Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating Cleveland Cavaliers

Nov 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands beside New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 96-86. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Fourth Quarter Exuection

The New York Knicks have done an excellent job of playing three competitive quarters in 2015-16. Unfortunately, it’s often fallen to pieces during the final period of play.

New York has scored less than 20 points in the fourth quarter in four of its five losses.

That’s not a trend that breeds winning basketball. Instead, it’s something that generally happens to teams that go down the path of a losing season.

New York must buck the trend before it’s too late.

With a healthy Arron Afflalo and a productive Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks should find their way. Both are notoriously clutch players, and Kristaps Porzingis is going a long way towards proving himself in the same capacity.

In the previous encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York lost by 10 points. It was outscored by nine in the fourth quarter.

Enough said.

Next: On the Attack