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New York Knicks: What is and isn’t working through 15 games

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks instructs Frank Ntilikina #11 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 17: Jakob Poeltl #42 of the Toronto Raptors battles with Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 and Kristaps Porzingas #6 of the New York Knicks during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 17: Jakob Poeltl #42 of the Toronto Raptors battles with Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 and Kristaps Porzingas #6 of the New York Knicks during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Con: First Half Defense

The New York Knicks consistently step up on the defensive end of the floor during the second half of games. The issue during the first half, however, is that the feeling out period tends to last too long, as teams continue to find openings in New York’s defense.

The Knicks have often been exceptional in the third and fourth quarters, but the first half hasn’t been quite as kind in 2017-18.

If the Knicks are going to become a consistently difficult team to defeat, then they must be able to execute from the opening tip. Starting out slow and closing hot works in theory, but it would be far more effective to maintain a steady pace throughout a full four quarters.

The growing pains may be present due to the general inexperience of the players, but there’s no excuse for how poorly the Knicks have defended in the first and second quarters..

Thus far in 2017-18, the Knicks are allowing what would equate to 107.9 points per 100 possessions during the first quarter. That’s set the tone for a number of games, as the Knicks suddenly become come-from-behind specialists.

Instead of having to erase a deficit, the Knicks must work all four quarters and pace themselves to secure a more balanced victory.

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