New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz: 3-Point Game Plan
How can the New York Knicks earn their third victory for an even .500 record? How will Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward’s debut affect the game plan?
The New York Knicks have an early 12 noon ET tipoff with the Utah Jazz on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. How can the Knickerbockers string together two wins as the team continues to jell through the growing pains?
As of Saturday, Jazz forward Gordon Hayward will make his regular-season debut, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. He missed the first six games due to an injured finger on his left hand. By the way, he’s right-handed.
More from New York Knicks
- New York Knicks Fall to Eighth After NBA Draft Lottery
- New York Knicks: Players to Draft in Worst-Case Lottery Scenario
- New York Knicks: Three Players Who Should Thrive Under Tom Thibodeau
- Is Devin Booker to the New York Knicks Realistic?
- New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Officially Hired as Head Coach
Nonetheless, the Jazz will welcome their best playmaker to uplift a low scoring average. Utah ranks No. 29 in points per game at 94. The Knicks should anticipate a better offense on Sunday.
On a macro level, what’s the three-point game plan for a victory?
Put Gordon Hayward to Work
As mentioned above, Hayward will return to the starting lineup looking to lead the Jazz’s offense. The Knicks should put the ball in forward Carmelo Anthony’s hands or shooting guard Courtney Lee’s hands and force Hayward to work hard on the defensive end.
New York can’t allow Hayward to find his rhythm early. It’s unclear how many minutes he’ll play in his first game back in action, but defenders shouldn’t stand around and wait for him to establish a comfort zone on the court.
Utah head coach Quin Snyder may opt to match Hayward with Lee on defense, which makes it important for the Knicks’ 2-guard to remain aggressive in his shot attempts.
Force Ball Out of George Hill’s Hands
While Hayward sat out, point guard George Hill became the go-to scorer and playmaker on offense. He’s not going to fade away with one more option on the court. The Knicks can’t allow Hill to facilitate and put up points as the focal point on offense.
Hill averages 20 points and 4.3 assists per game. He leads the team in both categories. Through the first five games, the Knicks have prided their play on the defensive end, which should pay off on Sunday.
Point guard Derrick Rose must pressure Hill with the ball to prevent him from operating the offense at optimal levels. New York can allow Hill’s 20 points, but they have to prevent his assist total from rising with another playmaker available on the wing in Hayward.
Lure Rudy Gobert Outside Paint
The most important part of the Knicks’ game plan focuses on moving Jazz center Rudy Gobert outside the painted area.
Why?
Gobert averages about two blocks per game, and he’s a premier rim protector in the league. If he frequently steps 12 feet away from the basket, Rose can utilize his lightning quickness to score near the hoop without contorting his body to avoid the 7’1” center. Second-chance scoring opportunities with offensive rebounds would also help mask an overall poor shooting performance.
How can the Knicks move Gobert?
Head coach Jeff Hornacek should use a small-ball lineup with forward Kristaps Porzingis drifting out for 15-foot jumpers and 3-pointers. According to NBA.com, the Jazz allow a 34.8 shooting percentage when contesting a shot beyond the arc. For the Knicks, it’s a high-percentage attempt, and it opens the lane if it’s Porzingis at center exploiting the weakness.
After Noah played 35 minutes in an emotional game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, it wouldn’t hurt to limit his time to about 25 minutes and add to Porzingis’ workload. The ninth-year veteran will need less hectic game days while the second-year pro continues to develop into a dynamic powerhouse.