Steve Popper: Knicks need to get off to better starts

"The statistics will tell you this wasn't an anomaly. If you didn't like the first-quarter net rating in the two Los Angeles stops of -26.2, then the -70.3 grouping of Shamet with the other four starters in the first quarter Wednesday was not going to please you."

"Yeah, two things, coach Mike Brown said. We're turning it over to start and our opponents are not feeling us. And if they do, it's because we're reaching and sending them to the free-throw line. We have to take away the three to start the game."

"The Knicks (42-25) built a roster with championship aspirations with a rotation that was expected to be as deep as any in the NBA. So why don't the combinations work?"

The Knicks experienced poor first-quarter performances across recent games, including a 41-point quarter against Utah and early deficits against the Clippers and Lakers. Despite building a roster with championship aspirations and expected depth, the starting lineup combinations have underperformed, particularly at game starts. Statistical analysis reveals concerning net ratings in opening quarters, with Landry Shamet's insertion into the starting lineup showing worse metrics than Josh Hart. Coach Mike Brown attributes the struggles to turnovers, defensive reaching that sends opponents to the free-throw line, and failure to contest three-point shooters effectively in early game situations.

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