New York Knicks: Five Keys To Defeating The Orlando Magic
1. Ball Movement
The New York Knicks have the personnel to be one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA. There are dynamic slashers, deadeye shooters, and offensive rebounders who can extend and create possessions.
The key to the Knicks realizing their potential as an offensive juggernaut, however, will be the acceptance of the value of ball movement.
The first time around, New York overcame the Orlando Magic’s defense on the strength of its ball movement. It had 26 assists on 41 field goals made, which translates to 63.4 percent of its field goals being assisted.
That push was led by sixth man Brandon Jennings, who recorded a season-high 12 assists against his former team.
On January 2, the Knicks will need Jennings to thrive again and Derrick Rose to excel in his own right. Rose doesn’t need 12 assists himself, but he must create more opportunities for his teammates, whether the numbers display it or not.
New York’s offense borders on being unstoppable when it embraces ball movement, but it’s shied away from that truth far too often in 2016-17.
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New York is 15-7 when New York records at least 20 assists and 1-10 when it fails to. Enough said.