The New York Knicks may have magically just solved their biggest flaw

Don't look now, but the New York Knicks are beginning to hit their stride nearly 40 games into the season. Up until recently, the Knicks' primary area of concern was their defense, which appeared to lag significantly behind their offensive performance. However, over the last 10-plus games, the Knicks have started to figure things out and have been playing like a top-ranked defense.

Although defense has been a concern for the Knicks this season, they have gotten better month over month. Currently ranked 16th in defensive efficiency, they have been steadily improving in this area. Better still, they should eventually get defensive ace Mitchell Robinson back from injury, and he could help them even further.

That makes it possible for them to even reach top 10 status in defensive rating. Doing so would be huge for this Knicks team, which is already one of the best offenses in the NBA. They currently rank third in offensive rating but have been playing even better over the last 10-plus games.

The New York Knicks may have just solved their biggest problem.

The results have been evident; they are 9-1 in their last 10 games and have won four straight games. While they are still 6.5 games out of first place in the Eastern Conference, they have made up ground against the Boston Celtics for second. That might not seem significant, but it could end up deciding the East.

The Knicks surpassing the Celtics would give them home court against them and possibly make for an easier path to the Eastern Conference Finals. If their defense is the real deal, then that would bode well for the Knicks with them being able to get more stops. Add in their stellar offense, and they could have a strong chance of going deep in the postseason.

There is a lot of basketball left to be played between now and then, but it is seemingly increasingly evident that they have won the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Towns had been a game changer for the Knicks, proving to be a massive upgrade over former Knick big man Julius Randall.

Add in that Donte DiVincenzo hasn't been so hot either for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York appears to have made the right gamble. That has helped take them from being a borderline contender to firmly establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the league. If their improved defense can hold up, then they may even be able to go all the way to the NBA Finals.