I tried to explain when we hired D'Antoni that his teams just play at a different speed than any other teams in the league, so pure accumulative numbers could potentially be misleading (particularly pts for and against). What's surprising is how quickly they've adapted to the new style. They already rank no.1 in the league in Pace- which basically is a combined count of the teams offensive and defensive possesions- basically telling you how many set plays each team sees per game. Knicks are at 97.2- which is around 4 possesions above the median team in the league. It's also 6 possessions more than they averaged last year- quite a stark contrast and quite a quick transition.

But its not just that they are jacking up shots. They are a far more efficient offense- improving their effective FG from 47.1% to 51.4%- a pretty significant increase.

On the defensive end, their eFG against is similar if 0.5% worse- but the difference is the turnovers they are forcing, the more opportunities they are getting and the more efficient shooting has finally given them a slight advantage.

Good post as usual Des.

I think the thing that amazes me most (and forget the fact that the Knicks are playing so well) is what kind of coach D'antoni actually is. He has these players enjoying playing together and doing it so efficiently. I already get the feeling that most players would run through a brick wall for him. Of course all this translates into better play on the court, which leads to your post.

D'Antoni is the man.

nice info....

Posted by Andrew:

This is exactly what Isiah wanted in his quick offense. Its all coming together as planned.

It's funny, but it really is what Coach Isiah originally wanted to do, before GM Zeke messed him up. No really he just lacked the skills to make it work. He also didn't do what MDA did in moving to a more solid PG who fit the system. Steph may have been able to play for MDA, but his past actions that angered his teammates, sealed his fate.

If the Knicks keep playing this way and can graft in Jared I think they'll be pretty strong the rest of the way. As I said to start the year it's about Point Differential. As long as the Knicks can play at this pace but hold their oppenent down just enough they'll win a lot more games. They don't have to be great defensively, but just outpace their opponent and get them to shoot a lower FG% than they do. I know it sounds obvious, but Like MDA says, if he can get his team shooting higher % shots and at a pace that we want to play at, then teams who try to run with us but aren't used to playing this fast may end up losing the race.

WE BE DA RABBITS!!!

Official first in scoring and pace. When was the last time the Knicks lead the league in scoring?

Posted by JrZyHuStLa:

This only matters if it brings them a championship.

To me the most important stat is the point differential. Right now the Knicks are in the plus. Its a positive sign and that is the road to a championship its gonna be a long road. But it can be done maybe not this year but somewhere down the line it may happen. Baby steps.

Posted by Vmart:

To me the most important stat is the point differential.

to me the most important change is the fact u no longer see Marbury's name in the boxscore.

Posted by Andrew:

This is exactly what Isiah wanted in his quick offense. Its all coming together as planned.

Yup Isiah is a prophet indeed. He predicted we will be Phoenix east, so he started a fued with LB (Mr. crawl it up the court and play the right way) to get him to take a buyout. He knew D'Antoni's job would soon be in jeopardy, so Isiah put on one of the worse coaching jobs in franchise history and got himself fired, clearing the way for D'Antoni. All hail Isiah

Posted by knicks1248:

I see coach of the year..

Way too early.