In my opinion, there are 3 statistics that stand out when looking at a box score. Nine times out of ten the team that wins in these stat categories end up with the victory. So what are the 3 most important stats in basketball?
Currently, the Knicks stand at 7th in the Eastern Conference with a 6-7 record. Here's how they stack up against the top teams in the East in my 3 most important stat categories:
Opposing Field Goal Percentage - The Knicks are shooting 42% from the field so far this season, but they allow opponents to shoot 46%. The only other team in the top 8 that allows their opponents to shoot better from the field than they do is the 8th seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rebounding Differential - The Knicks average 40.54 rebounds per game (rpg) while their opponents grab 42.92 rpg. That's a -2.38 differential. The only other team in the top 8 that allows their opponents to grab more rebounds than they do is the 2nd seeded Philadelphia 76ers with a mere -.46 rebound differential.
Turnover Differential - The Knicks are 12th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference with a -1.76 turnover differential. Oddly enough, the teams behind the Knicks in this category are the Heat, Hawks, and Sixers. The 6th, 5th, and 2nd ranked teams in the East respectively.
As you can see, the Knicks are nowhere near where they need to be if they want to be considered a viable threat in the Eastern Conference. Another thing the Knicks need to improve in is protecting their home court. The Knicks are 3-3 at home this season. The top 6 teams in the East are a combined 32-3 at home this season.
Just wanted to highlight some glaring issues the Knicks need to quickly improve upon and ultimately resolve. I'll be watching specifically for these stats for the rest of the season. Hopefully, we will get better. Knicks for life!