Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) prepare to rebound the ball in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

5. Limit Second Chances

The value of the New York Knicks’ most expensive signing will be put to the test on opening night. Not only will Robin Lopez be forced to protect New York from the wrath of the Milwaukee Bucks’ unfathomable length, but he’ll be matched up with a borderline star.

Greg Monroe, whom New York was rumored to covet more than Lopez during the 2015 offseason, will be attacking the offensive glass from start-to-finish.

Monroe finished the 2014-15 NBA regular season with averages of 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He pulled down 3.3 offensive rebounds per contest, which ranked No. 5 in the Association.

First and foremost, Lopez must limit second-chance scoring opportunities.

Monroe is a menace on the boards, and that’s something New York cannot allow to be a factor in the season-opener. Milwaukee was No. 15 in offensive rebounding in 2014-15, but Monroe is a game-changer in that regard.

Keeping the Bucks, and Monroe in specific, off of the offensive boards will be a pivotal key to victory.

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