The first 12 games of a new season have been eventful for the Knicks. 

A new head coach, a high octane offense, and some strategic tweaks have taken up headlines so far. 

An increase in three-point attempts and a test of the team’s depth are just a couple of the topics whirling around the team. 

Let’s analyze four early-season trends...

NBA games have become a math equation. Three is better than two. And as the three-pointer has become more valuable to teams, finding ways to generate clean looks is paramount to building a quality offense. 

One of the largest transformations for the Knicks under Mike Brown has been the team’s shot profile. Last season, the Knicks ranked 28th in three-point attempt rate. Through 12 games, the Knicks are fifth in the same category. After a cold start, New York has found the range, shooting 40.8 percent from three during its seven-game homestand. 

Transforming the team’s shot profile was a priority. New York has greatly reduced midrange attempts in exchange for the bevy of trifectas, which includes clean catch-and-shoot corner three-pointers, which is a result of Brown’s focus on ball and man movement. Jalen Brunson’s catch-and-shoot attempts from long distance have increased, giving him easier opportunities to score. It should help in the long run.

One of New York’s priorities in the offseason was addressing a thin bench. After adding Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency, the hope was that the Knicks had enough depth to keep the starters fresh throughout the regular season. 

So far, the bench has produced. The Knicks are tied for 16th in reserve scoring, up from last in 2024-25. And as we saw in Friday night’s 140-132 win against the Miami Heat, the bench can be potent. New York’s reserves notched 75 points in that one.

But under the hood is a concern. A large share of the bench points are coming from Clarkson, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet. Those four players are all listed at 6-foot-4 or under. Can the Knicks survive relying on smaller players to eat up many of the reserve minutes?

The 6-foot-8 Yabusele is off to a disappointing start. A cold preseason and early-season shooting stretch from the Frenchman has forced Brown to use him less. It was notable that with OG Anunoby leaving Friday's game due to a hamstring injury, Yabusele was still an afterthought, seeing the floor for only six minutes.

Injuries to both Brunson and Anunoby in the past week should test the Knicks’ depth over the next several games, and may open up minutes for Yabusele and some of New York’s younger players like Ariel Hukporti or Tyler Kolek.

Overall, the defense has been uneven, ranking 16th in the league. Keeping opponents out of the paint has been a priority. New York is fifth in opponent points in the paint allowed per 100 possessions. The Knicks have also limited teams when it comes to second chance and transition scoring opportunities.

The defense has been aggressive on the perimeter, playing in the gaps to prevent opponent drives. But one concern from the strategy is that it is conceding too many three-point attempts.

It’s a lot to ask New York’s perimeter defenders to have to smother drives and then retreat back to open three-point shooters. New York is 25th in three-point attempts per 100 possessions allowed and clubs are shooting a crisp 39.3 percent against them.

The Knicks’ offense has been elite, ranked third in offensive efficiency. Great outside shooting is a factor, but another piece of the puzzle is getting up more shots. New York has attempted 105 more field goals than its opponents. Offensive rebounding and a low turnover rate are the reasons for the chasm.

The Knicks are sixth in offensive rebound rate, rebounding 34.1 percent of their errant shots. They will be in the top 10 on the offensive glass for the fifth consecutive season if the stat holds. At the center of New York’s effort on the boards is Mitchell Robinson. The center would lead the NBA in offensive rebounds per game and offensive rebound rate if he played enough games.

Under Brown, New York’s perimeter players are also contributing. Clarkson had four offensive rebounds on Friday. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns collected four apiece in a Tuesday night victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the turnover front, the Knicks have the fourth-lowest turnover rate in the league. This is happening despite rising to 12th in assist rate.