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
3 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates his basket in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates his basket in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Push The Pace

The New York Knicks have the personnel to slow the game down, move the ball, and find an open shooter for a two or three-point shot. Against the Toronto Raptors, however, speed will be an ally that the Knicks must trust.

New York may not utilize a fast tempo as often as it should, but the flashes of brilliance in the open court have been undeniably promising.

The Knicks are currently No. 29 in the NBA in fast break points, but Toronto is No. 26 in fast break points allowed. New York actually ranks in the top-10 in the Association in points per possession in transition, but checks in at No. 21 in points in transition per game.

The Raptors are more than capable of winning a fast-paced game, but with Madison Square Garden behind them, the Knicks shouldn’t be afraid to push the tempo.

Getting out in transition will enable the likes of Jarrett Jack and Frank Ntilikina to generate easy offense for New York. That includes getting Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Doug McDermott finishes at the rim, which will thus help build their confidence from beyond the arc.

The Knicks’ defense must be ready for a high-octane encounter if an uptempo style is embraced, but Toronto’s defense will make New York work—and transition is the place to be in that scenario.

Home/Knicks News