New York Knicks Preview: Five Keys To Defeating Detroit Pistons

Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) celebrates a three point basket during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defend The 3-Point Shot

Teams coached by Stan Van Gundy are all but guaranteed to excel in two areas. One of the manners in which a Van Gundy team is expected to execute is on defense, where energy and physicality are a given.

The other guarantee with a Van Gundy team is that they’ll space the floor by embracing the value of the 3-point shot.

Detroit has been struggling with the outside shot in 2016-17, which is a promising sign for New York. It’s No. 27 in the Association in 3-point field goals made per game, but that isn’t a number to put much stock into.

Detroit was No. 10 in the NBA in 3-point field goals made per game in 2015-16 and the personnel is in place for it to turn things around against New York.

The Pistons have shot 26.2 percent from beyond the arc through three games, which simply will not last. Playing without Reggie Jackson hurts, but there’s still room for Detroit to improve without him.

Jackson’s absence makes things easier defensively, but New York cannot afford to play lazy defense against the 3-ball when Detroit is the opponent.

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