Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers

Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks guard

(13) dives for the loose ball during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

5. Force Turnovers

Player-for-player, the New York Knicks aren’t going to win many games. As a cohesive unit with collaborative talents, however, the Knicks have the personnel to win with some measure of consistency.

A primary driving force for New York’s postseason aspirations is the surprising ability to turn defense into offense.

New York currently ranks No. 6 in steals per game and No. 9 in turnovers forced per game. According to NBA.com, the Knicks are also No. 6 in points created via turnovers.

That trend must continue in order to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland is a physically dominant team that excels in getting out in transition. It’s also a team that’s prone to playing out of control, having ranked in the bottom half of he NBA in turnovers in 2014-15.

Cleveland is certainly capable of playing a clean and efficient game, which means New York must continue to play opportunistic defense.

Next: No. 1 Weakness