The Knicks came into this season looking to ramp up their 3-point shooting, and through two games, more than half of their total shot attempts have come from behind the arc.
Helping lead the way with the team's new movement is newcomer Evan Fournier, who signed a four-year, $78 million deal this past offseason to come to New York and do what he's always done: light it up from downtown.
Fournier, who has averaged nearly seven 3-point attempts over his last two seasons, has done just that so far for the Knicks, averaging 11 triples per game and shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc to pace the team's long distanced attack.
"Just trying to be myself," Fournier said after Friday's win over his former team in Orlando. "I think if Leon [Rose] and Scott [Perry] brought me here, it's because they wanted me to be myself. I'm jut gonna make my reads, try to bring positive energy and leadership, because I'm someone who is very invested in what I do."
Fournier was a hero in the Knicks' thrilling double overtime win over the Celtics in Wednesday's season opener, hitting three 3-pointers in a span of one minute in the first overtime period to finish with a career-high 32 points, the last three coming on a go-ahead triple with less than a minute to go in the second overtime to give the Knicks the lead for good. On Friday, he tied for the team lead with four triples, and has already hit 10 on the season.
With a hot shooting hand out of the gate erasing a lackluster preseason performance, Fournier has wasted no time settling in with his new teammates as part of New York's starting five.
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"Coach Thibs knows my game, and guys around me, Kemba [Walker], Julius [Randle], guys I've played against, we know each other's games, because we've been in the league for awhile," Fournier said. "So I think that helps. But don't get me wrong, it really feels good that guys are enjoying playing with you and that we already have chemistry."
Head coach Tom Thibodeau preached more quality 3-point looks this season after his Knicks were among the lowest in the league in 3-point attempts last season. Now, through two games, they are at the top of the league, and Fournier is a big reason why, by simply being asked to do what he's already done in recent years.
"I love basketball and competing, and I think I really fit with that mentality here with Thibs and all the guys, and just be a part of something great," Fournier said.
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