The New York Knicks‘ 2025/26 season has moved through multiple stages, yet their ability to remain a legitimate contender despite those shifts has been one of the team’s most encouraging developments, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Bondy points to several possible highlights so far. The NBA Cup victory stands out, even though it was followed by the team’s roughest stretch of the season.
He also notes the Knicks’ increased reliance on three-point shooting, as they now lead the league in both corner threes attempted and made after ranking 11th in those categories last year.
Ultimately, Bondy views the defensive turnaround as the defining story.
After ranking 18th defensively through 43 games, the Knicks intensified their play and became the NBA’s top defense from January 20 through the All-Star break, climbing to 11th overall on the season.
He credits assistant coach Darren Erman for adjusting the defensive scheme to push opponents toward the sidelines and baselines rather than allowing action through the middle.
The return of Landry Shamet and the addition of Jose Alvarado improved point-of-attack defense, while the signing of Jeremy Sochan adds another versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
Bondy concludes that the second half will be a success if the Knicks secure the No. 2 seed.
They currently trail the Celtics by a half-game, and although catching the first-place Pistons appears unlikely, earning home-court advantage for the first two playoff rounds could position them well for a deep playoff run.
Knicks Notes: Defense, Schedule, Warren, All-Star Game https://t.co/j4abcwmKsF pic.twitter.com/cuO4bkM48z
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 17, 2026
