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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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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks directs his players in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City.(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks directs his players in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City.(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Pro: Jeff Hornacek

Over the course of the first three games of the 2017-18 NBA regular season, impatient fans were calling for head coach Jeff Hornacek to be fired. 12 games later, Hornacek is orchestrating one of the best offenses and most promising defenses of the James Dolan era.

Coaches may not be the glamorous figures that franchise players are, but it would be insincere to complete this list without praising Hornacek.

Through 15 games, the Knicks rank No. 9 in both field goal percentage and opponent field goal percentage. There are areas in which the Knicks must improve—we’ve discussed that at length—but those two facts are nothing if not encouraging.

New York is also putting up104.5 points per game, which would be its highest scoring average since 2010-11.

Clearly, the Knicks will need to see consistent progress from the players and coaching staff. That may or may not equate to victories, but regardless of the outcome of games, Hornacek must continue to create the culture that he and general manager Scott Perry are attempting to bring back to New York.

Over the course of the first 15 games of the 2017-18 NBA regular season, however, Hornacek has helped create the formula for sustainable success.

Must Read: Who are the 25 greatest players in New York Knicks history?

It’s still early, but the progress made by the New York Knicks during the early 2017-18 season has been undeniable.

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