Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating the Charlotte Hornets

put up 15 free throw attempts during the November 11 clash—more than twice as many as New York had as a team. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

3. Attack the Basket

The New York Knicks haven’t done a very good job of scoring points in the paint. That was never more clear than in the first battle with the Charlotte Hornets, when New York shot itself in the foot enough times to cripple its chances of winning.

In order to avenge the previous loss, New York will need to stop settling for jump shots and attack the rack.

On November 11, New York scored just 28 points in the paint against Al Jefferson and the Hornets. Charlotte, meanwhile, put up 40 points in the paint and got to the line for 28 free throw attempts.

New York did such a terrible job of getting to the line that it failed to capitalize on Charlotte shooting 60.7 percent from the charity stripe.

Charlotte may have gone 17-of-28, but New York went 5-of-7. In a two-point loss, the Knicks were outscored by a count of 17-5 at the line with 21 less attempts than the opposition.

It’s safe to say that played a significant factor in the outcome.

Next: When It Counts