Where did all the three-point shooting go?
That’s what every member of the New York Knicks, their fans and Mike Woodson should be asking themselves following the team’s loss to the Indiana Pacers. New York fell in Indiana 82-71 (it could have been worse), attempted just 11 three-pointerss and connected on just three of them.
Is that a problem? No, it’s a catastrophe.
The Knicks set an NBA record for most three-point attempts in a single season and were fifth in the league with a 37.6 percent conversion clip. Game 3, however, saw them hit on just over 27 percent of their attempts and was reminiscent of their performance in Game 1, where they hoisted up just 19 deep balls.
For most teams, 19 treys would suffice, or even seem like too much, but not the Knicks. They attempted nearly 29 a game during the regular season, because that’s how they win. They spread the floor and jack up threes like the mid-range game is a crime.
The Pacers have taken their three-point shot out of the equation, though. Or rather, that’s what some would like think.
New York is making it a point to attack the rim in what can only be interpreted as an attempt to get Roy Hibbert (and perhaps David West) in foul trouble. To an extent, it’s worked. Hibbert has committed five personal fouls in two out of the three games. But that hasn’t meant much. Indiana has won both of those games. He’s still be able to block and contest shots at the rim, and New York’s point totals have suffered as a result. Except for Game 2, that is.
The Knicks dismantled the Pacers 105-79 in Game 2 of the series, and that was with Hibbert patrolling the paint to the tune of four blocks. How’d they manage the victory, you ask? Three-point shooting.
New York attempted 25 threes in Game 2, which is almost as much as they attempted in Games 1 and 3 combined (30). In the latter two games, the Knicks weren’t even looking at the basket as much as we’re used to when standing behind the arc. Every set was aimed at getting to the rim.
While generally not a ridiculous sense of logic, that’s not the Knicks. They don’t have the bodies to combat Hibbert’s defense. Neither Tyson Chandler nor Kenyon Martin (or even Amar’e Stoudemire) can consistently challenge him. Chandler and Martin can’t really challenge anyone unless they’re given a clear path to the basket.
And with Hibbert having his way in the paint on both ends in Games 1 and 3, the Knicks need to resort back to their serial three-point shooting ways. They’re (likely) not going to get to the rim as often as the Pacers, so they need to convert on baskets that are worth more to offset their deficiencies down low. Just like they did during the regular season.
The Knicks were 44-21 during the regular season when they attempted at least 25 threes. After finishing 54-28 on the year, that may not seem significant, but it is. Why? Because when they put up fewer than 25, they were just 12-9. And when they attempted fewer than 20 (like they did in Games 1 and 3), they were just 2-2.
Teams that live (and die) by the three, aren’t supposed to contend for championships, but the Knicks have been an exception. They finished second in the Eastern Conference and were considered the only real threat to the Miami Heat (save maybe for the Chicago Bulls).
For the Knicks, hoisting up deep balls without reserve has worked, so it shouldn’t have stopped. Credit the Pacers’ superior defensive sets to a certain extent, but mostly, it’s New York’s method of attack.
Steve Novak—while unhealthy and a defensive liability—needs more playing time. The Knicks were 31-6 during the regular season when he attempted at least five threes. Not “hit on,” but “attempted.” He needs to be, you know, in the game to get those attempts.
Guys like Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith need to pitch in as well. I’m not saying they should be jacking up 10 threes each, but they need to set the offensive tone by keeping Indiana’s defense honest. Right now, they’re not.
And if it stays that way, if the Knicks continue to remain hesitant to shoot the three-ball and if Novak continues to be shackled to the bench, they’re not going to advance past the Pacers; they’re not going to win. Games 1 and 3 have showed us that much.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
