How Knicks’ Spacing Will Determine Their Fate in the 2023-24 Season
The New York Knicks’ performance in the 2023-24 season has been a topic of concern and discussion among fans and experts alike. Their 2-4 record after the loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night has raised questions about the team’s offensive capabilities and its potential for success in the coming season. One of the central issues plaguing the Knicks’ offense is their inability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc, which is impacting their overall performance.
The Struggle from Beyond the Arc
In their game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks struggled from the three-point line, converting just 10 out of 39 attempts, which is a mere 25.6 percent. This disappointing performance is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger trend. The Knicks have faced numerous poor shooting nights from the perimeter this season, which is hindering their ability to secure victories.
Before their loss to the Bucks, they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they managed to convert only five out of 30 three-point attempts, resulting in a paltry 16.7 percent success rate. In a previous game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Knicks shot a dismal 18.9 percent from beyond the arc. It’s evident that the three-point shot is a determining factor in the Knicks’ wins and losses.
In their two wins this season, the Knicks shot an impressive 42.3 percent from three-point range, highlighting the importance of effective perimeter shooting. In contrast, during their four losses, their three-point shooting percentage plummeted to just 27.2 percent, underlining the significance of this aspect of their game.
Spacing Woes
Julius Randle, the Knicks’ All-Star, has pointed out that spacing on the floor is at the core of the team’s struggles. He expressed his frustration with the crowded court, saying, “Everything is just pretty packed in. We’re working really hard for everything… We’re just looking at a lot of bodies out there whenever we’re catching the ball… so we’ve just got to figure out a way to open it up a little bit.”
The Knicks’ current three-point shooting percentage of 32.4 percent ranks them 24th in the league. Opposing teams are well aware of this weakness and are capitalizing on it by loading up in the paint and sending extra defenders to challenge Randle and Jalen Brunson. The Knicks’ perimeter threats, including Immanuel Quickley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, have also struggled from beyond the arc, limiting their effectiveness as floor spacers.
Randle’s Struggles
Julius Randle, as the team’s cornerstone, bears much of the responsibility for improving the Knicks’ spacing and three-point shooting. He has faced multiple defenders, making it challenging for him to finish in a crowded paint, and he’s made suboptimal decisions during the early part of the season. In the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Randle’s shooting performance was far from ideal, going 5-for-20 from the field, including 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. His overall season statistics are also disappointing, with an average of just 13.7 points per game, a shooting percentage of 27.1 percent from the field, and 22.5 percent from three-point range.
Comparing this season to the previous one, it’s evident that Randle needs to improve his three-point shooting. Last season, he attempted threes at a career-high rate, shooting a below-league-average but respectable 34.3 percent from beyond the arc. To maintain a competitive offense, the Knicks need Randle to replicate this success.
Long-Term Concerns
The Knicks’ shaky three-point performances aren’t just a short-term issue but are integral to how the team is constructed. Even at their best, the Knicks cannot consistently rely on outside shooting to defeat their opponents. In the previous season, they managed to win a playoff series despite poor three-point shooting. During the regular season, the Knicks ranked 19th in the league in three-point percentage, with a 35.4 percent success rate.
However, this season’s performance is raising concerns. The Knicks currently hold the last place in the NBA in field goal percentage in the restricted area according to NBA Stats. It’s unusual for a team to struggle both near the rim and beyond the arc, and this points to the limitations of the Knicks’ offense.
The Road Ahead
The Knicks’ offensive challenges are a reality they must face. Their starting lineup includes a paint-bound center in Mitchell Robinson and two historically high-usage, below-average shooters in Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. These factors limit the team’s offensive capabilities and will require a substantial reevaluation to address.
Even if the Knicks manage to turn their season around, the issue of spacing remains a critical factor that could hinder their potential to become legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
In conclusion, the New York Knicks are facing a challenging 2023-24 season, with their offensive struggles at the forefront. Effective three-point shooting and improved spacing are vital for their success. While it’s still early in the season, addressing these issues is imperative for the team’s future prospects.