New York Knicks: Keys to defeating the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 27

Offense: Getting To The Line

If the New York Knicks go into the United Center and play for the whistle, they’ll lose this game. The primary focus should always be creating a clean shot, as attempts to play for the contact tend to end poorly—and rightfully so.

True as that may be, the Knicks must be able to work the ball inside and get to the free throw line at a far more consistent rate than in recent games.

During the first encounter between New York and the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks attempted a grand total of nine free throws. Despite the fact that New York was a perfect 9-of-9 from the line and Chicago shot a mere 13-of-23, the deficit in free throws made and attempted was significant.

Not only was Chicago able to control the pace of games by slowing it down and getting to the line, but it scored four more points at the charity stripe during a two-point win.

This would be less concerning if it weren’t for the fact that the same issue presented itself during New York’s most recent road loss: 1014-101 to the Detroit Pistons. During that game, it went 5-of-6 from the free throw line—a low enough clip for Detroit’s 18-of-25 performance to actually work in its favor.

The Knicks don’t need to attempt 20 free throws, but they must work the ball inside and create free throw shooting opportunities that would help dictate the pace of the game.