Knicks Plummet to Shocking 25th in Power Rankings – What's Behind This Disastrous Slide?

The New York Knicks are riding high with three consecutive victories, positioning themselves at No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings, just behind the Detroit Pistons. This recent surge has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, but the team has received a mixed review in the latest NBA.com power rankings, where they slipped from No. 6 to No. 7 as reported by writer John Schuhmann.

Notably, the Knicks welcomed back OG Anunoby after a nine-game absence, contributing significantly to their current success. In fact, the Knicks have won seven of their last eight games, including their first victory against the Orlando Magic this season. Schuhmann highlighted this achievement, stating, "The Knicks got OG Anunoby back... and they’ve won seven of their last eight games, picking up their first win (in three tries) against the Magic on Sunday afternoon."

The Knicks' first encounter with the Toronto Raptors was a commanding 22-point victory. This matchup remains critical, as their second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Toronto, with the stakes raised due to its implications for a trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals.

A key factor in the Knicks' winning streak has been their aggressive start in games. Over the past four matches, they have outscored opponents by more than 10 points in the first quarter, including a staggering 23-0 lead against the Jazz, marking the largest lead built by any team before its opponent scored in the last 30 seasons. Schuhmann noted, "The Knicks won the first quarter by more than 10 points in four straight games...". Despite only winning the first quarter in 12 of their 23 games, they rank as the league's second-best first-quarter team, boasting a plus-16.2 points per 100 possessions.

With Anunoby back in action, the Knicks are bolstered by one of the league's top wing defenders. However, they are not without their challenges, as Karl-Anthony Towns is currently sidelined due to a calf injury, and backup guard Miles McBride is also dealing with an ankle injury. Nonetheless, the depth of the Knicks' roster is proving beneficial during this stretch, allowing them to navigate injuries more effectively.

As the Knicks prepare to face the Raptors, this upcoming game will serve as an opportunity to not only solidify their position in the standings but also to showcase their growth and resilience on a national stage. Fans will be keenly watching to see if the team can maintain its momentum and capitalize on the advantages offered by their strengthened lineup.

For the latest news, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis of the Knicks, be sure to bookmark Knicks on SI, where coverage goes beyond the court to provide fans with a comprehensive view of the team and its journey this season.