New York Knicks: Encouraging statistics from 6-5 start

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 07: Lance Thomas #42 (L), Tim Hardaway Jr. #3, Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks and Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets react after the Knicks gain control of the game late in the fourth quarter during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Protecting MSG

Over the course of the past four seasons, the New York Knicks have lost their home court advantage. In addition to failing to make the playoffs in any of those four seasons, the Knicks accumulated a record of 66-98 (.402) at Madison Square Garden.

It’s still early in the 2017-18 NBA regular season, but one can’t help but feel intrigued by the fact that New York is winning at home.

The 2017-18 Knicks have been exceptional at Madison Square Garden, accumulating a record of 5-1 through six home games. That includes victories over the rival Brooklyn Nets, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, and Jeff Hornacek’s former team: The Phoenix Suns.

It also includes unforgettable wins over the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers, during which New York erased double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter.

If the Knicks are going to return to the postseason in 2017-18 or a future season, they must be able to protect their home court. Winning on the road comes easy for no team, and defending the home arena is essential to overall success.

Whether or not the Knicks make the playoffs in 2017-18, head coach Jeff Hornacek should make it a priority to finish above .500 at Madison Square Garden.

Must Read: Who stepped up with Kristaps Porzingis absent?

So far, so good for the New York Knicks.

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