Defensive Chaos to Transition Thunder: A Blueprint in Motion
In one pivotal Game 6 moment against the Pistons, the Knicks put their grand plan on full display. Tobias Harris drove baseline. Mikal Bridges hounded him. OG Anunoby erased the dunk attempt. Josh Hart fired a hit-ahead to Bridges, who soared for a lefty slam over Cade Cunningham.
That sequence encapsulated why the Knicks paid a premium: five first-round picks for Bridges. A $212 million deal for Anunoby. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley sent to Toronto. These were defensive bets with a vision — flank Jalen Brunson with two stoppers who could also stretch the floor.
Now, with New York one win from its first conference finals in 25 years, the vision is close to reality — but fragile after a Game 5 collapse.
Early Adjustments, Early Struggles
Tom Thibodeau thrust Bridges into a grinding defensive role — facing more on-ball screens than any player in the NBA. Combine that with the adjustment to Karl-Anthony Towns as the team’s new rim protector, and New York’s defense took a hit.
By November, the Knicks had dropped to 21st in defensive efficiency. Bridges’ offensive game suffered too — just six free throws in 16 games during one stretch. But he never wavered, delivering signature moments: a 41-point outburst vs. the Spurs, late-game blocks, and relentless effort.
Meanwhile, Anunoby clicked instantly. His role was clear. His defense was sharp. His offense — timely.
Brunson’s Injury Forced a Shift
When Jalen Brunson went down with a sprained ankle, everything changed. The Knicks handed the offense to Bridges and Anunoby — and the duo delivered.
Bridges upped his scoring to 20.5 PPG, becoming one of the league’s most efficient midrange shooters. Anunoby surged to nearly 23 PPG, attacking off the dribble with confidence.
“Sometimes your number’s not called. But when it is, [OG] rises to the occasion,” said Josh Hart.
Clutch Defense: The Knicks’ Calling Card
Thibodeau’s philosophy rests on defense — and his wings are making it work. Against Boston, in 14 clutch minutes through five games, the Celtics shot 3-of-23. Just 1-of-11 from deep. New York’s switching, scrambling, and recovery were flawless.
“They can guard 2 through 4, switch everything, help and recover — it allows us to be far more aggressive,” Thibodeau said.
But it only works if shots fall. In Game 5, Anunoby and Bridges shot a combined 5-of-26. Boston hit 22 threes. Brunson and Towns couldn’t carry the entire weight.
Win Now — Or Reignite the Doubt
The cost of New York’s two-way bet is well known. But if Game 6 ends in triumph, no one will care about the price. If Bridges and Anunoby do what they were brought in to do — defend, stretch the floor, and finish in transition — New York can stake a claim as a legitimate title contender.
But if they falter again? The questions return.
Friday night is a referendum — on the roster, the plan, and the belief that defense can carry a modern playoff offense. One more win, and history opens its door. One more loss, and the gamble might just come up short.
