Beat the Heat: What Knicks Need To Do To Win Game Five

**This piece was written by Knicks Journal contributor, Zach Horst. You can follow Zach on Twitter @zd183.**

The Knicks fans no longer have to hear their fans' cries of playoff losing streak frustrations.

The team’s Game Four victory in the World’s Greatest Arena was a step in the right direction. They played with confidence and proved yet again they can compete with elite teams - on certain nights. Here are five changes the Knicks need to make in order the next step and win a pivotal Game Five in South Beach:

Take Early Lead

        Sunday’s matinee was the first game in the series where the Knicks had the lead after the first quarter. This will be paramount in Game 5. If the Knicks, however, are the aggressors from the tip, the crowd will be a non-factor.

Shoot 75% from the FT Line

        The Knicks have done well from the line in the series, but they will need to be great in Game Five. One has to expect a few “home” calls going Miami’s way, and thus more chances at the line for the Heat.

The Knicks will need every point they can muster against a superior opponent on the road. Though they won’t necessarily win if they shoot 75%, but it’s more likely the Knicks lose should they not reach that same percentage.

        

Higher Assist %

        Assist ratio is the percentage of a team's possessions that end in an assist. The Knicks have the worst of any team in the playoffs so far at 9.3  - more than two points below the second-lowest Mavericks. In order for New York to find success on the court, the number needs to approach 13 or 14. The key is to start ball movement earlier in the shot clock, passing it around for 12 - 15 seconds-- you are bound to find one open man. Less isolation and more penetration will also help.

Lower TO %

        New York also has the worst turnover percentage of any team in the playoffs - a walloping 32% of their possessions have ended in a turnover so far.  The Knicks’ guards need to stop forcing cross-court passes or highlight-reel alley-oops. Force the ball inside, work it down on the block, then pass it back out if nothing is open. The Heat thrive on fast break points. The Knicks will need 14 turnovers or less to have a fighting chance.

Tyson Chandler Needs More Shots

        The man who led the regular season in FG% (70%) has taken just 19 shots in the entire series so far. Compare this to JR Smith, who has taken over 60 attempts and is shooting a measly 35%.

Tyson Chandler has been an afterthought on offense, but can be effective around the rim. He is three inches taller than Joel Anthony, and should be able to draw contact under the basket and flip in a few easy tips and dunks. Coach Mike Woodson must utilize him more in pick and roll scenarios, as he is quick to the basket and explosive off the floor. The hope should be for him to have 8-10 shots in Game Five.

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This may seem like a tall order, but when you consider the Knicks are on the road against the best team left in the East, it becomes more reasonable. Make no mistake, the Knicks are heavy underdogs and have an uphill battle. If they come out aggressive, hit their free throws, and protect the ball, they have a fighting chance to bring this series back to the Garden for Game Six.