New York Knicks Five Takeaways From First Half Of Season

Jan 5, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher talks to guard Tim Hardaway Jr during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis defeated New York 105-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

-Late Game Struggles

A big theme last season in the Knicks’ struggles was their inability to close out games in the waning minutes. The Knicks were never able to get over the hump in close games, as execution failed and they became stagnant. The inability to perform when it mattered most resulted in a poor record and the missing of the playoffs. People had hoped that would be a thing of the past, but once again in 2014-2015, the Knicks were unable to get the job done at the end of games.

The Knicks are 2-11 this season in games decided by five points or less, or went into overtime. That screams poor late game execution, as the Knicks do not trust what they are doing will work, ad revert back to their old habits. There have been a number of other games this season that resulted in bigger losses than five points that the Knicks were seemingly in going into the final minutes but crumbled.

Injuries could be a factor in this as well, as too often the Knicks were without Anthony or Stoudemire to get them a basket, instead having to rely on someone not used to carrying the offense such as Tim Hardaway Jr. Injuries have a major impact on the game more than just the players on the court. It can also slow the learning process of a team, which leads into the next takeaway.

Next: Triangle Offense A Work In Progress