Knicks secret weapon for hiding Towns flaws may already be on the roster

Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong first season with the New York Knicks, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors due to his offensive contributions, though his defensive performance was identified as an area of weakness. To address this, the team found that pairing him with Mitchell Robinson significantly improved their defensive efficiency.

During the Eastern Conference Finals, lineups featuring both Towns and Robinson recorded a defensive rating of 108, outperforming configurations where either big man played alone or when neither was on the court. This strategic adjustment proved effective in bolstering the team’s defense during critical games.

A key advantage of this partnership is that it allows Towns to guard opposing wings rather than centers. This is beneficial because wings are generally used less frequently as screeners, reducing Towns’ exposure to pick-and-roll situations where he has struggled. Data from the previous season showed that Towns allowed 1.031 points per direct play when guarding screeners, while Robinson was more effective, allowing only 0.89 points per direct.

Robinson’s presence not only elevates the team’s rim protection and perimeter switching but also helps Towns avoid foul trouble, an issue that has previously limited his effectiveness. Overall, the Knicks’ defense performed noticeably better in the playoffs when Robinson was on the floor.

This lineup also enhances the performance of other defenders on the team, such as Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. With Robinson serving as a reliable rim protector, players like Anunoby can take more risks in passing lanes without compromising defensive stability, thereby raising the team’s collective defensive ceiling.