Knicks hold opponents to 104.2 points per game, ranking third in NBA

New York Knicks fans are seeing fewer points against their team this season. The franchise is allowing 104.2 points per game through the first three weeks of the 2026-27 campaign. That figure places the Knicks in third position in the National Basketball Association heading into Sunday’s slate of games.

The team’s defensive standing is influenced by its tempo. New York plays at the slowest pace in the league, which reduces the total number of possessions for both teams. Fewer possessions naturally limit the scoring opportunities available to opponents. This structural advantage contributes to the low points-allowed total.

When adjusting for pace, the Knicks rank seventh in defensive rating. This metric measures points allowed per 100 possessions. This position matches where the team finished the previous season. The difference lies in the timeline. Last year, New York spent the first three months of the season ranking 19th in defense. They did not reach a top-10 position until January 19.

In the final 43 games of the 2025-26 season, the Knicks climbed to second place in defense. This current season shows that improvement arriving much earlier. The team has already established a top-tier defensive standard without the late-season surge seen in the prior year.

Karl-Anthony Towns, a player frequently criticized for defensive effort in previous seasons, is performing at a high level. He cut weight during the summer and is playing with increased activity off the ball. His physical condition and commitment have changed his role on the court. He is no longer the weak link that opponents target in defensive schemes.

During Saturday’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Towns recorded 13 rebounds and two steals. One steal occurred in the late third quarter when he stripped Donovan Mitchell. Towns stepped into Mitchell’s driving lane after a screen. He established position and prevented the All-Star from splitting the two defenders. Mitchell fell to the court and lost the ball.

The turnover led to an assist by Towns for Landry Shamet. Shamet’s three-pointer capped a 25-12 run by New York that broke the game open. Towns credited his familiarity with Mitchell for his success in that moment. They played against each other in the Western Conference for five years.

Towns said the experience allowed him to anticipate Mitchell’s move. He noted that knowing how Mitchell finishes drives helped him position correctly. Towns stated that the goal is to avoid being the cause of an easy dunk. He emphasized that experience in the league helps players see offensive sets clearly and put teammates in the right spots.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised Towns’ basketball intelligence. Brown credited assistants Darren Erman and Brendan O’Connor for their defensive coaching. He said the pair teaches Towns the game at a high level. Brown noted that Towns’ coachability and feel for the game lead to the results the team is seeing now. Jalen Brunson also highlighted Towns’ willingness to do what is best for the team.

The Knicks have held opponents to 105 points or fewer in five of their last six games. They have won five of those same contests. The correlation between the team’s defensive output and its win total is direct. The numbers show a team that is limiting scoring and converting that limitation into victories.