Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating the Charlotte Hornets

2. Fourth Quarter Scoring

The key to the New York Knicks’ 95-87 win over the New Orleans Pelicans was a different one. Beyond the defensive efficiency was something that New York had previously struggled with.

In one of the most shocking moments of 2015-16—a little extreme, perhaps—New York actually outscored its opponent during the fourth quarter.

The Knicks have scored less than 20 points during the fourth quarter in five of their six losses thus far. The one exception was against the Atlanta Hawks—the second game of the season.

During the previous encounter with the Charlotte Hornets, New York scored an abysmal 14 points in the final period.

Adversely, the Knicks allowed the Hornets to scored 26 points in the final period. That spoiled the 10-point lead that New York held after three.

It shouldn’t be much of an issue with clutch performers such as Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony, Langston Galloway and, dare I say it, Kristaps Porzingis, but scoring late in games has eluded the Knicks.

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