New York Knicks: 10 Keys to Making the Playoffs

April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Arron Afflalo (4) shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

6. Embrace the 3-Point Shot

Phil Jackson‘s interpretation of the Triangle Offense has won 11 NBA championships. Jackson won six of those titles with the Chicago Bulls and another five with the Los Angeles Lakers.

New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher was the starting point guard for all five of those Lakers teams.

One of the key aspects of the Triangle Offense is being able to overwhelm opponents from mid-range. That worked especially well when Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, two of the best mid-range jump shooters in NBA history, were at the helm.

Times have changed.

Carmelo Anthony can serve in the Bryant and Jordan role from mid-range, but that doesn’t mean it’s a wise approach for the team to take.

The Knicks have a significantly better cast of players than a season ago, including sharpshooters Arron Afflalo and Kristaps Porzingis. A healthy Jose Calderon and a more experienced Langston Galloway should help, as well.

Given the undeniable rise in the importance of the 3-point shot, however, New York must adapt to the changing times by taking a few steps back and adding an extra point as the reward for generally inefficient jump shots.

In 2014-15, New York ranked No. 20 in 3-point field goals made and No. 21 in 3-point field goals attempted. Those marks cannot be duplicated.

Next: Defend It