Knicks are doing something no other Eastern Conference contender is

Dec 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesFor all the hemming and hawing over the New York Knicks’ place among the NBA’s contenders, they are quietly, somewhat stunningly, exceeding expectations when playing against top-10 defenses, and versus top-10 offenses.

New York enters the All-Star break with the league’s third-best offense when facing a top-10 defense. That is great, but not totally surprising. The Knicks, however, rank seventh in defense when going up against top-10…