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New York Knicks Takeaways From Preseason

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek (L) speaks to his players on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek (L) speaks to his players on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Takeaways From Preseason
Oct 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) defends against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Consistency

If the Knicks are to take the next step as a team they will need to bring the effort consistently on the defensive side of the ball. Things are not always crisp during the preseason as the rotations are not set and players are playing alongside guys that may not even be on the roster in a week. But, the defense at times during the preseason was not strong.

The faster pace will result in more opportunities for their opponents as well. But, they allowed them to shoot too high a percentage. The Knicks allowed teams to shoot 47.2 percent in the first five games of the preseason; a number that will slightly increase as they allowed the Nets to shoot 47.6 percent in the final game.

They were slightly below average defending the three-point line, allowing teams to shoot 35.6 percent in the first five games. Again, that number will increase a little as the Nets made 40 percent of their three-pointers in the preseason finale.

Perimeter defense has been an issue for the Knicks in recent seasons and is something they hope to improve upon. Adding more athletic players on the wings such as Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday with Lance Thomas should help. With the propensity of three-point shooting in the NBA nowadays, the Knicks must make a concerted effort to be better than average defending the three-point line.

The Knicks defended the three-point line well last season, allowing teams to shoot 34.6 percent. If they can keep the percentage around there despite the quicker pace, it will be a victory for the Knicks.

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