New York Knicks: The offense MUST catch up to the defense

Knicks: Comparing this year’s offense to last season

Statistically, the Knicks’ offense was better last year. In 2019 -2020 they scored 105.8 (29th) to this year’s 102.4 (30th) ppg. Pace has slowed from 98.6 (26th) to 95.5 (30th). These trends do help a very much improved defense. But, are they eating away at team morale and long term offensive efficiency?

Mitchell Robinson is justified in being an unhappy camper. The pick and roll with Robinson has all but disappeared from last year. He averaged 9.7 points in 23 minutes per game last year. This season, in almost 29 minutes per game he is averaging just 8.9 points. The added 6 minutes have resulted in fewer blocks — 2.0 to 1.6, and more rebounds 7.0 to 8.2.

Payton’s assists have dropped by half. Last year he distributed at 7.2 per 27.7 mpg. This year his assists have dropped to 3.6 per 28.8 mpg.

The hard-working Reggie Bullock has maintained his 8.1 ppg and increased his boards by 1.5 with a 3.5-minute increase in playing time.

Although the Knicks have added more competent 3 point shooters in Burks, Quickley, and Rivers, they are still 29th in attempts. Their percentage has increased from 27th (.337%) to 24th (.353%). The reason for the lack of significant improvement is the lack of movement on offense.