The New York Knicks are coming off one of the best offensive performances in NBA history in their last game against the Toronto Raptors. New York went on the road and blew them out of their own building, winning 145-101.
It was one of the best shooting nights the Knicks have had in franchise history, shooting 58.5 percent from the field overall and 50 percent on 3-pointers. Miles McBride led the way with a career-high tying 29 points, as he knocked down nine 3-pointers on his own.
It was a very impressive showing for the Knicks, who are a capable offensive team but normally rely on defense as their calling card. When both are clicking, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
However, there has been a flaw in the Knicks’ offensive approach this season. As shared by NBA University on X, New York has a propensity to run its offense deep into the shot clock, which lessens the quality of the shot.
Prior to their game against the Raptors, the Knicks had attempted a mind-boggling 717 field goal attempts with 0-4 seconds remaining on the shot clock. That number is by far the most in the NBA, but New York isn’t efficient with those kinds of shots.
Their effective field goal percentage on those attempts is only 43.8 percent. On all of their other shot attempts, the Knicks have an effective field goal percentage of 55.1 percent. Getting into their offense with a little more urgency will lead to better, more efficient looks for the team.
Part of the reason as to why they attempt so many shots late in the clock is by design. The Knicks are a heavy isolation team, especially when they are healthy. Jalen Brunson dribbles the ball more than any player in the NBA and Julius Randle thrives with the ball in his hands in the mid-post when he can scan the court.
Those two players are excellent with hero shots, continually bailing the Knicks out in late shot-clock situations. But consistently relying on tough shots is not a recipe for success, unless you have something to counteract it or build upon with.
Luckily for the Knicks, they have that with their offensive rebounding. Their best offense is getting shots up at the rim, regardless of the time on the shot clock, and getting their guys to hit the glass.
New York has the best offensive-rebounding tandem at the center position in Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. Josh Hart is the best rebounding guard in the NBA, so that style of play works for New York as they create second-chance opportunities for open 3-pointers or easy dunks.
Thibodeau has done a great job finding the perfect balance for this team offensively. Some possessions are bogged down because New York lacks a shot creator with Randle and OG Anunoby sidelined by injury, putting the onus squarely on Brunson’s shoulders.
At the end of the day, the most important thing for the Knicks is winning basketball games. Despite an unorthodox approach to their offensive game plan, New York is making it work for them and finding ways to be successful on the court.
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