New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The New Orleans Pelicans

Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis vs. Anthony Davis

If ever there were a matchup to be called must-see TV, a battle between Anthony Davis and Kristaps Porzingis would be it. Both are physical marvels who are redefining what it means to be a great big man.

Davis is further along in his development than Porzingis, but both players are capable of putting on a show on Friday.

The New Orleans Pelicans can drop the ball down low to Anthony Davis and let him go to work. He’s lethal from the high post, can attack his man off the bounce, and is more than capable of dominating opponents as a scorer.

The proof of that is the fact that Davis is averaging 29.3 points per game—good for No. 2 in the NBA behind just Russell Westbrook.

Porzingis is an outstanding scorer in his own right with the same versatility as Davis and superior 3-point range. He’s not quite as polished as Davis, however, which means the Knicks will need to set him up with well-timed passes.

Porzingis will need to execute on his own at critical stages of the game, but the team will need to create for him.