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
6 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns after Jackson stole the ball from Porzingis in the previous play as teammate Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks defends and Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns looks on at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns after Jackson stole the ball from Porzingis in the previous play as teammate Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks defends and Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns looks on at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

1. Protect The Paint

The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA at protecting the rim. That’s none too surprising when one considers the fact that Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn are two of the best shot-blockers in the NBA.

If the Knicks are going to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, they must build upon past success and keep the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Derrick Rose out of the paint.

New York ranks No. 2 in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game at a mere 39.3. Cleveland sits just outside of the Top 10 in points in the paint per game at 45.5, but it has more than enough talent to dominate the interior.

Between powerful slashers and competent post players, the Knicks’ interior defenders will have their hands full against the Cavaliers.

It’s worth noting that one of the biggest disparities between New York’s wins and losses can be found in its rim protection. It’s allowed just 35.1 points in the paint per game during its seven victories, but is letting up a whopping 45.2 points in the paint per game during its five losses.

As past results display, nothing will matter more for the Knicks against the Cavaliers than locking in on the defensive end of the floor.

Must Read: Who stepped up during the 118-91 win over the Sacramento Kings?

The Cleveland Cavaliers will come out with a fire in their bellies and a mission on their minds. The New York Knicks must be ready for one of the most challenging games of the season.

Home/Knicks News