New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating Los Angeles Lakers

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Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) talks with center Joakim Noah (13) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Centers

The New York Knicks have an opportunity to slow the game down and exploit a positional advantage against the Los Angeles Lakers. That will be the key to overcoming the Lakers’ torrid pace and securing a key victory.

Timofey Mozgov and Tarik Black can make their mark against the Knicks, but Joakim Noah and Kyle O’Quinn should win this matchup.

Noah and O’Quinn have been dominant on the boards in recent games, which is a promising sign for this game. That includes the Sacramento Kings game, when Noah and O’Quinn combined for 20 total rebounds and six offensive boards in a combined 48 minutes.

Both are also exceptional passers and sensational defensive players—when committed—who can anchor the interior.

Being able to control the defensive glass will prevent an explosive Lakers team from receiving second chances to score. Dominating the offensive glass will enable New York to both slow down the pace and work more efficiently.

New York has been erratic on the defensive glass in 2016-17, but this is the type of game that the big men could decide.

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