New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The Denver Nuggets

Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Dec 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Closing Out On Shooters

This could—and probably should—be No. 1 on this list, but this point needs to be made as early as possible. The New York Knicks have done an atrocious job of closing out on 3-point shooters during road games in 2016-17.

If those issues continue to persist, the Knicks will be exploited by the Denver Nuggets and defeated at the Pepsi Center.

New York’s effort has improved in recent games, but there’s still reason to be concerned. The Knicks are about to play the fifth road game in nine days, which may drain them of any remaining energy.

Tired as they may be, the Knicks will need to continue to display the recent resurgence in heart and effort when the Nuggets attempt to space the floor.

The Nuggets have eight players on the roster who are currently making an average of at least 1.0 3-point field goals per game. Denver isn’t necessarily an elite 3-point shooting team, but it has depth and firepower at multiple positions.

That balance has helped Denver rank in the Top 15 in 3-point field goals made, 3-point field goals attempted, and 3-point field goal percentage in 2016-17.

Home/Knicks News