4. Work The Pick And Roll
Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol plays defense unlike any other center, if not player, in the NBA. Much like German sweeper-keeper Manuel Neuer on the world football pitch, Gasol roams the floor in an almost reckless manner, yet never seems to truly be out of position.
Kristaps Porzingis could be a matchup nightmare due to his ability to space the floor, but the New York Knicks need to get him better looks at the basket.
Gasol doesn’t have a definitive weakness defensively, but the pick and roll is a play that New York must establish. Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings are both capable of running it, and Carmelo Anthony should see opportunities to do so, as well.
Porzingis, Joakim Noah, and Willy Hernangomez need to produce more points in the paint, and Zach Randolph isn’t exactly equipped to prevent them from doing so off the pick and roll.
Porzingis made three 3-point field goals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but shot just 2-of-8 on 2-point field goals. Noah finished with no points against Cleveland, and while he doesn’t need to average double figures as a scorer, the goose egg cannot happen again.
The Knicks aren’t going up against a team that will let them pound it inside, which is why Jeff Hornacek will need to get creative with the pick and roll.