PREVIEW: The New York Knicks bring elite defensive rebounding (ranked 1st) and efficient three-point shooting (ranked 2nd) to Madison Square Garden as they prepare to host the struggling Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening. New York's defensive scheme particularly excels at limiting attacking shots at the rim, a critical advantage against opponents attempting to capitalize on interior opportunities. Meanwhile, Brooklyn arrives with strong offensive rebounding (ranked 3rd) and high three-point volume (ranked 5th), but their inefficient perimeter shooting (ranked 26th) and defensive vulnerabilities near the basket (ranked 27th) present significant concerns. The Knicks' balanced offensive approach combines their high spacing (ranked 3rd) with disciplined shot selection, creating a stark contrast to Brooklyn's lower-efficiency offensive profile. New York's defensive rating stands at an impressive clip defensively, ranking 8th in points allowed per contest, while the Nets surrender 124.6 points nightly and rank dead last in defensive efficiency. The Knicks' weakness defensively centers on perimeter defense, allowing high-quality three-point attempts at the 29th-ranked rate, which could present opportunities for a Nets team that launches five of every ten shots from distance. Brooklyn's biggest liability remains their inconsistent rim protection and transition defense, as evidenced by ranking 26th in frequency of attacking rim shots allowed. With New York riding a three-game winning streak and Brooklyn having lost 11 of their last 12 contests, the matchup shapes up as a battle between a team entering peak form and one desperately seeking any positive momentum.