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Evan Fournier is not at fault for New York Knicks’ defensive issues

By Zamir Bueno

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks looks on in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2021 in New York City. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 113-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks looks on in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2021 in New York City. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 113-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Evan Fournier
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks reacts during close game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 30, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /

There is a prevailing thought around the league that Evan Fournier’s inconsistency has contributed to the New York Knicks’ defensive issues. A reporter asked Head Coach Tom Thibodeauabout what Fournier has to do to be more consistent on the defensive end after a loss to Indiana on December 8th.

Thibodeau stated that one player isn’t responsible for the team’s defensive issues – it’s a team-wide problem. New York’s head coach is correct, as the Knicks have developed a habit of watching the ball on the defensive end of the floor, resulting in them giving up more uncontested shots.

Why Evan Fournier should not be blamed for the New York Knicks’ defensive struggles this season

The Knicks gave up 21.5 contested shots over the first 27 games of last season. They have seen a 13.9 percent increase over the first 27 games of this season, as they are averaging 24.5 uncontested shots per game. More importantly, opponents have increased their field goal percentage by 1.1 percent from last season, shooting 42.5 percent.

The logical conclusion for the increase in uncontested shots would be to blame roster changes (i.e. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier replacing Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock). Unfortunately, that theory is off-base, as the team has given up more contested shots when Evan Fournier isn’t on the floor.

Fournier currently plays 80 percent of the first quarter, averaging 9.6 minutes per game. The team is only giving up 5.9 uncontested shots during that quarter. On the other hand, Fournier is on the bench for 51.7 percent of the second quarter, as he only averages 5.8 minutes per game in that particular stanza. The New York Knicks see an 18.6 percent increase in uncontested shot attempts by opponents in the second quarter, as they average 7.0 per game.

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