Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the New Orleans Pelicans
Nov 8, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center
Roy Hibbert(17) grabs a rebound between New York Knicks power forward
Kristaps Porzingis(6) and New York Knicks center
Robin Lopez(8) defending during the 4th qtr at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: The Knicks won 99-95. Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
4. Foul Trouble
The New York Knicks continue to struggle with committing silly fouls. A major reason for that was the inconsistent defense of Jose Calderon and Sasha Vujacic, which thus forced big men to make an excess of help-side defensive plays.
That needs to stop.
Through 10 games, only one team is sending opponents to the line more often than the Knicks. The Utah Jazz check in at No. 30 with 30.1 free throw attempts allowed per game.
New York isn’t too far behind at No. 29 with 28.9 allowed per contest.
In other words, the Knicks are giving opponents 29 extra chances to put points on the board. Fortunately, the New Orleans Pelicans are No. 27 in free throw attempts per game.
If New York is to earn home win No. 2, it’ll need to limit the foul trouble.
Next: Lights Out