The Three-Point Line: A Key Factor in the Knicks’ Loss
On Tuesday, the New York Knicks faced off against the Golden State Warriors, and despite taking four more shots and hitting 45 percent of their field goals compared to the Warriors’ 49 percent, they ended up on the losing side by a significant 12-point margin. The deciding factor in this game was the three-point line. The Warriors made 13 three-pointers, while the Knicks managed only eight. While this wasn’t the sole reason for the Knicks’ defeat, it is a recurring issue for the team.
Struggling with Three-Point Efficiency
The Knicks currently rank 30th in the league in opponent three-point field goal percentage, which is a significant concern. However, they are not allowing a high volume of three-point attempts, placing sixth in the league with the fewest three-point attempts allowed per 100 possessions. On the offensive side, the Knicks are also lagging, ranking 27th in three-point attempts per 100 possessions. Despite the team’s emphasis on shooting more threes this season, it hasn’t translated effectively onto the court.
Strategies for Improvement
Miles McBride, after Tuesday’s game, suggested that the Knicks need to increase their pace of play to create more three-point opportunities. "For us, I feel like it’s our pace," McBride said. "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." On the defensive side, communication is crucial. McBride emphasized the importance of early communication when switching, to prevent opponents from getting downhill and kicking out for open threes. Improving these aspects will be essential for the Knicks to have a successful end to the season and potential playoff run.
Anton Watson Joins the Knicks
The Knicks claimed forward Anton Watson off waivers on Tuesday, adding him to their roster for the remainder of the regular season. Watson, who was previously on a two-way contract, now fills one of the two open spots created when Jacob Toppin and Matt Ryan were waived. Watson’s versatility and shooting potential, evident from his 42 percent three-point shooting in his final season at Gonzaga, make him an intriguing addition. The Knicks now have five players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, including Watson. This move gives the team additional depth and flexibility as they look to finish the season strong.
Potential Free Agent Targets
The Knicks still have an open roster spot and can sign a veteran while remaining under the second apron. Potential free agent targets include Mo Bamba, Moses Brown, TJ Warren, Chuma Okeke, PJ Tucker, Marcus Morris Sr., and Taj Gibson. In my opinion, PJ Tucker, a 13-year veteran and NBA champion, would be a valuable addition to the Knicks. Tucker brings the locker room presence and experience that the team currently lacks. While the Knicks have shown interest in centers like Brown, they could also consider signing a non-center like Tucker, allowing Precious Achiuwa to play as a reserve center.
NBA Foundation’s Impact on Underrepresented Communities
During All-Star weekend, the NBA Foundation awarded $250,000 in cash prizes to entrepreneurs as part of its fourth annual Pitch Competition. The competition, held in San Francisco, aimed to support start-up companies from the host city and provide innovators from Bay Area communities with tools, resources, and funding opportunities. Jodi Anderson of Rezme, an app that helps job candidates with criminal records, won the first prize. The judging panel included radio personality Angela Yee andformer WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike. Tameek Floyd, director of the New York-based Taj Gibson Foundation, connected Yee to the competition, highlighting the NBA’s commitment to empowering underserved communities. Since its establishment in 2020, the NBA Foundation has delivered $140 million in grants to address systemic barriers to success for youth in underserved communities, demonstrating the league’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.
