Knicks’ Three-Point Struggles Exposed in Loss to Warriors

The New York Knicks faced a disappointing defeat against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, showcasing their ongoing three-point shooting woes. Despite taking four more shots than the Warriors and hitting 45 percent of their field goals, the Knicks fell short as Golden State capitalized on their three-point shooting, making 13 threes compared to New York’s eight. This loss is not an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling trend for the Knicks this season.

Three-Point Shooting Woes

The Knicks currently rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point field goal percentage, a statistic that underscores their defensive struggles. Fortunately, they are not allowing a high volume of three-point attempts, ranking sixth in the league for the fewest attempts allowed per 100 possessions. However, their own offensive output from beyond the arc is equally concerning, as they sit at 27th in three-point attempts per 100 possessions.

Need for Improved Pace and Communication

After the game, Knicks guard Miles McBride emphasized the need for a quicker pace in their gameplay. “For us, I feel like it’s our pace,” he stated. “I feel like our pace can be a lot quicker getting up the floor. And then when we get up the floor, then moving with action, getting the ball flowing. It’s hard to just not really get action and then go into a shot, so I feel like for us, we just have to get a lot more action, a lot more pace.” This lack of communication and rhythm on the court will need to improve if the Knicks hope to find success in the playoffs.

Roster Changes and Future Prospects

In a bid to strengthen their roster, the Knicks have made some strategic moves. By claiming Watson off waivers, they have filled both open two-way spots that were created when Jacob Toppin and Matt Ryan were waived. Watson, who shot 42 percent from beyond the arc in his final season at Gonzaga, brings potential shooting and positional versatility to the team. With Watson now on board, the Knicks have five players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, including Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Kevin McCullar, Ariel Hukporti, and Watson.

Exploring Free Agent Options

New York still has an open roster spot and is in a position to sign a veteran player while remaining under the second apron. The pool of available free agents includes notable names such as Mo Bamba, Moses Brown, TJ Warren, Chuma Okeke, PJ Tucker, Marcus Morris Sr., and Taj Gibson. In my opinion, the Knicks should seriously consider signing PJ Tucker. At 39 years old, Tucker brings invaluable experience and leadership to the locker room, something the Knicks currently lack. As a 13-year veteran and NBA champion, Tucker could serve as an influential voice for the team.

Addressing Center Position Needs

The Knicks have also been in discussions regarding their center position, which has been a point of concern. They have reached out to Moses Brown as a potential addition. The team has the flexibility to sign a center or any free agent to a 10-day deal or a rest-of-season contract. If they choose to sign a non-center like Tucker, it could provide the team with the veteran presence they desperately need.

As the Knicks look to improve their three-point shooting and overall performance, the coming weeks will be crucial. They must address their shooting issues and enhance their communication on the court to make a strong push for the playoffs. For more details on the Knicks’ recent game and roster changes, check out the original article here.