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

Defense: The Three-Point Line

The first time these two teams played, the New York Knicks did a generally excellent job of defending the three-point line. The Chicago Bulls shot just 7-of-25 from beyond the arc, which translates to a mere 28.0 percent.

The Chicago Bulls are one of the better three-point shooting teams in the NBA, however, and New York’s success in the first encounter comes with an asterisk.

Chicago made seven three-point field goals, but Nikola Mirotic managed to make five three-point field goals on his own. That could make him the opposing player to watch, as he’s historically excelled against the orange and blue.

His success is more of an example of what could go wrong, however, as the Knicks tend to struggle to defend big men who can shoot the three-ball.

Kristaps Porzingis is more than capable of defending the outside shot, but his importance as a shot-blocker requires him to stay within range of the rim. Players like Mirotic and Lauri Markkanen are perfectly equipped to expose that thin line between versatility and inefficiency.

Considering the Knicks rank No. 29 in the NBA in opponent three-point field goals made per game, this is an area in which they must improve.