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New York Knicks: The five keys to NYK’s recent success

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 21: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on October 21, 2017. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 21: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on October 21, 2017. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Ball Movement

The New York Knicks are a relatively inexperienced team, which inevitably means the ball will stick at times in 2017-18. Over the course of the past three games, however, the Knicks have done an outstanding job of creating for others.

Led by the previously heralded Jarrett Jack, the Knicks have been one of the best teams in the NBA at moving and distributing the ball.

Over the past three games, the Knicks have ranked No. 8 in the NBA in assists per game at 24.3. Even when there hasn’t been an assist ending a play, the Knicks have made the extra pass and thus providing both driving lanes and open shots.

While quality ball movement is what the point guards are expected to create, the most important development is the fact that players away from the position are accepting that mentality.

Over the past three games, starting wings Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee have combined for 21 assists. Furthermore, the big men are learning to pass out of the post, and reserve Doug McDermott is proving to be far more than a shooter.

Beyond any individual, the Knicks are playing as a team and embracing the reality that the ball moves faster than any individual—a formula that works in any and every era.

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