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New York Knicks: Keys to victory against Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 20

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 8: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game on February 8, 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 - FEBRUARY 8: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game on February 8, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Jarrett Jack #55 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 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 15: Jarrett Jack #55 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Push The Pace

The Los Angeles Clippers are an athletic team, but the loss of point guards Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic have limited their effectiveness in the open court. Beverley expects to play against the New York Knicks, but that only strengthens the following point.

The Knicks would run the risk of playing a style that the Clippers can adapt to, but the best way to beat Doc Rivers’ defense is in the open court.

Beverley is going to hound whichever player he’s assigned to—bad news for playmakers Jarrett Jack and Frank Ntilikina, and top perimeter scorer Tim Hardaway Jr. Behind Beverley will be center DeAndre Jordan, who’s an elite rebounder and shot-blocker.

Thankfully, the Clippers are allowing more fast break points per game than all but six teams in the NBA at a surprising 12.2.

Knowing that Jack and Ntilikina could have trouble in the half court against Beverley, getting them out in transition will be critical. Pushing the pace means potentially catching the Clippers off guard, which would give New York its best shot at getting into its offensive sets.

The Clippers have the personnel to make the game tough on New York, but pushing the pace would be a wise approach to efficient offensive production.

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