The Important Knicks Stat That Tells the Story of Their Bulls Win
Motion offense finds a spark
The Knicks have had a difficult start offensively, including poor two-point shooting and slow starts from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Wednesday’s performance against the Bulls offered a change, with New York’s offense contributing to a win and a 4-4 record.
Motion offense is a fallback when a possession breaks down, as well as a planned option built around the pinch post and movement on the perimeter. It is not necessarily the team’s most efficient approach, but it gives the Knicks a way to keep playing when their initial action stalls.
Turnovers have held it back
In their first eight games, the Knicks had difficulty executing the motion system. They turned the ball over on 17.2% of possessions in that offense, compared with 13.3% in set plays and 11.4% in freelance situations.
The team has used motion on 21% of its possessions this season. Last season, its rate was in the high 30s to 40%, according to the article. New York also had four games last season with a half-court turnover rate below 10%; it has not recorded one this year.
How the system creates space
Mike Brown calls one action “Nova,” while the writer describes it as a weave built around structured handoffs. The typical setup places two players in the slots, two in the corners and the center in the dunker spot, creating a four-out, one-in formation.
In the example described, Tyler Kolek and Bridges begin with a handoff between the slot players. Bridges drives after the defense does not switch. If defenders contain that first action, the next option is a handoff near the corner, allowing the offense to keep progressing rather than stagnating.
Chicago offers a confidence boost
Against Chicago, the Knicks recorded their highest frequency and efficiency in motion offense this season, matching the output they were expected to produce. The article also notes that strong shooting helped fuel the performance.
The result could encourage New York to keep using the system despite its early turnover problems. Its movement and spacing offer a way to respond when a possession breaks down, though the season’s early results suggest the team is still working to execute it consistently.
Key points
- The Knicks moved to 4-4 after their offense came alive against the Bulls.
- New York posted its highest motion-offense frequency and efficiency of the season in the Chicago game.
- The Knicks have turned the ball over on 17.2% of motion possessions, compared with 13.3% in set plays.
- Motion offense accounts for 21% of the Knicks’ possessions this season, down from a high-30s-to-40% rate last season.