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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 30: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets n October 30, 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 30: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets n October 30, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Win The Third Quarter

Over the course of the first seven games, the New York Knicks are averaging 24.4 points per third quarter. That low-scoring mark would be easier to forgive if not for the fact that New York is giving up an average of 28.4 points per third quarter.

With rankings of No. 21 in third quarter scoring and No. 26 in points allowed per third quarter, the Knicks are clearly established as one of the worst teams out of halftime in the NBA.

Thankfully, the Suns rank No. 29 with an average of 30.1 points allowed per third quarter in 2017-18. In other words: The Knicks will have an opportunity to establish offensive continuity early in the second half.

Whether it’s doubling down on defense or executing on offense, the Knicks must show up in the third quarter—preferably on both ends of the floor.

Third quarter inconsistency isn’t entirely uncommon from an inexperienced team. Head coach Jeff Hornacek needs to help his players come out of halftime with their focus intact, however, as Phoenix has the firepower to get hot in a hurry.

If New York manages to win the third quarter, then it should be in a position to walk away with its fourth victory of the 2017-18 regular season.

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