2021 has been an encouraging year for the New York Knicks. On pace to surpass 35 wins, the first time since the 2013-14 season, the Knicks have produced a formula of success that has led their team to a stout 29-27 record, with a playoff berth looking more and more inevitable as the season progresses.
At the forefront of this progress has been lights-out, defensive regiment implemented and directed by first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau. Currently sitting in first in points allowed (104.3) and opposing field goal percentage (44.2%), the Knicks have the best defense in the league and have upheld that exceptional defensive fortitude over the vast majority of the year (ESPN).