Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating the Charlotte Hornets

Nov 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard

(7) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Charlotte Hornets 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

1. Defending Point Guards

The New York Knicks have flaws. Most have been acknowledged already, but none are quite as significant as the blatant inability to prevent point guards from creating at will.

Whether that’s on Jose Calderon or the coaching staff, something needs to change.

Kemba Walker may have struggled during the first encounter, but Jeremy Lin obliterated New York. The former Knick scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, posting eight key points in the fourth quarter.

Lin created penetration at virtual will and seemed to score every time the Knicks made progress during the final period of play.

On Tuesday, Lin will return to Madison Square Garden—an ominous sign for the Knicks. He struggled in 2014-15, but Lin scored at least 20 points in each of his previous two games as an opponent at the building he helped revitalize.

Throw in the dynamic Walker, a Bronx native, and the Hornets’ two point guards should passionately attack the Knicks at The Mecca. New York must have a plan to contain them.