Analyzing Knicks’ strengths and weaknesses through 13 games of season

After 13 games, the Knicks find themselves in fourth place in the East with a 7-6 record. Though the team hasn’t looked the part of championship contenders, there’s been some positive signs early on. Let’s take a look at where the club has excelled and where there is room for improvement…

Strengths

Efficient shooting

New York’s offense has been a positive story. The Knicks are third in the NBA in offensive efficiency, scoring 119.7 points per 100 possessions. Key factors for the ranking have been how well the Knicks have shot overall. New York is seventh in three-point percentage (37.8), fifth in free-throw shooting (80.8 percent) and second in true shooting percentage (60.2).

1-2 punch

The combination of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns gives the Knicks two consistent options to go to throughout the course of a game. Towns is on pace for arguably his best offensive season, with a team-high 26.4 points on 54.2 percent shooting from the field. Brunson has performed below his high standard but has still been effective, averaging 24.3 points and 6.8 assists. In close games, having two All-Star caliber players to go to is crucial and we’ve seen it help in situations like Brunson’s game-winner on Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

Passing potential

In the Tom Thibodeau era, the Knicks have never finished higher than 24th in assist rate. This season, New York could crack the top half of the NBA in the category. The Knicks are 17th in assist rate and they’ve recorded at least 30 assists in four of the last six games.

The Knicks had 33 helpers in their Sunday night 114-104 win against the Nets. With proper spacing, the Knicks have been able to drive and kick and make plays. Equally important, the Knicks have the fifth lowest turnover rate despite the improved passing.

Weaknesses

Lack of depth

Just a couple of years ago, the Knicks were one of the deepest teams in the NBA. Now, in building out its starting lineup, New York has lost some depth. The Knicks are last in the NBA in bench scoring. Centers Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa have yet to play this season due to injury, and when they return it…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/analyzing-knicks-strengths-weaknesses-13-153705372.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-11-18 15:37:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.