Daily Knicks
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 5: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on November 5, 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 5: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on November 5, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Tim Hardaway Jr.

When a team is attempting to upset a favored opponent, the franchise player will inevitably need to step up. Thus, while Kristaps Porzingis showing out could be the No. 1 key to victory, it’s more of an assumption at this point—whether fair or foul.

What’s far from guaranteed, however, is what the New York Knicks need most against the Cleveland Cavaliers: A big game from Tim Hardaway Jr.

During the first meeting with Cleveland, Hardaway posted season-highs of 34 points and eight assists. He doesn’t need a repeat of that performance, but he’ll need to produce efficient scoring numbers and take advantage of his ability to draw attention and find shooters along the wings.

Whether or not that consists of a 30-point eruption, the Knicks will need Hardaway at the top of his game against a deep Cavaliers perimeter.

It’s worth noting that a big game doesn’t necessarily require monster numbers. Hardaway’s big game could conceivably consist of hitting shots that swing momentum, defending at a high level, and contributing to the steady stream of ball movement.

Regardless of how Hardaway contributes, he must find ways to make a positive impact on the game if the Knicks are going to win.

Home/Knicks News