New York Knicks Preview: Five Keys To Defeating The Portland Trail Blazers

Dec 12, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Rebounding Battle

The New York Knicks succeeded in defeating the Atlanta Hawks on the strength of the defense. One of the additional reasons New York was able to defeat the Hawks was the performance on the boards.

Atlanta rebounded quite well itself, but the Knicks were a powerful force on the boards during the clash with Atlanta.

Kristaps Porzingis recorded a season-high 11 rebounds, Kyle O’Quinn and Willy Hernangomez had eight each, and Carmelo Anthony recorded five. Overall, the Knicks recorded 50 total rebounds and 11 offensive boards.

The Knicks will be without leading rebounder Joakim Noah once again, which places the burden back on the backups.

Hernangomez and O’Quinn played well against Atlanta, and Marshall Plumlee provided quality energy in his five minutes. They’ll need to step up once again, as well as Porzingis, who has been rather up-and-down on the boards.

For what it’s what worth, the Knicks are 5-3 when they win the rebounding battle and 1-4 when they lose it.