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New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The New Orleans Pelicans

By Maxwell Ogden

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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Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) is defended by center Joakim Noah (13) during the overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 102-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) is defended by center Joakim Noah (13) during the overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 102-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defense

The New York Knicks are an abysmal defensive team and the New Orleans Pelicans have a number of explosive playmakers. That’s a recipe for disaster, especially when one considers how poorly the Knicks’ defense has performed on the road.

If New York is going to improve to 17-15 with a win over New Orleans, then the defense will need to step up in a critical way.

New York is allowing 109.7 points allowed per game on a slash line of .450/.358/.760 during road games. That’s a primary reason why it’s 5-10 on the road and 11-5 at home, which is the formula for failure.

Against a team with the likes of Anthony Davis, Tyreke Evans, Tim Frazier, Langston Galloway, and Jrue Holiday, the Knicks will need to defend at a high level.

New Orleans has scored at least 100 points in 10 of its past 11 games. There’s a high probability that the Pelicans will succeed in doing so against the Knicks, although the most recent outing implies that the results stand to improve.

New York held the Atlanta Hawks to 85 points in regulation, although it let up 17 points during the overtime period alone.

Must Read: Knicks taking accountability

As has been the case throughout the 2016-17 NBA regular season, the Knicks have been living and dying by their defensive performances.

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