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Landry Shamet’s simple approach giving Knicks chance to find stride
Landry Shamet’s steady approach to changing roles has made him a reliable starting option for the New York Knicks when wing players are unavailable. Coach Mike Brown says Shamet’s defence, pace and ability to contribute on both ends suit a team that does not need anyone to do anything extraordinary.
Shamet started his third consecutive game against Milwaukee after Josh Hart, whose ankle had improved, fell ill. Before that game, Shamet was averaging 9.3 points, shooting 43 per cent overall and 42 per cent from three-point range. He had also played more fourth-quarter minutes than Mikal Bridges, while Brown identified him as the Knicks’ strongest front-end pick-and-roll defender this season.
In short
- Shamet is earning starts by adapting without changing his game.
- He was averaging 9.3 points on 43 per cent shooting.
- Brown particularly values his pick-and-roll defence.
Explained simply
The New York Knicks are a professional basketball team in the NBA, where each side fields five players and tries to score by shooting the ball through the opponent’s basket. Wing players such as Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges help with scoring, defence and moving the ball, and their availability can affect who starts.
Landry Shamet is a guard who has moved between starting and reserve roles during his career. A pick-and-roll is a common attacking move in which one player sets a screen to help a team-mate drive or find space; defending it well can make it harder for opponents to create a shot. These roles matter over a long season, when teams need players who can contribute in different ways as line-ups change.