5 Key Stats From New York Knicks’ Early-Season Play

Arguably the worst trait about last year's team was their defense. This year is no different. The Knicks rank 27th in the entire NBA in defensive efficiency, giving up 108.7 points per 100 possessions. Head coach Derek Fisher has made improving the defense a top priority, looking for more effort on that side of the court, and he said in the preseason he will end every practice with a defensive drill. So far, nothing seems to be working.

The offense is not much better. Their 91.1 points per game ranks second to last in the NBA to this point, while scoring 99 points per 100 possessions. It is obvious and natural for the Knicks to be struggling while learning the triangle offense, so expect this to increase slowly and steadily.

This is one category where the Knicks have improved in so far. Their 23 assists per game rank eighth in the league, just two behind the Boston Celtics for the league lead. Their assist ratio is 18.1, fourth best in the league. People seem to think there is no progression in the triangle offense, but this team is moving the ball way more than they have in the past couple of seasons. Heck, even 'Melo is averaging over four assists per game.

Anthony has not played well so far this season. His offensive rating of 97 is below the team average, and he is shooting just 39.1 percent from the field. His defensive rating is the 10th best on the team, and he is only grabbing 5.3 rebounds per game, almost three rebounds less than the career-high eight per game he averaged last season. Things will turn around for the superstar, but for now he is not doing so hot.

One of the biggest surprises of the early season has been the play of Iman Shumpert. He is shooting 57 percent from beyond the arc in the team's eight games. That is impressive, especially since he shoots 35 percent from outside for his career. Look for this number to come back down to earth, but hopefully he can keep it in the 40s for the season.