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New York Knicks: 5 keys to defeating Phoenix Suns on Nov. 3

By Maxwell Ogden

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 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 3: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Establish The Three-Point Shot

The Phoenix Suns are flush with offensive talent. It has promising young scorers such as Devin Booker and TJ Warren, versatile big men such as Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss, and promising distributors such as Mike James and Tyler Ulis.

In order to compete with Phoenix’s balanced offensive attack, the New York Knicks must be able to convert the three-point shot with a mix of efficiency and responsibility.

New York currently ranks No. 27 in three-point field goals made per game and No. 24 in three-point field goal percentage. Over the past four games, however, the Knicks have improved those figures and earned rankings of No. 17 in three-point field goals made and No. 13 in percentage.

With marks of 10.8 three-point field goals made on 38.1 percent shooting over the past four games, it’s fair to label the outside shot as an improving strength.

True as that may be, establishing the three-ball is about more than volume and efficiency—odd a statement as that may seem. The Knicks must be methodical in the way they shoot, as falling in love with attempts from distance can result in extensive cold stretches.

Burying a barrage of threes never hurts, but the Knicks must view the outside shot as more of a delicate science than a reliable option to fall back on.

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