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The New York Knicks might be fun with Frank Ntilikina: 3 things we learned in week 2

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The New York Knicks went 3-1 last week, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, and the downward-spiraling (slight hyperbole) Cleveland Cavaliers. Here are three key takeaways while you plan the Knicks’ parade route.

  1. Coach Jeff Hornacek deserves some patience. After the Knicks started 0-3, ESPN’s Ian Begley tweeted that Hornacek could be on the hot seat. Hornacek followed up with three wins. The Knicks could use a shot of stability, which means giving the coach time to implement his system — especially since his first season was so triangle-focused.
  2. Playoffs or lottery, the Knicks will be fun to watch with Frank Ntilikina on the court. The rookie point guard’s commitment to defense was infectious in his Madison Square Garden debut against the Nets. The eighth-overall pick still has plenty of jitters to shake — he looked in awe while guarding Dwyane Wade — but it will be exciting to watch him mature this year.
  3. Starting Jarrett Jack has already been a huge upgrade compared to Ramon Sessions. Both Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr.have seen a sizable improvement in their respective shooting percentages with Jack on the floor (through Game 5).

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The Knicks will host the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Indiana Pacers this week. Can they keep streaking?

New York Knicks need to get Tim Hardaway more involved: 3 things we learned in week 1

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Knicks Week 1 2017

The 2017-18 NBA season is underway, and the New York Knicks are off to an 0-2 start. Here are three key takeaways from their losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons.

  1. Kristaps Porzingis has stepped up so far as the Knicks’ No. 1 option. KP averaged 32 points and 8.5 rebounds, blocked Carmelo Anthony, and demanded the ball down the stretch against the Pistons. This is his team now.
  2. As great as Porzingis has been, the Knicks will need someone to take some of the pressure off him. Tim Hardaway went 7-for-26 from the field, including a lackluster 29 percent from three-point range. The point guards need to set up Hardaway more.
  3. Willy Hernangomez needs more minutes. The Spanish center only played four minutes in the first two games, and playing time will become even tougher to juggle once Joakim Noah returns.