NBA Week 12 Power Rankings: Questions for each team after the break

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27. . 20-19. Previous: 13th. New York Knicks. 18. team

Last Week: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 134–101, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 119-97

This Week: 3/15 at Brooklyn Nets, 3/16 at Philadelphia 76ers, 3/18 vs. Orlando Magic

Question: Is this real?

The New York Knicks being above .500 this late in the season is a rare occurrence. Specifically, this is the first time in eight years. Fans and the media alike are hoping currently being a winning team portends a playoff appearance in a few months. Not everything that is currently happening is necessarily sustainable, but one thing should stand out among everything else.

The elite defense has not stopped clicking. The Knicks are currently fourth in defensive rating, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers. They are top-five in rebounding percentage, eighth in opponents points off turnovers, third in opponents second-chance points and third in opponents points in the paint.

The offense still leaves a lot to be desired, especially on the more passive RJ Barrett nights. The Knicks are still one piece away from cementing their place. If they can add that piece at the trade deadline without giving much up in the way of assets, then once the fans are welcomed back to Madison Square Garden in full force they will have plenty to cheer for. If any addition to the roster can help them improve on their 23rd-ranked offense, that would be fun too.