New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The New Orleans Pelicans

The New York Knicks will look to bounce back from a two-game losing streak by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans. What are the keys to victory?

On Friday, December 30, the New York Knicks will have an opportunity to secure a record above .500 entering the new year. At 16-15 with two games remaining before January 1, the Knicks will either enter 2017 on a high note or lose all sight of momentum.

Winning on December 30 will be no easy task, as the Knicks will travel to the Smoothie King Center to take on Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.

With no hyperbole whatsoever, the Knicks are in dire need of a victory. Their past two losses have come in devastating fashion, featuring a 102-98 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks and a 119-114 loss to the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.

With a tough New Year’s Eve game against the Houston Rockets looming, defeating New Orleans may be the Knicks’ best opportunity to finish 2016 above .500.

Having said that, one shouldn’t mistake the 13-21 Pelicans with an easy team to defeat. New Orleans has won four of its past five games and is just now getting healthy after playing extended periods of time without Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans.

If the New York Knicks are going to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans and improve to 17-15, then they must execute in these five critical areas.