New York Knicks: Five Positive Takeaways From Preseason Opener

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Knicks Have Shooters

The New York Knicks have added personnel that fits both Jeff Hornacek’s system and contemporary standards for offensive execution. Following a season during which New York struggled to hit the 3-ball, it has a number of capable shooters in 2016-17.

Though offensive execution was poor from an all-around perspective, the Knicks lit the Rockets up from beyond the arc.

The Knicks converted 11-of-31 3-point field goal attempts against Houston, which comes out to 35.5 percent. Six different players converted from beyond the arc, including four players who came off the bench.

It’s unlikely that Carmelo Anthony will have many regular season games like he did in the preseason opener, when he failed to make a single 3-point field goal.

In 2015-16, New York was No. 24 in the NBA with an average of 7.4 3-point field goals made per game. It was also No. 20 in 3-point field goal percentage at .346 and No. 23 in 3-point field goal attempts at 21.5 per game.

With the newfound ability to collapse the defense, the Knicks appear ready and willing to embrace the 3-point shot under head coach Jeff Hornacek.

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