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New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The Washington Wizards

By Maxwell Ogden

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 /
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Jan 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots on a technical during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots on a technical during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Establish The 3-Point Shot

The New York Knicks are preparing to face a Washington Wizards team that’s made a combined 28 3-point field goals against Kurt Rambis’ defense in 2016-17. That’s over a span of just two games, which is a sign of how important defense will be.

Whether or not New York can successfully defend the 3-point shot, it must shoot with more consistency on Jan. 31.

New York shot 12-of-29 in the first meeting with Washington, but that number is misleading. The Knicks trailed 87-65 entering the fourth quarter and made seven of those 12 shots in an unsuccessful attempt at a fourth-quarter comeback.

For the rest of the game, the Knicks made five 3-point field goals and failed to overcome the drastic difference between their production from distance and Washington’s.

In the second go-round, New York shot just 7-of-24 from 3-point range in a three-point loss. Had they even shot a respectable percentage from distance, the Knicks likely would have either won the game or forced overtime.

Against a team that’s proven capable of getting hot against this very defense, the Knicks must establish the 3-point shot early and maintain an efficient stroke.

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