New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating The Atlanta Hawks

4. Avoid Foul Trouble

When the New York Knicks have stayed out of foul trouble, the results have been impressive on the defensive end of the floor. Unfortunately, the Knicks have been one of the worst teams in the NBA at avoiding unnecessary fouls.

If New York is to stand a chance at defeating the Atlanta Hawks, then it must keep its key players on the floor and out of foul trouble.

The Knicks are sending opponents to the line for 25.3 free throw attempts per game—more than all but seven other teams in the NBA. They’re allowing nearly 20 points per game off of free throws—20 avoidable points per game.

It’d be one thing if the Knicks were playing physical and elite defense, but the Knicks have been the least efficient defensive team in the NBA.

The primary culprits are Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis—the two players whom the Knicks cannot afford to lose. Porzingis is averaging 3.8 fouls per game and Anthony hasn’t been much better at 3.2.

It’s hard to win games when the best players on the roster are consistently finding themselves on the bench and in foul trouble.