Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Keys to victory against Toronto Raptors on Nov. 21

By Maxwell Ogden

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots during NBA game action as Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors attempts to defend at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots during NBA game action as Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors attempts to defend at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 17: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket against the New York Knicks on November 17, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 17: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket against the New York Knicks on November 17, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. The Interior Battle

When the Toronto Raptors establish an advantage along the interior, the game is essentially won. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan form one of the best backcourts in the NBA, but even when they play well, the opposition can still find a way to secure a victory.

If the New York Knicks are going to avenge their loss to the Raptors, winning the battle down low will be the most significant step towards overcoming Lowry and DeRozan.

Jonas Valanciunas has been plagued by injuries in 2017-18, but Toronto is 4-0 when he scores at least 10 points. The Raptors are also 4-2 when Pascal Siakam scores at least 10 points, including a five-point loss to the Golden State Warriors—a performance that would’ve defeated most other teams.

Throw in a 6-3 record when Serge Ibaka scores at least 10 points, and the Raptors are established as a team that’s capable of dominance when their big men get going offensively.

New York did a solid job of rebounding the first time around, and that will need to continue on Wednesday. Siakam and hybrid forward OG Anunoby gave the Knicks fits, however, which made Lowry and DeRozan’s brilliance even more impactful.

If the Knicks are going to win this game, they’ll need to control the interior by both rebounding well and protecting the rim at the highest possible level.

Home/Knicks News