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New York Knicks: Five Areas NYK Must Improve

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) leaves the court after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) leaves the court after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) shoots as Washington Wizards forward Andrew Nicholson (44) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) shoots as Washington Wizards forward Andrew Nicholson (44) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Defensive Rebounding

On the surface, the New York Knicks have the personnel to be one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. Joakim Noah is a dominant rebounder, Kristaps Porzingis is 7’3″, Kyle O’Quinn has proven proficient on the boards, and Willy Hernangomez has a powerful frame and a strong work ethic.

All four of those players seem to be better on the offensive glass than the defensive boards, however, which is hurting the Knicks in 2016-17.

New York is currently allowing an average of 11.6 offensive rebounds per game—more than all but three NBA teams. It’s pulling down 11.8 per contest, but this shouldn’t be a battle of who can grab more.

The Knicks are allowing teams to extend possessions and give explosive scorers second chances, which is the perfect formula for allowing 100-plus points.

The Knicks are allowing a league-worst 15.7 second-chance points per game. Any team that gives up 16 points that are entirely preventable by simply grabbing a defensive rebound is going to struggle defensively.

New York has other issues on the defensive end of the floor, but allowing fewer offensive rebounds allowed will be critical to improvement.

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