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For the first time in years, the Knicks appear to be entering a new season with an established identity.
Opposing players and fans are well aware that when New York comes up on the calendar they should expect a bruising effort, a fight on the glass, and tough defense. But one facet of the game not so closely associated with these Knicks is shooting.
They hovered around league average in three-point percentage last season, and are better known for their smash mouth, 90s brand of basketball. But at the same time, they boast three of the more reliable catch-and-shoot marksmen in the league in Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and OG Anunoby.
After their major late-January injuries, they finished third in the league in three-point attempts per 100 possessions, followed by finishing second in three-point percentage during the postseason with a 37.5 percent clip.
Looking down the roster and across their offensive playbook, the Knicks could put together the best shooting season in the league if things break right. Let’s dive into why…
As mentioned above, it starts with the individual shooting talent. Brunson shot 40.1 percent from three last season, and a sizzling 42.2 percent prior to Julius Randle going down with his shoulder injury.
Now that Randle is back healthy and a new secondary playmaker in Mikal Bridges is on the roster, Brunson should convert at a high efficiency with the lessened on-ball load. The return of New York’s two-time All-NBA power forward should benefit the team at large as well.
The Knicks shot 38.6 percent from three — which would’ve been fourth in the NBA — with Randle on the court last season compared to 35.7 percent with him sidelined. His ability to bulldoze into the paint, pull in multiple defenders, and kick out to the open shooter was sorely missed down the stretch.
DiVincenzo and Anunoby each eclipsed 40 percent on catch-and-shoot looks from three last year, which is right in line with their career averages. Miles McBride spent a large portion of the year bench-ridden, but later exploded as a contributor behind his 42.2 percent spot-up clip, which we’ll see more of in a more…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-knicks-could-best-shooting-170000431.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-09-12 17:00:00
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