The New York Knicks aim to address one of their significant weaknesses from last year’s playoffs: their poor 3-point shooting. During the previous postseason, they hit only 29.2 percent of their shots from beyond the arc, ranking last among playoff teams. Even in the regular season, their 35.4 percent shooting wasn’t impressive, ranking 19th in the league.
In particular, the Miami Heat capitalized on the Knicks’ struggles by pressuring Jalen Brunson and forcing turnovers. This time, the Knicks hope for better performance, shooting 36.9 percent in the regular season, albeit a modest improvement.
Knicks in prime position to fix this weakness from last postseason https://t.co/ZyD3eBMu1c pic.twitter.com/SWHFr5yXzv
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 20, 2024
Coach Tom Thibodeau believes having more time to adjust, especially without an injured Julius Randle, will aid their efforts. Thibodeau emphasized that each season is different, focusing on the team’s current preparations rather than dwelling on past shortcomings.
Moreover, the Knicks have bolstered their 3-point shooting arsenal with additions like Donte DiVincenzo, Bojan Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby. DiVincenzo maintained a career-best 40.1 percent shooting from downtown, while Bogdanovic and Anunoby, acquired via midseason trades, showcased their long-range prowess.
Bogdanovic, in particular, struggled initially but found his rhythm towards the end of the regular season. In the final eight games, he scored 43.3 percent from 3-point territory, contributing to the team’s 6-2 record during that stretch.
With Brunson likely to face defensive pressure from the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks understand the importance of their supporting cast stepping up. They aim to exploit defensive schemes by making timely shots and capitalizing on numerical advantages when the ball is doubled. Brunson highlighted the need for proactive offensive play and reading the defense effectively.
Improving their 3-point shooting is crucial to the Knicks’ playoff success. Learning from past experiences, they’re determined to make the necessary adjustments and ensure they don’t repeat their postseason woes.
