Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating Washington Wizards

Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dunks the ball over New York Knicks forward

(6) in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. Protect the Paint

Once again, this is a major point of emphasis. After watching the way Dennis Schroder and Jeff Teague attacked the paint at virtual will, it’s even more of a red flag than previously believed.

Matched up against the lightning-quick John Wall, the New York Knicks must protect the paint.

Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn and Kristaps Porzingis are all solid rim protectors with the potential for greatness. That was on display against the Milwaukee Bucks, when New York allowed a reasonable 38 points in the paint.

In the second half, specifically, New York shut Greg Monroe and the Bucks down.

Against Atlanta, however, New York allowed 52 points in the paint. It also sent the Hawks to the free throw line 26 times, which was byproduct of the perimeter’s inability to remain in front of Atlanta’s slashers.

If Wall and company are aggressive, it could be a long night for the Knicks’ interior players.

Next: The Easy Ones