Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Orlando Magic

Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher (left) talks with forward Carmelo Anthony (right) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. Fourth Quarter Execution

Forgive me for beating a dead horse, but until this issue is resolved, it will appear on every edition of this article. The New York Knicks struggle to put points on the board during the final period of play.

If New York is to close out this road trip on a high note, it needs to thrive in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks have spent the entirety of the season failing to execute during the biggest of moments. Ball movement becomes stagnant, shot selection irresponsible, and Carmelo Anthony’s touches contrived.

Kristaps Porzingis’ waved-off buzzer-beater against the Charlotte Hornets was the epitome of New York’s fourth quarter execution.

Even when the Knicks do something right in the fourth quarter, it still seems to go wrong. They can find an open shooter, but the rim becomes sealed by a cosmic forcefield that simply will not permit the ball’s entry.

Either that or the play design needs to improve. Probably the latter.