The New York Knicks have been miserable from the charity stripe this season, and it has been a crucial part of several losses. The last two games against the Suns and the Clippers were no exception.
As a team, they shot 67% (20-of-30) from the line against the Suns and 65% (24-of-37) against the Clippers. Those two games were eight point and three point losses. If you simply don’t miss those free-throws, you win both games. There were a few conflicts against the Clippers that led to technical fouls that could of obviously been prevented. Just shut up and play basketball!
The Knicks sit last in the league in free-throw shooting, and it’s not even that close. They are shooting 68.6% as a team, and the next closest is Milwaukee at 72.4%. In comparison, the Portland Trail Blazers are leading the league at 81.8%.
The individual numbers are horrible as well. The two best free-throw shooters are Marcus Morris and Frank Ntilikina at 83%. 10 Knicks players shoot the ball from the free-throw line worse than 70%.
Against the Clippers, the team shot the ball 57% from the field and 65% from the line. It’s just completely sad that you almost shoot the ball better from the field compared to the free-throw line. From the field you’re, you know, guarded. You obviously aren’t guarded from the charity stripe.
Free-throw shooting has been an large problem for the Knicks this season that needs improving. The team by no means got off to the start they wanted to this season, but aren’t out of the playoff picture. With 45 games left, the team sits just six games back of the eight seed.
If the team can piece together a four or five game winning streak, they’ll be back in the thick of things. But, free-throw shooting can’t be what holds the team back from victories.