Preview: Knicks vs. Hornets–Round Two
It is unlikely tonight’s game will be as exciting as last night’s, but the Knicks will still have to make adjustments to pull out a victory
Tired legs are likely going to be a factor in tonight’s matchup between New York and Charlotte, after the top players on each team played extended minutes in the overtime thriller Friday.
The Knicks made a 13-point comeback Friday that took an extra period to complete. In doing so, they held the Hornets to a dismal 26.6 percent three-point percentage and 63 percent on foul shots. By closing out on shooters and contesting three-point attempts as closely as possible without fouling shooters, the Knicks can likely achieve the same result as Friday.
The Knicks will also hope to keep the defensive pressure on Charlotte star Kemba Walker. Walker, who averages just short of three triples a game, went 0-for-5 from deep Friday night, with the most important miss coming as time expired in overtime.
Something that will be out of their control, however, is how well the Bobcats shoot from the free-throw line, so the Knicks would be smart to put Charlotte on the line less than the 27 times they did yesterday.
Individually, the Knicks would benefit from Porzingis playing more calculated on defense to avoid foul trouble himself. The big man surrendered three early fouls which took him out of the game in the first half. His fourth foul lead to him missing some more time in the second half. The Knicks were able to survive due to Carmelo Anthony’s great play and game-winner but the 32-year-old will be tired, and the Knicks will likely be leaning more heavily on their other star.
Another area the Knicks will be aiming to improve on is getting out in transition. New York scored only two fast break points Friday, and were able to balance out the lack of production there with 11 three-pointers, but if they can capitalize on tired legs from Charlotte slacking on getting back on defense, this could be a invaluable area to exploit.
The Knicks are winners of five of the last six, while the Hornets have dropped four straight, and six of eight. Beating a team twice is tough, but the Knicks have the most momentum we’ve seen in years, and they are playing against a team with none, so if there is a time to take advantage and boost their record it is right now.
— Bailey Carlin, site writer
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