New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating Houston Rockets

5. Don’t Foul

James Harden has an uncanny ability to drive the lane, play an angle, and draw a foul from a quality defender. It’s been the signature of his game over the past four seasons, as Harden has established himself as the most oft-fouled man in basketball.

For the New York Knicks to experience success against the Houston Rockets, Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah cannot afford to get into foul trouble.

That’s much easier said than done, but Lee and Noah are far too valuable to the Knicks to get into foul trouble. Noah is the Knicks’ defensive anchor, best rebounder, and primary facilitator, and Lee has stabilized the offense with his timely scoring.

To lose either player would be a devastating result given the relatively thin nature of the Knicks’ second unit.

Beyond Harden, the Rockets play an up-tempo style that’s likely to cause temptation as far as fouls are concerned. Stopping the fast break with a foul is an age-old strategy, but New York must be wise in choosing which players do so.

There are some players whom the Knicks simply cannot allow to get into foul trouble, and two of them will have the task of protecting the basket from Harden.