NBA Analysis: Lessons Learned from Knicks vs. Warriors

I’m no expert at advanced statistics but I do like to peruse for interesting nuggets.


Analyzing the material available on HoopData it’s clear that offensively, the Knicks’ problem last night was poor shooting from distance. The Knicks shot 4/21 from three (28.6%). If they had shot at last season’s average of 36.8%, they would have netted an additional 9 points in a game they lost by 14. Particularly at fault here was ‘Melo, who didn’t make a single one of his four threes.


Similarly, the Knicks shot 7/24 (29.1%) from 16-23 feet last night. At last seasons’ average of 39%, they would have scored an additional 4 points. Amar’e had the most misses from this range, shooting 2-9.


The Knicks could’ve made this a much closer game if their stars didn’t put forth an uncharacteristically disappointing shooting performance.


Also disappointing is the Knicks’ stars lack of presence at the hoop on offense last night. Amar’e took 2 shots at the rim yesterday (last year he averaged six). Similarly, Carmelo didn’t take a single attempt at the rim last night which is disappointing for someone who averaged five last season with the Knicks, and seven with the Nuggets. That’s unacceptable considering the 76.5% clip at which the team was making these shots.


The lack of interior offense is only partially attributable to Amar’e and ‘Melo’s lack of aggression. It’s also clear that the Knicks have no point guard who can get their star players good easy looks, much less direct the offense. From what we’ve seen, this results in too much ISO and standing around.


The Knicks need a floor general in the worst way.


Sources:


http://www.hoopdata.com/teamshotlocs.aspx?yr=2011&type=pg


http://hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Carmelo%20Anthony


http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Amare%20Stoudemire


http://www.hoopdata.com/boxscore.aspx?id=311228009