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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 – OCTOBER 24: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

The most important difference between the first and the second quarter is that opponents are making more of their uncontested shots in the first quarter, shooting 42.8 percent from the field – a 2.4 percent increase from the second quarter.

If the Knicks would stop watching the ball and pay attention to their defensive assignments, they would see a reduction in their uncontested shot attempts by opponents. Consequently, it is ill-advised to blame Fournier, because if you take him out of the starting lineup, the same issues will still exist, and more will arise.

If Thibodeau were to replace Fournier in the starting lineup, it would most likely be with Immanuel Quickley. Inserting Quickley into the starting lineup would make the New York Knicks’ offense and defense worse, as Fournier has mostly been a floor spacer during this regular season.

Fournier has taken 59.9 percent of his shots from behind the arc, averaging 6.6 threes per game. He currently accounts for 17.9 percent of the team’s total threes, as they average 36.8 per game.

Most of Fournier’s threes have come via catch and shoot, averaging 4.2 catch and shoot threes per game. It is unlikely that the shooting guard’s role will change, as the team runs their offense through Julius Randle.

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