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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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DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball against Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 11, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball against Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 11, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4. Limit Cleveland’s Scoring Opportunities

The New York Knicks may have the better record, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have far too much talent to overlook. LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA, and his supporting cast will improve once the individuals adjust to their new roles.

In a game that most expect the Cavaliers to win, one could argue that nothing will matter more than not giving points away.

That starts with the Knicks needing to win the battle on the boards by limiting the Cavaliers to one possession. Cleveland is No. 3 in the NBA in offensive efficiency, as well as No. 8 in second chance points per game—clear indicators of its ability to score.

Even more important than crashing the boards, however, will be taking care of the ball and limiting how many points Cleveland is gifted via turnovers.

New York has averaged 14.4 turnovers per game during its seven victories and 19.2 turnovers during its five losses. It’s allowed 15.1 points via turnovers per game during those seven wins, and 26.8 points off of turnovers during the five defeats.

If the Knicks are going to defeat the Cavaliers for a second time in as many tries, taking care of the ball will be nothing short of vital.

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