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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 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Utah Jazz small forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots the ball over New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Utah Jazz small forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots the ball over New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Closing Out On Shooters

The New York Knicks are attempting to improve upon the biggest issue that’s plagued the team in 2016-17: defense. There are multiple areas in which the Knicks must improve on that end, but it begins and ends with defending the 3-point line.

New York has gotten better at defending the 3-point line, but it’s still No. 21 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

The necessary perspective for this issue is that the Knicks are holding opponents to 31.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc at home. They’re also allowing opponents to shoot 41.8 percent from distance on the road.

That’s a massive drop-off that falls in line with the reality about this Knicks team: defensive intensity is unpredictable.

In seven road games, the Knicks are allowing opponents to make 10.0 3-point field goals per game. That’s an unforgivable mark, especially when New York is attempting to win games away from Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks need to close out with far more energy and consistency if they hope to stabilize the defense.

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