Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) looks to shoot against New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Limit Second Chances

In the first matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks did very little by way of limiting second chances. Milwaukee pulled down 18 offensive rebounds and scored 23 second chance points—23.7 percent of its total points produced.

That cannot happen again.

Greg Monroe dominated the season-opening clash by pulling down 14 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. Robin Lopez and Kyle O’Quinn did a fine job of defending Monroe, but keeping him off the boards was another issue entirely.

Even when it wasn’t Monroe, Milwaukee was creating second chances.

Every one of the 11 players who saw the floor for the Bucks grabbed at least one offensive rebound, including five by guards. Milwaukee admittedly has big players at both guard positions, but that’s an unacceptable reality for the Knicks to face.

If it wants to hold off a more complete Bucks squad at Madison Square Garden, New York will need to prevent Milwaukee from dominating the offensive boards.

Next: 18 for 25 to 11 for 14