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The Knicks are taking many long twos, but at least they're taking good ones

Alex Goodlett

Now presenting a list of facts about the 2014-2015 New York Knicks, who have played three games as of November 3, 2014. Oh damn it's a new month. The dog should get her heartworm medication. Can someone remind me? Anyway:

The Knicks are 19th in the NBA in points scored per 100 possessions.

The Knicks are last in the league in fast-break points, points in the paintfield goals attempted from within 5 feet of the rim, and free throw attempts.

The Knicks rank  28th in free-throw-to-field-goal-attempt ratio.

The Knicks are 25th in the league in percentage of shots attempted from three-point territory.

The Knicks are first in the league in two-point attempts deeper than 16 feet. They are fourth in the league in field goal percentage on those shots. (switched to B-Ref there because i like their shooting distance categories better).

(If you prefer NBA.com, the Knicks are first in the league by far in percentage of attempts "mid-range".)

The Knicks rank fourth in the league in passes per game and points created by assist per game/48 minutes.

The Knicks rank second in the league in percent of made field goals assisted, including high rankings for both two-point and three-point makes.

The Knicks rank in the top three in catch-and-shoot field goals made and attempted per game, as well as catch-and-shoot accuracy.

Here's a good list of who's taking which shots.

The Knicks are 2-1.

In summary: The Knicks' offense through three games (without their starting point guard against three likely playoff teams) has been relatively inefficient. The Knicks have taken relatively few close shots, free throws, and three-pointers. They've leaned very hard on mid-range shots, and especially the long two. Those shots are of relatively high quality, though: assisted, catch-and-shoot jumpers that go in frequently.

The Knicks have eschewed typically efficient shots while making the best out of typically inefficient shots. So far.