Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Keys to Making the 2016 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) attempts a free throw during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) attempts a free throw during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Arron Afflalo’s Consistency

Carmelo Anthony is the franchise player and Kristaps Porzingis is the star of the future. Langston Galloway is establishing himself as a player who’s built for the clutch moments, Jerian Grant has potential at point guard, and Robin Lopez is nothing if not steady at center.

When the Knicks win games, however, it’s Arron Afflalo whose performances can be tied directly into the result.

The Knicks are 15-8 when Afflalo shoots 44 percent or better from the field in 2015-16. When Afflalo is active and shoots worse than 44 percent, the Knicks are a shocking 4-20—and no, that is not a typo.

When Afflalo plays well, New York wins. When he doesn’t, it loses.

There aren’t many statistics more telling than one in which a team goes from 15-8 to 4-20. That’s good for a win percentage of .652 when Afflalo shoots 44 percent or better, and .167 when Afflalo’s field goal percentage dips below that mark.

More knicks: Inactivity at the trade deadline isn't necessarily a bad thing for the New York Knicks

We can tell this story in a dozen different ways; the reality is, Afflalo is the key to New York winning and losing games. Thus, he’s the key to the Knicks making the playoffs.

Home/Knicks News