Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Houston Rockets

Nov 20, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. Fourth Quarter Execution

For the first three quarters of a game, the New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA. They score, defend and move the ball as well as you could possibly ask of them.

Even when the Knicks win, however, the fourth quarter is the enemy.

New York has two respected clutch performers in Arron Afflalo and Carmelo Anthony. Nevertheless, ball movement becomes stagnant and the shots stop falling when the pressure is on.

New York should be happy to be 7-6, but this is a legitimate issue that cannot be overlooked.

The Knicks have been outscored in four of the past five fourth quarters they’ve played. The one exception was against the Charlotte Hornets, when the two sides tied at 22-22 in the fourth.

Against the Houston Rockets, which pulled off a comeback from 15 points down on November 18, fourth quarter execution will be a top priority.