New York Knicks: Keys to Making the 2016 NBA Playoffs

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Feb 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Joffrey Lauvergne (77) and Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Attack the Basket

One of the more ancient aspects of the Triangle Offense is the heavy emphasis on midrange jump shooting. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, specifically come the postseason, but it can lead to players being tentative in their attempts to attack the basket.

That’s exactly what’s plagued the New York Knicks throughout 2015-16.

According to NBA.com, the Knicks currently rank No. 28 in the NBA in points in the paint per game. That’s less about an inability to score points from close range than it is a genuine unwillingness to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim.

Thus far in 2015-16, New York is attempting just 15.3 drives per game—the single worst mark in the NBA.

Teams shouldn’t be placing a heavy emphasis on isolation basketball or individual runs at the hoop. What is unacceptable, however, is the fact that New York’s 15.3 drives per game are a healthy 3.7 less than the Golden State Warriors at No. 29 and 5.6 less than the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 28.

Until New York learns to shoot like Golden State or finds a point guard as brilliant as Chris Paul, it’ll need to be more aggressive in finding easy looks at the basket.

Next: The Misleading Statistic

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