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New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating The Boston Celtics

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 11, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) battle for a loose ball during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) battle for a loose ball during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) is congratulated by head coach Jeff Hornacek after making a 3-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) is congratulated by head coach Jeff Hornacek after making a 3-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Establish The 3-Ball Early

The first time around, the New York Knicks were exploited as a team that hadn’t yet figured out how to play together. That was no more noticeable than in the fact that the Knicks continuously fell into isolation sets and jacked up horrific shot attempts from distance.

The jitters were even more present in the fact New York couldn’t make manageable shots, as evidenced by it going 6-of-23 from beyond the arc.

The Celtics rank in the Top 10 in both 3-point field goals allowed per game and opponent 3-point field goal percentage. Thus, it’s unlikely that the Knicks will be able to convert the 3-point shot at an elite rate, but that doesn’t mean they can’t establish the 3-ball early.

Developing an early rhythm would open the driving lanes and force the Celtics to focus on the threat of the 3-point shot.

The Knicks don’t need to force the issue with the 3-point shot, but there are players who need the ball early. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis can stretch the floor and set a positive tone offensively, and Courtney Lee feasts in the first quarter.

Lee has done an excellent job of getting the Knicks off to hot starts in 2016-17, which makes him the perfect player to lead an early charge against Boston.

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