New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating Detroit Pistons

Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) defend during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) drives to the basket as New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Forwards

With all due respect to the opposition, it made no sense how thoroughly outplayed Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis were by Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris. Morris took Anthony to task and Harris was unstoppable.

In a game where Andre Drummond scored just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field, the New York Knicks’ best players were dominated by their matchups.

Harris recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting from the field—with a protective mask—and Morris tallied 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Both capitalized on weak closeouts by players who dared them to shoot.

Anthony and Porzingis combined for 42 points of their own, but the damage was done on the defensive end of the floor.

Regardless of how many points Anthony and Porzingis produce, their defensive intensity must improve. Offense will clearly matter, but Anthony and Porzingis allowed 47 points between two players who combine to average 31.5.

It’d be inexcusable for the Knicks’ Top 2 players to be outplayed by Harris and Morris again. It’d also lead to defeat.

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