2. Attack The Paint
Whether or not Andre Drummond plays, the New York Knicks must attack the rim and exploit this opportunity to create efficient offense. As previously noted, Drummond is hobbled by an ankle injury that prevented him from practicing on Tuesday, November 16.
Whether Drummond is active and hobbled or Aron Baynes becomes the starting center, the Knicks will have an opportunity to consistently drive and finish.
Derrick Rose has done an outstanding job of attacking the basket, albeit with the troubling reality that he hasn’t been given the benefit of the whistle. That could change against Detroit, as his quickness could be the key to getting Drummond and Baynes into foul trouble.
If the Knicks were to succeed in doing so, they’d open the floor for a successful pick and roll attack, as well as effective post-ups by Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
The primary benefit of driving against an injured Drummond or Baynes would be the damage it’d do to Detroit’s rebounding attack. New York allowed Detroit to accumulate 10 offensive rebounds and 50 points in the paint during their first meeting of 2016-17.
After attempting just 15 free throws during the first meeting with the Pistons, New York will need to get to the line on a more consistent basis this time around.