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New York Knicks: 5 keys to defeating Phoenix Suns on Nov. 3

By Maxwell Ogden

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 1: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Houston Rockets on November 1, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 1: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Houston Rockets on November 1, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Pound The Interior

Effective ball movement and efficient three-point shooting are principles of virtually every respectable offense in the NBA. True as that may be, neither approach can become sustainable without an ideal interior balance.

Whether the New York Knicks embrace the pick and roll, continue to feed the post, or combine the two strategies, they must exploit the Phoenix Suns’ erratic interior.

Both Enes Kanter and Kristaps Porzingis have dominated the post early in the 2017-18 season. That should continue against the Phoenix Suns, which have tough interior defenders such as Tyson Chandler and Alex Len, but lack truly reliable rim protection.

Thus far in 2017-18, the Suns are allowing an average of 49.0 points in the paint per game—more than all but four teams.

Phoenix has improved during its recent string of success, but New York has the size advantage down low. That should help it establish a presence in the post and dominate the boards, where the likes of Kanter, Porzingis, and Kyle O’Quinn have been collectively exceptional in 2017-18.

Perhaps most importantly: It’s on Porzingis to maintain his composure against Marquese Chriss, with whom he scuffled during the 2016-17 campaign.

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