AROUND THE LEAGUE
At 3.9 blocks a night, the third-year center is not just leading the league — he is lapping it, and opponents have stopped testing the paint entirely.
Six weeks on, the contenders that added size are cashing in, and the ones that stood pat are starting to feel the squeeze.
Ticket prices, decibel readings and a 29-point guard with no off switch — New York is peaking at the right time.
Bottom-ten in half-court defense since March, and the film shows a team hunting steals instead of finishing possessions.
The second unit has found a playoff identity: defend full court, run before the defense is set and make every quiet minute feel dangerous.
COURTSIDE