Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder
Nov 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward
Nerlens Noel(4) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2. Offensive Rebounding
The New York Knicks are one of the most inefficient teams in the NBA. Not only are the Knicks No. 22 in points per game, but they’re No. 25 in field goal percentage at a brutal .419.
That’s what makes their ability to get after the offensive glass so important.
As a team, New York is No. 4 in the Association in offensive rebounds per game. According to NBA.com, it’s No. 2 in second chance points scored per game.
Here’s the issue: the team at No. 1 is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
New York may get after the offensive glass, but it’s going to be facing a team that does the same at an even more impressive level. The likes of Enes Kanter and Steven Adams can take over on the boards, and point guard Russell Westbrook is just as capable.
If New York fails to limit Oklahoma City’s scoring opportunities, it may not have the offensive firepower to match the opposition.
Next: Exploiting a Rare Weakness