The Phoenix Suns of 2013-14 took the NBA by storm in some senses with their unexpected 48-win season under rookie coach Jeff Hornacek. Those Suns ranked eighth in both offensive rating and pace that season, narrowly missing the playoffs in an always-tough Western Conference. Phoenix ultimately couldn’t keep that success going and, by the middle of the 2015-16 season, Hornacek was fired.
Today, Hornacek and his New York Knicks are one of the top surprise stories in the East. Although these Knicks aren’t performing at the offensive level those ’13-14 Suns were — New York is 12th in offensive rating and 20th in pace — they nonetheless are enjoying Hornacek’s system and the freedom it gives them. Marc Berman of the New York Post has more from the Knicks:
“We’re not running the stuff we did last year with the mix of plays,’’ said Hornacek, whose club is off to a surprising 7-6 start and playing host to Utah on Wednesday. “Our guys are feeling comfortable with what we’re running. We’re going to get better at that. It’s a style most of those guys like to play. It makes it easier for them. Even in this system, there’s a lot of teaching we have to do. We have to continue to learn the little things that will make it easier especially in pressure times like (against the Cavaliers).’’
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But after that hideous loss in Boston Oct. 24th, players spoke out publicly that some guys didn’t know the plays. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee were the most vocal. Hardaway called it “just running like we don’t know what’s going on.’’
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“It’s a full 180,’’ Hardaway said. “It’s great. A lot of guys are taking each possession in practice very serious. We’re building our game. We’re building a culture here. When we step in this practice, we are all ears and minds are open. Everyone is giving their input and everyone is locked in on both ends of the floor.”
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One key to Hornacek’s attack, according to sources, is having his two big men running the floor with reckless abandon — Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter. Each are suited well for that style. Hornacek calls it “rim running.’’ Even if the two bigs don’t get the pass on the break, they are helping spread the floor out by running with pace. In one instance against Cleveland, Hardaway hit Porzingis with a deep pass in stride that led to a breakaway layup.
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