony & Amar’e Stoudemire (2010-11): 51.6 PPG, .570 TS%
4. Brunson & Towns (2024-25): 50.3 PPG, .631 TS%
5. Randle & Brunson (2022-23): 49.1 PPG, .589 TS%
These two work so well together because they’re in sync on the court! Their pick-and-roll plays generate an impressive 1.314 points per possessionโbetter than even Davis-LeBron or Fox-Sabonis combos.
Brunson/KAT lethal pick'n roll!
— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNation)
The Secret Sauce: Pick-and-Pop Magic
Tom Haberstroh from Yahoo Sports shared insights on why this duo is so effective compared to past pairings like Brunson-Randle: “It’s all about the pick and pop,” he said about KAT-Brunson’s teamwork.
Towns isn’t just any big guy; he’s shooting an insane 45.2% from three-point range and nailing half his catch-and-shoot attempts! This makes defending him a nightmare for opponents trying to stop both him and Jalen’s crafty moves around screens.
Fans love seeing this kind of chemistry on the court!
Haberstroh also noted that their pick-and-pop plays yield a staggering average of 1.36 points per possessionโa true “pick your poison” scenario for defenses.
Knicks Gaining Momentum
Winning eight out of their last ten games shows that the Knicks are finding their rhythm after a slow start to the season! They’re set to face off against Charlotte Hornets next Thursday before taking on Detroit Pistons at home again Saturday
