New York Knicks: Five Keys To Defeating Cleveland Cavaliers

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Create Penetration

In 2015-16, the New York Knicks were the worst team in the NBA at creating penetration. New York averaged 15.5 drives per game and 10.4 points via drives per game, which both ranked No. 30 in the Association.

During the season opener, the Knicks must establish their ability to create penetration early—a task to be handled by Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose.

Rose finished the 2015-16 regular season at No. 9 in points via drives per game and No. 14 in drives per game. He shot 51.0 percent on drives, which was second to LeBron James amongst players who ranked in the Top 10 in points via drives per game.

Matched up against Kyrie Irving, who hasn’t yet established himself defensively, Rose needs to get to the basket early and often.

Jennings struggled to create penetration in 2015-16, but that was the direct result of the achilles injury he suffered mere months prior. He was moving much better during the preseason, however, and should be better able to get by his man in 2016-17.

New York runs a motion offense, which will only flourish and prosper if the Knicks can get into the paint and collapse Cleveland’s defense.

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