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Hornacek says Knicks will use triangle exclusively next season

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

It's a decision that players and fans may not be on board with, but whether they like it or not, the New York Knicks are committed to using the triangle offense for the 2017-18 season, head coach Jeff Hornacek told reporters Wednesday, according to Newsday's Al Iannazzone.

Hornacek suggested that if he had players who fit the system this season, New York might be in the thick of the playoff hunt, instead of watching from the outside for a fourth year in a row.

"If we turned around and had a different way ... maybe we start and go right at however we're going to run it next year, full triangle or whatever we're going to do, it's possible," Hornacek said prior to the Knicks' game against the Utah Jazz. "You never know how those things will fit. Maybe a second year is helpful for us."

The Knicks began the season using aspects of the triangle, but ultimately steered away from it in favor of an offense more befitting of Hornacek's strengths. Then, following the All-Star break, he revealed he would revert back to the triangle to evaluate which players could thrive in it.

Kristaps Porzingis said there's been a lot of confusion as a result of the constant changes, and that the Knicks have never had an opportunity to play like they've wanted to.

"We were trying to find a balance," Hornacek added. "We were trying to open the game up so the current players could run some of that stuff and still have the triangle set where we can get into some stuff.

"As it turns out, looking back, it probably wasn't the greatest thing to do because you're not focused on one or the other. You're not getting enough of the same repetition of the same play and they can make reads off it. It's something we have to make a decision on and just go with it."

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