Knicks' Defensive Shift: Impacting Celtics' 3-Point Shooting?

David

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Post on May 08, 2025

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Knicks' Defensive Shift: Impacting Celtics' 3-Point Shooting?

The New York Knicks have surprised many this season with their unexpectedly strong defense. A key element of this resurgence? A significant shift in their defensive strategy that seems to be directly impacting the Boston Celtics' usually potent three-point shooting. Could this defensive adjustment be the key to upsetting the Celtics' playoff hopes?

The Celtics, known for their prolific three-point barrage led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have seen a noticeable dip in their long-range accuracy in recent matchups against the Knicks. While other factors certainly play a role, the Knicks' defensive changes are undeniably a contributing factor.

A Closer Look at the Knicks' Defensive Strategy

This season, the Knicks have moved away from a more passive defensive style, opting for a more aggressive, switching-heavy approach. This strategy involves frequently switching defensive assignments on pick-and-rolls and other offensive actions, disrupting the Celtics' rhythm and forcing them into contested shots.

• Increased Pressure on Ball Handlers: The Knicks are relentlessly pressuring the ball, forcing turnovers and limiting the Celtics' ability to set up their preferred three-point plays. This high-pressure defense disrupts the timing and spacing so crucial for effective three-point shooting.

• Aggressive Closeouts: Knicks defenders are contesting three-point attempts with more ferocity, closing out quickly and effectively to challenge shooters. This makes it harder for the Celtics to get clean looks from beyond the arc.

• Effective Help Defense: The Knicks' help defense has been crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities and preventing easy kick-out passes to open three-point shooters. This coordinated effort has significantly reduced the Celtics' open looks.

The Impact on Celtics' 3-Point Percentage

The numbers don't lie. In their recent games against the Knicks, the Celtics' three-point percentage has dropped considerably compared to their season average. While this could be attributed to other factors like fatigue or off-nights, the Knicks' defensive intensity is a significant contributing factor. This defensive strategy isn't just disrupting the rhythm of star players like Tatum and Brown; it's impacting the entire Celtics' offensive flow.

Can the Celtics Adjust?

The Celtics, a team renowned for their offensive adjustments, will undoubtedly be working to counter the Knicks' defensive strategy. Expect to see them employing more off-ball movement, utilizing different screening actions, and perhaps even incorporating more mid-range shots to mitigate the impact of the Knicks' aggressive closeouts. The upcoming games between these two teams will be crucial in observing how the Celtics adapt and whether they can regain their three-point shooting prowess.

Looking Ahead:

The Knicks' defensive shift is not just a short-term strategy; it represents a fundamental change in their approach. This heightened defensive intensity is not only impacting the Celtics but could also significantly affect their playoff seeding and potential matchups. The impact of this defensive strategy will be a key storyline to follow as the season progresses, and particularly as the playoffs draw closer. The question remains: can the Celtics crack the Knicks' defensive code? Only time will tell.