Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder
Nov 17, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard
Nicolas Batum(5) shoots the ball over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
3. Don’t Foul
The New York Knicks send teams to the free throw line with far too much regularity. The Oklahoma City Thunder get to the charity stripe with as much consistency as any team in the NBA.
Simply put, this isn’t a desirable matchup for New York.
Oklahoma City is currently averaging 26.2 free throw attempts per game—No. 8 in the Association. That’s not entirely surprising considering Russell Westbrook is on the roster.
Westbrook alone averages 8.3 free throw attempts per contest, which is good for No. 4 in the NBA.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Knicks are tied for dead last in opponent free throw attempts per game. New York sends opponents to the line a league-worst 29.8 times per outing, which plays a major factor in how it ends up losing close games.
If New York can’t stay out of foul trouble, it’ll face an insurmountable mountain in OKC’s offensive attack.
Next: Limiting Chances