3. Defense
The New York Knicks’ most recent game was the first time this season that Jeff Hornacek’s crew held an opponent below 100 points. It was a long-awaited arrival of a defense that has the personnel to border on dominance in 2016-17.
If the Knicks are hoping to defeat the Detroit Pistons in their second meeting of 2016-17, then the defense must show up again.
New York held the Dallas Mavericks to 77 points on 5-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc and just 11 free throw attempts. It was a rare display of Kristaps Porzingis and the Knicks showing discipline and not getting into foul trouble.
That alone could define the matchup against Detroit, as the Knicks sent the Pistons to the line for 21 free throw attempts the first time around.
Detroit only attempted 13 3-point field goals during the first meeting, but converted eight against New York’s lackadaisical closeouts. Expect Stan Van Gundy to value the shot to a greater degree this time around.
If New York can stay out of foul trouble and limit the Pistons’ effectiveness from beyond the arc, the defense could show out again.