New York Knicks Preview: The Keys To Defeating The Utah Jazz

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Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) controls the ball against Houston Rockets small forward Sam Dekker (7) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis displayed his upside and his flaws during the 117-104 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The upside was found in the fact that he scored 27 points. His flaws were evident in the fact he committed five fouls and was unable to cope with Chicago’s physicality down low.

It won’t get any easier against Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, and the Utah Jazz, which makes Porzingis one of the most critical pieces to this ambitious puzzle.

In two games against the Jazz in 2015-16, Porzingis averaged 4.0 personal fouls in just 21.0 minutes. That includes a January 20 encounter, when he recorded 16 points and three blocks, but fouled out in just 29 minutes.

Porzingis is getting stronger in his core and lower body, but as his encounter with Taj Gibson displayed, he’s still struggling to defend and post up against bruising interior players.

Favors is going to post Porzingis up and make him work for his shots within the 3-point line. Porzingis must be able to adapt and adjust, as the Jazz will play as physically as the referees enable them to on both ends of the floor.

If Porzingis stays out of foul trouble and maintains his composure when working from 16 feet and within, the Knicks should win this game.

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