Knicks at the All-Star Break: Where They Stand

Best first half in over 25 years, so why doesn't it feel that way?

At 36-18, the Knicks are off to their best start at the All-Star break since 1997, boasting one of the league’s top records and the second-best offense in the NBA.

Yet, despite their success, uncertainty remains. Questions linger about just how far the Knicks can go.

Defense remains the Knicks’ biggest concern, as they rank 18th in the NBA on that end of the floor. Their two best players, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, can be defensive liabilities—an issue that elite teams will undoubtedly look to exploit come playoff time.

The Knicks are 0-5 against Boston, Cleveland, and OKC, with Boston alone outscoring them by a combined 50 points in two matchups. Against the top eight teams in the East, they have a losing record, raising concerns about their ability to compete with the league’s elite.

Brunson’s biggest challenge is his lack of size, which Boston has repeatedly exploited by targeting him in mismatches.

Karl-Anthony Towns also struggles defensively and is vulnerable in pick-and-…