Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Houston Rockets

Oct 23, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones (6) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (R) and Boris Diaw (L) defend during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

5. Limit Second Chances

It’s a genuine miracle that the New York Knicks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. This isn’t because of a mismatch of talent—although, it somewhat is—but instead a key statistic that should’ve signaled New York’s demise.

It may have won 93-90, but New York lost the battle on the offensive glass by a stunning margin.

The Knicks allowed the Thunder to pull down an overwhelming 21 offensive rebounds. OKC turned that into 25 second chance points, which is better than it could’ve been, but still atrocious.

By comparison, New York had just six offensive rebounds—15 less than the Thunder—and 11 second chance points—10 fewer.

Against the Houston Rockets, this issue can’t persist. James Harden and Ty Lawson will make the Knicks pay if given second chances, and players such as Trevor Ariza and Terrence Jones are dangerous as overlooked weapons.

The good news for the Knicks: Dwight Howard, the Rockets’ top offensive rebounder, will miss tonight’s game.

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