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New York Knicks: Keys to defeating Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 13

By Maxwell Ogden

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts pressure on Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 29, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 114-95. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts pressure on Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 29, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 114-95. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 29: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on October 29. 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 29: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on October 29. 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. The Three-Point Battle

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a laundry list of capable three-point shooters. The New York Knicks have a quality array of marksmen, as well, but the last thing head coach Jeff Hornacek can afford to do is get into a shot-for-shot battle with Cleveland.

New York has the personnel win such an encounter, but the more ideal approach would be to commit to running the Cavaliers off the three-point line.

Cleveland has three dynamic slashers in LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Derrick Rose. It’s committed to being able to overpower opponents, but the three-point shot continues to be a fundamental element of Tyronn Lue’s offense.

New York did an outstanding job of containing the onslaught from distance during the first meeting with Cleveland, and must again step up in that regard the second time around.

Cleveland may rank No. 30 in opponent three-point field goals made per game, but New York isn’t much better at No. 28. Thus, while the Knicks must establish the outside shot, they must also prevent the opposition from getting hot.

For perspective: New York averaged 5.8 three-point field goals made and 13.2 three-point field goals allowed during its five losses.

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