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New York Knicks: Key Elements of Jeff Hornacek’s Offense

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek is shown with players during a time out in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek is shown with players during a time out in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the paint during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the paint during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

High Post Entry

This is the aspect of Jeff Hornacek’s offense that most heavily favors Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis—two players who would operate from the high post. One of the most effective plays sees the point guard feed them the ball, come around a screen set by the other big, set up in the mid-post area, and face up.

The player who was in the high post then comes down to set a ball screen and run the pick-and-roll from a close and efficient distance.

This is also where the Knicks depend on two capable ball-handlers and playmakers. Hornacek loves to utilize double high screens, which gives both guards the opportunity to operate the play in a similar capacity to what was previously described.

This play would emphasize Lopez’s value on the dive and Porzingis’ versatility in being able to fade to the perimeter.

Due to Carmelo Anthony’s proficiency as a post player, this would also create the opportunity for him to thrive. Hornacek’s system does an excellent of creating isolation opportunities in efficient spots for perimeter scorers, and Anthony feasts in such a capacity.

Coupled with Anthony’s range as a shooter and Hornacek’s motion offense, he should get back to being one of the most dominant scorers in the NBA.

Next: The Key To It All

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