No surprise that the Knicks are playing their usual tough defense ranking in the top-five in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defensive percentage.

What is surprising is the Knicks ranking No. 2 in scoring going into Thursday averaging 122.8 points. On closer inspection, though, the Knicks' early-scoring outburst is misleading. New York has played four games. The Knicks scored 130 against the Pistons and two other of their games went into overtime resulting in an additional 16 points.

Now the Knicks are on the road facing the No. 1 defensive team in the league, Milwaukee. The Bucks are holding opponents to 97.3 points. Milwaukee kept the 76ers under 90 points and the Nets under 100 points. The Bucks also rank No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage.