Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating Cleveland Cavaliers

Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is fouled by Toronto Raptors forward

(15) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Getting to the Line

By most means and measures, the New York Knicks struggle to get easy buckets. They shoot a high volume of mid-range jump shots and convert just 42.5 percent of their total field goals—No. 25 in the NBA.

True as that may be, absolutely nothing has killed the Knicks more than a failure to get to the free throw line.

In the first bout with the Cavaliers, New York recorded 15 free throw attempts to 32 by Cleveland. In the most recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Knicks put up just seven free throws to 28 by the opposition.

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That shocking trend must end.

The previously alluded to dependency on jump shooting and finesse post play is a major reason for this weakness. When New York is aggressive in attacking the basket, it opens up the floor and creates both efficient field goals and trips to the line—both of which have been been scarce.

If New York can’t get to the charity stripe, it needs to, at least, keep Cleveland off of it.