New York Knicks: Gifts to the Loyal Fans on Christmas Day
Nov 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard
Arron Afflalo(4) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard
James Harden(13) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
4. Accepting the 3-Point Field Goal
During the 2014-15 NBA regular season, the New York Knicks ranked dead last in opponent 3-point field goal percentage. Thus far in 2015-16, the Knicks are No. 1 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.
Turnarounds don’t get any bigger than that.
It seems like a rather obscure gift, but New York has accepted how important the 3-point field goal has become. The lack of ideal talent played a factor in the Knicks’ inefficiency in 2014-15, but the coaching was just as much of an issue.
Thus far in 2015-16, New York has not only developed an understanding for the vitality of defending the arc, but has been dominant in said regard.
Offensively, the Knicks are attempting 2.4 more 3-point field goals per game than they did in 2014-15. They still rank in the bottom half of the Association, but Derek Fisher is clearly warming up to the most influential shot in the modern NBA.
Be thankful to have a team that’s mindful of its flaws.
Next: The Man Up Top