Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Five Keys To Defeating Cleveland Cavaliers

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball as forward LeBron James (23) provides the screen against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball as forward LeBron James (23) provides the screen against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Battle of the No. 2s

Kristaps Porzingis utilized the 2016 NBA preseason as something of a basketball showcase. He flashed new moves, improved lower body strength, and fluid athleticism as he helped the New York Knicks go 4-2.

The pressure is on Carmelo Anthony to show out and shine against LeBron James, but their supporting stars will need to step up, as well.

For Anthony, it’s Porzingis who must provide a strong and steady offensive impact. Porzingis’ defense will be just as important, if not more so, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong idea of what Kyrie Irving is going to provide.

Thus, if Irving gives the Cavaliers his expected 20-to-30 points, then Porzingis will have to match him situationally.

If Irving gets hot when James has a bit of a cold stretch, then Porzingis must be able to do the same if Anthony endures such a streak. The franchise players will go at each other, but the secondary stars must always be more methodical.

The Knicks need an all-around performance from Porzingis, but nothing will matter more than his ability to hit the big shots when Anthony needs help.

Home/Knicks News