The three-point shot has arguably been the area where New York Knicks‘ All-Star Julius Randle has improved the most this year. If you go back to last season, Julius Randle made 64 three-pointers in 64 games. This year he has 67 in just 35 games. We have gone from closing our eyes, shaking our heads, and praying Julius Randle made a three-pointer to now expecting it and relying on it.
Julius Randle’s three-point shooting hasn’t only benefitted his own game, earning his first All-Star selection, but the Knicks as a whole, and it’s clear to see. RJ Barrett has also made a strong leap in performance from last season and it comes from Julius Randle’s improved shooting. RJ Barrett is a slasher who is best going downhill towards the rim, and this style of play needs floor space, which Julius Randle creates with his respectable jump shot.
Julius Randle’s improved three-point efficiency has also given Tom Thibodeau the freedom of coming up with two extremely effective lineups. In today’s NBA if you as a team don’t shoot the ball well from three, you will lose games. While the Knicks aren’t necessarily the best scoring team in the league, they shoot the ball well and consistently. When the starting five which includes Julius Randle comes off the floor, the Knicks don’t miss a beat with three-point shooting. Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks offer that same threat which causes frustration from opposing teams.